Afghanistan Narcotics: The Bigger Battle Toward Stabilization
Abstract
Afghanistan has been plagued with turmoil for decades. Conflict, corruption, and crime have complicated this environment, but a fundamental cause of instability is the narcotics industry. Many problems emanate from the narcotics trade and the benefits it provides insurgent, terrorist, and criminal groups. The country has seen significant opium cultivation since the 1950s, but it has only been in recent years that the narcotics industry has coupled with domestic tensions to escalate the dependence on narcotics. Radical groups have seized upon this condition to secure Afghanistan as a safe haven for terrorism. This thesis proposes that Afghanistan cannot succeed as a stable nation without marginalizing narcotics production and narco-trafficking. Efforts to reduce the influence of narcotics must occur concurrently with efforts to strengthen licit economic opportunities and introduce meaningful alternative livelihoods. Development of economic opportunities coupled with effective governmental reform is necessary for the nation to become prosperous, stable, and secure.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA530170
Entities
People
- Jay Pelka
Organizations
- National Defense University