Solutions for the tough realities of Afghanistan


The struggle to eliminate the global threat of terrorism will need a careful measure of military might and effective aid and development strategies. The Afghan example illustrates two policy failures: military power falling just short of adequacy because of NATO caveats, and poor counter-narcotics strategies.

Certain NATO members must allow their troops to contribute to the true fight in Afghanistan, which is in the south along the Pakistani border, where terrorists enjoy a haven.

NATO troops should be in control of the border points in full cooperation with the Pakistani government.

A tougher show of NATO representation in the south of Afghanistan would pave the way for the safe implementation of a comprehensive aid and development strategy.

Finally, an effective counter-narcotics approach is drastically needed in Afghanistan.

Continuing to follow failed U.S.-led policies such as forced poppy crop eradication will only continue to push locals into the arms of the Taliban.

The Senlis Council proposes an alternative plan that has received the backing of the European Parliament. By allowing Afghan farmers to grow poppy for morphine, the economy of Afghanistan's rural communities could be diversified, winning back the hearts and minds of the Afghan people while also meeting a critical global shortage of morphine.



Paul Burton, Director of Policy Analysis, The Senlis Council