Drugs in Afghanistan: The Challenges With Implementing U.S. Strategy

Abstract

Since 9/lithe United States has become embroiled in a fight for our values way of life and indeed our future Arguably the world's sole remaining superpower, the United States assumes a responsibility for promoting democracy and advancing freedom In stark contrast, these western ideals have become the fuel for propelling another ideology that is based on manipulation and terror and is holding the Islamic faith hostage to advance its cause These diametrically opposing views are certain to challenge this country for years to come, requiring our nation to carefully assess threats and judiciously apply resources against only our most dangerous enemies Over the past six years the U%S has committed millions of dollars and an enormous amount of the nation's capital helping Afghanistan rebuild its country and establish a freely-elected government These successes, however, are being overshadowed by an alarming increase in the amount of illicit drugs being cultivated within Afghanistan The effects of this rapidly escalating drug economy undermine the efforts of the fledgling Afghan government, fueling the insurgency, and threatening the security of Afghanistan and the region This paper reviews the U.S. counternarcotics strategy in Afghanistan examines some of its challenges and offers recommendations to improve its effectiveness

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 13, 2008
Accession Number
ADA479655

Entities

People

  • David J. Liddell

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Addiction
  • Afghanistan
  • Central Asia
  • Commerce
  • Criminals
  • Department Of Defense
  • Drug Abuse
  • Drug Trafficking
  • Education
  • Governments
  • Military Organizations
  • National Security
  • Societies
  • Terrorism
  • Terrorists
  • United States
  • War Colleges

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

  • Military and Counterinsurgency Studies.
  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.
  • Strategic Security Studies