FIELDS OF DESTRUCTION

It's already called "Afghanistan's new war." This name reflects the
growing violence between those who advocate rule of law and a stable
economy versus those who profit from a narco-state.

One local commander told the United Nations information network why he
prefers the poppies. Warlord Mohammad Azim from Arghandab -- a few
miles south of Kandahar -- says the drug trade feeds people and that
eradication of poppy fields will only bring economic and social
instability to his country.

His words are chilling -- and instructive. Consider his answer about
why he's involved in the opium trade.

"This is routine and common throughout the country," Azim said. "I
cannot go into detail, but I live in this area and like any other
villager I have to look for ways to sustain myself and my family.
Right now, that is only possible through the poppy business. With
regard to trafficking, no one will believe that commanders like me
with less than 100 troops could have any trafficking ability. They
(traffickers) are bigger than the government. Many of them themselves
are high government people."

Bigger than the government -- that notion alone means the United
States (and all our allies) need to step up. We need to make certain
that no outlaw is bigger than a legitimate state.