Comments on: ‘Taliban Regrouping’. But Why? http://myscribbles.wordpress.com/2006/05/11/taliban-regrouping/ Hot Contemporary Issues Discussed from an Afghan Perspective Thu, 24 Sep 2009 01:23:50 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: myscribbles http://myscribbles.wordpress.com/2006/05/11/taliban-regrouping/#comment-11 myscribbles Fri, 12 May 2006 07:33:57 +0000 http://myscribbles.wordpress.com/2006/05/11/taliban-regrouping-but-why/#comment-11 Thank you for coming over, Mr. Angry. The Taliban were supporters of the opium poppy cultivation initially, but, in 2000, they reversed their position and issued a complete ban on it. Because they had a monopoly over the market, this resulted in an almost complete halt to production [Production, from 3000 metric tons, reached to a few hundred tons]. Then came the Karzai administration and production skyrocketted again and reached 4200 metric tons in 2004*. This upsurge is benefitting the Taliban who are no longer supported by their previous sponsors like Pakistan and the likes. * UN Office on Drug and Crime Thank you for coming over, Mr. Angry.

The Taliban were supporters of the opium poppy cultivation initially, but, in 2000, they reversed their position and issued a complete ban on it. Because they had a monopoly over the market, this resulted in an almost complete halt to production [Production, from 3000 metric tons, reached to a few hundred tons]. Then came the Karzai administration and production skyrocketted again and reached 4200 metric tons in 2004*. This upsurge is benefitting the Taliban who are no longer supported by their previous sponsors like Pakistan and the likes.

* UN Office on Drug and Crime

]]> By: Mr Angry http://myscribbles.wordpress.com/2006/05/11/taliban-regrouping/#comment-10 Mr Angry Fri, 12 May 2006 06:50:55 +0000 http://myscribbles.wordpress.com/2006/05/11/taliban-regrouping-but-why/#comment-10 First, I'll admit I'm coming from a position of ignorance (most of my information in this area comes from mainstream media which could qualify as total ignorance). I understand the tribalism that is working in the taliban's favour but I thought the taliban were strong opposed to drug growing and drug use. The reports I heard were that during their reign they almost wiped out opium production in Afghanistan. Was this incorrect or have they changed their view for pragmatic reasons and are now willing to fund their activities with drug money? First, I’ll admit I’m coming from a position of ignorance (most of my information in this area comes from mainstream media which could qualify as total ignorance).

I understand the tribalism that is working in the taliban’s favour but I thought the taliban were strong opposed to drug growing and drug use. The reports I heard were that during their reign they almost wiped out opium production in Afghanistan.

Was this incorrect or have they changed their view for pragmatic reasons and are now willing to fund their activities with drug money?

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