Pubdate: Mon, 08 Apr 2002
Source: Intelligencer & Wheeling News-Register (WV)
Copyright: 2002 The Intelligencer & Wheeling News Register
Contact:  http://www.intellnews.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1633
Author: Duncan C. Kinder

BLAME OIL, NOT DRUGS

Despite Dexter Ingram's argument that Americans who use narcotics help to 
fund terrorists ("Narcotics Helping Terrorists," March 20), it is far more 
likely that Americans who drive automobiles help fund them.

It has been well established that both the Taliban and Al Qaeda are largely 
funded through Saudi sources. Of course, bin Laden himself is Saudi. Saudi 
money has directly funded many of the madrasahs, the Pakistani religious 
schools that have served as recruiting grounds for the Taliban. Through 
Pakistani sources, they have supported the Taliban. Reportedly, private 
Saudi money helps finance Al Qaeda. Saudi money reportedly also has backed 
the guerrillas in Georgia and nearby Chechnya, where the Bush 
administration now wants to get involved. It even has been suggested that 
the Saudis' motive for supporting the Taliban and Central Asian terrorists 
is to extend their influence into the Caspian region, where important oil 
deposits exist.

Of course, Saudi money comes from oil, which we consume.

Yes, Ingram is correct that the Taliban also have received financing from 
the opium trade. What Ingram does not tell you, however, is that this opium 
is sold in Europe and Africa, not the United States. Nor does he tell you 
that our Northern Alliance allies likewise grow opium. However, despite 
Ingram's suggestion, Colombia has no link to bin Laden. (However, the 
Colombian rebels are threatening an oil pipeline, which-interestingly-the 
Bush administration now wants to protect.)

The oil company-financed Bush administration has been very tight-lipped 
about its energy policy for unknown reasons. However, one thing is clear. 
If it were serious about cutting off the funding for terrorism, it would be 
discouraging oil consumption rather than attacking drugs.

Now that, indeed would be patriotic.

Duncan C. Kinder

St. Clairsville 
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