Opium production

[Falstaff]

Fox news interviewed a Colonel in Helmand who said that they (the marines) were helping the locals grow Opium with our tax dollars. Because "that was their culture". now as I understood it, the taliban stopped almost all opium production, WHY are we supporting this?

Is this US policy throughout AFGHANISTAN?

[KillZone45]

Definitely not surprised, sounds eerily familiar, like what was happening back with the CIA and Columbia in the 80's.

[monstertodd]

I'm in Helmand Province right now. Last I saw, the Afghani government was giving locals money and new farm equipment. All they had to do was show that they stopped growing poppy, and started growing wheat instead.

I have not heard of any policy like what you are describing.

BTW, they grow poppy here, not opium. Opium is what is made from poppy. Growing poppy is part of the local heritage and culture, which may have been what they were talking about.

*disclaimer- I am not in the Marines, only a civilian working with the Marines.

[AJAX22]

Lol, they are not growing poppies for their aesthetic virtues....

They are opium poppies.... And yes the sap is what is processed for pure opium, but you can just eat the poppies

[Falstaff]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t372emhXa60

I am in shock. WTH is going on over there in our name? Anyone notice the resurgence of HEROIN abuse in this country? Could it be related to the resurgence of poppy fields in AFGHANISTAN?

[FNH5-7]

WTF, last I heard the DEA was going to Afghanistan and busting people for this....

And now were supporting it's production?

[MRX9989]

I remember reading an article that suggested we buy the farmer's poppy harvest for use in our own legal medical industry. It argued that doing so would be far easier and cheaper than stamping out a cultural activity in remote parts of the country.

I'm not taking a stance on this....just offering a different opinion.