Pubdate: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 Source: Edmonton Journal (CN AB) Copyright: 2007 The Edmonton Journal Contact: http://www.canada.com/edmonton/edmontonjournal/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/134 Author: G.D. Harle DON'T BURN POPPY CROP, BUY IT Recent news stories have noted that Afghan farmers are again planning to plant and harvest their traditional poppy crops. This has justifiably raised concerns that the opium harvested will find its way into the illegal drug trade. U.S. officials have stressed the need to destroy the next poppy crop, either by burning it or by the use of herbicide sprays. Other articles have stated that the world is short of opiates as a base for pain-killing drugs. In light of the foregoing, one cannot help but wonder if NATO or the U.S. has considered buying the entire Afghan poppy crop to direct it to legitimate drug use purposes, thus denying both the drug lords and the Taliban the proceeds from the illegitimate drug trade. To be sure, there is a price tag involved, but it's probably less than the cost created by alienating another segment of the Afghan population. All options should be considered to improve rapport with the Afghans and to allow the reconstruction programs to progress. Contracting to buy the crop rather than destroying it, and thus further alienating poor Afghan farmers, should pay positive dividends in the long run. Agriculture experts could then assist the Afghans in developing other crops, while phasing out the poppy culture. We have to think outside the box for solutions to help resolve the Afghanistan quagmire. The foregoing approach should be given some consideration as part of the rebuilding process. G.D. Harle, Edmonton - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman