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 - --- MAP posted-by: Beth