AFGHAN POPPIES, AMERICAN DILEMMA

To the Editor:

The United States is turning a blind eye to illegal Afghan poppy
production to avoid alienating farmers by destroying their main cash
crop. This policy is immoral, unethical and militarily
counterproductive.

Afghanistan is the world's largest producer of opium and a key
supplier to international crime and drug syndicates. This drug is also
the main financial support for Taliban insurgents and a main cause of
government corruption, and destroys numerous lives worldwide.

The solution: provide alternative staple crops and livelihoods for the
Afghans. Initially the United States government could purchase and
destroy the poppy crop. It could then provide cash payments for
interim family support until alternative crops can be planted, plus
seeds, plants, fertilizers, drip irrigation tubing and other equipment
and technical assistance, provided that poppy planting will cease.

This would create jobs in both the donor and recipient countries;
enable the Afghans to feed themselves and develop export markets; win
the hearts and minds of the population; cut off the primary revenue
source sustaining Taliban insurgents; and help stabilize the country,
curtail corruption and end the war.

This approach is better, cheaper (a fraction of the cost of the war)
and the right thing to do.

Harry L. Langer

New York