Can Afghanistan's Counternarcotics Efforts Survive NATO Withdrawal?

World Politics ReviewOn June 26, at a gathering in Kabul marking World Counter Narcotics Day, the mood was somber. Gone was the positive spin of last year's event, when Afghanistan's minister of counternarcotics, Zarar Ahmad Moqbil, proudly announced that poppy cultivation had been reduced by up to 50 percent and that 23 out of 34 provinces were then free from poppy cultivation. Sadly, the significant decrease in opium production last year has since been attributed to a convergence of environmental and climatic variables (/articles/5577/afghanistans-poppy-blight-could-mean-trouble-for-war-effort) (/articles/5577/afghanistans-poppy-blight-couldmean- trouble-for-war-effort) that devastated the crops late in the season, not to effective counternarcotics measures. According to the United Nations, Afghanistan remains the world's largest producer of illicit opiates and cannabis resin, known as hashish

The narcotics emirate of Afghanistan examining armed polities and their roles in illicit drug production and conflict in Afghanistan 1980-2010

The production of illicit narcotics in low-intensity conflict environments remains a serious concern for U.S.policymakers. Afghanistan is a solid example where the intersection of crime, narcotics production and insurgency has successfully thwarted U.S. stabilization and security efforts despite a 10-year military engagement there. This study seeks to examine the role of crime better, particularly narcotics related criminal enterprise, and its effect on the Taliban-led insurgency in Afghanistan. This study explores political, economic and conflict related factors that facilitate the narcotics industry and forges cooperation between drug trafficking organizations and insurgent movements. A key argument of this study is that nontraditional participants in narcotics production, such as insurgent groups or state representatives and institutions, acquire more than just profit and resources. Participants stand to gain political leverage, the social and political legitimacy derived from "protecting" the livelihoods of rural farmers, as well as "freedom of action;" the ability to operate unimpeded within a given territory or space because of public support. This study also suggests that one additional factor, social control, is a key motivator for an actor's participation in the narcotics industry.http://archive.org/details/thenarcoticsemir109455005Department of Defense author (civilian)Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited

Operation Nusrat (Victory) Understanding the Taliban Threat to Kunduz Province

This article was published in Culture and Conflict Review (Fall 2009), v.3 no.3This "report substantiates that a most deplorable act of crime and atrocity has taken place in Kunduz province in which Afghan civilians have been targeted. The Charter of the United Nation, principles of the Amnesty International and the Geneva Conventions clearly oppose such crimes. If the United Nation, the Amnesty International and other human rights entities, the Islamic Conference and finally the so-called civilized world respect the value of the blood of a human being, their sincerity and commitment will be put to test following this horrendous event. If the judges sitting in the Hague tribunal do not summon the perpetrators of this event to question them, or at least do not show reaction in the shape of condemnation against this event, then what face will they have to raise the voice of prosecuting perpetrators of crimes of humanity. Ostensibly, they issue summons time and again to bring to book those who are involved in crimes of humanity. The event in Kunduz will prove that whether the world entities of human rights are sincerely working for the protections of human rights or they only raise empty slogans. To end, we express our sympathy with the people of Kunduz for this atrocious event and suffice to remind them of the following divine message in order to deliver them from the violence of colonialism 'Do not think Allah is unaware of the deed the wrongdoers do but He only postpones it until the Day when their eyes will be blurred. (True is the Word of Allah)

Can You Hear Me Now? Telecommunications Remain Resilient in War Torn Afghanistan

This article was published in Culture and Conflict Review (Summer 2009), v.3 no.2"The power of telecommunications, brought to Afghanistan six years ago, has helped connect millions of Afghans while effectively transcending regional, religious, and ethnic divides to do so. Unlike most development projects in Afghanistan which tend to be focused on the major urban centers, (Kabul alone receives 50 percent of all reconstruction aid), both urban and rural Afghan communities have benefited significantly from the implementation of reliable communications. During the Taliban regime's reign of power only a single telecommunications company existed. There are now six major telecom firms competing in Afghanistan's expanding digital market place. Telecommunications is the largest legitimate enterprise in Afghanistan's economy and it continues to expand at a break neck speed. Roshan, Afghanistan's largest wireless provider, now provides coverage to over 226 cities and towns across 33 of Afghanistan's 34 provinces in Afghanistan, according to a statement issued on Roshan's webpage. MTN, the second largest telecommunications company in Afghanistan, currently provides service in 27 provinces and 241 cities and towns, according to MTN spokesperson Ms. Nozipho January-Bardill.