When hearing the name 'Afghanistan' it often brings to mind images of fighting, or beautiful deeply tanned people hand-carving artistic wares to sell, to name just a few.  I think of this place and am often filled with sadness, for the people who live there yet have been strife-filled since the 1970's surrounding the Soviet Invasion and subsequent 2001 US-led invasion.  Although ongoing efforts managed to topple the taliban government, they've been waged in battle for what seems like a lifetime and the taliban is still in existence and apparently quite strong.

Another side to this beautiful country, located right in the middle of Asia is their enormous drug trade and funding of al Qaeda's operations.  Reportedly, Afghanistan has been producing roughly twice annually in poppy what the market demands for its' heroin users and various other needs that require poppy. (most of them pharmaceuticals of both the legal and illegal varietal)  Some reports have their production down over the past year but more accurately, the prices have dropped to about the level they were in 2005 over the past year.

Afghanistan produces roughly 80 % of the heroin consumed in Europe and 70 % throughout the rest of the World.  Despite the ongoing presence of the ISAF (International Security Assistance force) and continued war, production in 2002 managed to remain between 35-40,000 tons, increasing by 10 % from previous years.  This represents 6 billion dollars in profit, much of which is siphoned to various al Qaeda groups to fund terrorism. (not just al Qaeda but Hizballah, the IRA and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia as well)

Although terror is also funded through private donors, corporations, Saudi Arabia connections and from the mosques themselves, the bulk of the funding is provided through the international drug trade. Oddly enough, when dealers/traffickers are apprehended, their drug offenses seem to be the sole focus; no one ever ventures into the 'why' which could feasibly cut down on this business if additional questions were asked. 

I've previously discussed with you the connecting factors between Iran, Afghanistan and South America and as puzzling as it may sound, they share many common threads, largely surrounding their pathological hatred for all things North America.  I'd propose that there is yet another fascinating piece to this ensemble: The recent boom in Afghan opium production, propelled by a resurgent Taliban, has had an increasing impact Iran's drug problem.  their neighbors are producing and shipping impressive levels of poppy and according to a Professor at the University of Maryland,  Iran has the biggest drug addiction problem in the world, with in excess of 3 million addicted to heroin.

Iran is secretly supplying arms to Afghan insurgents while publicly pretending to be supportive of the Afghan government. Shipments typically include small arms, mines, rocket propelled grenades (RPGs), rockets, mortars, and plastic explosives. Taliban commanders have publicly credited Iranian support for their successful operations against Coalition forces.  Iran has built up many of the Afghan towns, as well, building roads, schools, businesses and supplying the people with new textbooks. (which has been somewhat unwelcome to those who suspect the strong religious undertones contained within the books)

In Venezuela, Hezbollah members enjoy a two-fold advantage: The Shiite presence, as well as the very warm ties between Hugo Chavez and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Columbia's method of cultivating poppy is very similar to that of Afghanistan, an interesting notation. 

 According to Western intelligence officials, Hezbollah cells in the country are largely found in the centers of the oil industry, naturally recruiting workers from the Middle East. Group activists are equipped with forged passports and large sums of money, which enable them to make a living without being uncovered and without being forced to engage in criminal activity that may expose them. Other sources suspect that the rest of the network is composed of former Bank of Credit and Commerce International contacts.  These institutions have a lengthy history of gold smuggling, drug trafficking, money laundering, and illegal trading, both arms and diamonds.Some of these cells were deployed in South America, where large communities of Lebanese Shiites, some of whom support Hezbollah, can be found. Many of them live in towns that serve as focal points of the drug and arms trade, making it easier to operate there.  Especially vulnerable to drug trafficking and terror training activity include areas such as South and Central America, including Argentina and Brazil.

Based on research conducted by both Israeli as well as American intelligence, cells that brought attacks to fruition in Argentina were comprised of Hizbullah and al-Quds force of Iran's Revolutionary Guards worldwide, including Europe and the US. Many cells are disguised as community centers, mosques or charity organizations.

In addition to a new military strategy, we also need to develop a series of initiatives designed to reign in the drug trade, arms dealing and funding of al Qaeda. It is the very root of this war.  The taliban needs to be brought to justice once and for all. Then perhaps the people in this region can pursue peaceful businesses, relationships and for once, life.