| http://globalresearch.ca/articles/CHO205B.html Hidden Agenda behind the "War on Terrorism": US Bombing of Afghanistan restores Trade in Narcotics by Michel Chossudovsky Centre for Research on Globalisation 20 May 2002 In 2000, the Taliban government under advice from the United Nations Drug Control Program (UNDCP) imposed a total ban on opium production. Prior to the ban, according to the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Afghanistan produced more than 70% of the world's opium in 2000, and about 80% of opiate products (meaning heroin) destined to the European market.1 The annual proceeds of the Afghan Golden Crescent drug trade (between 100 and 200 billion dollars) represented approximately one third of the worldwide annual turnover of narcotics, estimated by the United Nations to be of the order of $500 billion.2 In many regards, the trade in narcotics as well as the drug routes to the European and North American markets are considered to be "strategic". There are powerful financial interests behind the drug trade. The interests have an influence on the conduct of US foreign policy. These multibillion dollar revenues of narcotics were deposited in the Western banking system. Most of the large international banks -together with their affiliates in the offshore banking havens-laundered large amounts of narco-dollars. In other words, Afghanistan, the poorest country on earth, was the source of tremendous financial wealth derived from the drug trade to financial institutions, business syndicates and organised crime. Part of the drug related revenues accrue to the CIA, which continues to protect both the Asian and Latin American drug trade. Following the year 2000 ban on poppy production imposed by the Taliban government, opium production collapsed by more than 90 percent, leading to a dwindling drug trade and substantial losses to financial institutions, interests.3 The Northern Alliance became the main political force involved in protecting the production and marketing of raw opium. The Drug Trade Restored by the US Puppet Regime The bombing of Afghanistan served to restore the multibillion drug trade, which is protected by the CIA. Immediately following the installation of the US puppet government under Prime Minister Hamid Kharzai, opium production soared, regaining its historic levels. According to the UNDCP, opium cultivation increased by 657 % in 2002 (in relation to its 2001 level). In 2001, opium cultivation had fallen to an estimated 7606ha.(See table below). It is currently estimated by the UNDCP to be of the order of 45 000 -65 000ha. In the immediate wake of September 11, the price of opium in Afghanistan increased three-fold. By early 2002, the price (dollar/kg) was almost ten times higher than in the year 2000.4 Opium Poppy Cultivation in Afghanistan Year Cultivation in hectares 1994 71 470 1995 53 759 1996 56 824 1997 58 416 1998 63 674 1999 90 983 2000 82 172 2001 7606 2002* 45 000 - 65 000 * Preliminary estimate Sources: UNCDP, Afghanistan, Opium Poppy Survey, 2001, <http://www.undcp.org/pakistan/report_2001-10-16_1.pdf> . UNDCP, Afghanistan, Opium Poppy Survey, Pre-Assessment, 2002, <http://www.undcp.org/pakistan/report_2002-02-28_1.pdf> |
