DRUG ADDICTS

The US government has expressed its grave concern over the rapidly
increasing proportion of drug addicts in America. Many addicts have started
smoking opium in cigarettes called reefers to induce pleasant intoxication.
The bulk of the opium is cultivated in Afghanistan from where it is smuggled
to America and other Western countries. With the advent of the Taliban in
Afghanistan, the cultivation of opium poppy virtually came to a halt. With
the destruction of the Taliban and the emergence of the Karzai regime, opium
production has not only restarted, but increased manifold.

If the US government is serious about saving its new generation from
addiction, it should prevail upon the Karzai government to take cognizance
of the situation. In my opinion, a few daisycutters will suffice to
annihilate the poppy crops in Afghanistan. But the target should be accurate
lest the bombing should kill many more poor Afghans. If the US government
could kill tens of thousands of helpless Afghans during the so-called war on
terrorism without any remorse, it will certainly enjoy bombing the poppy
crops in Afghanistan.

MUBASHAR ALI SULEHRIA, Wah Cantt, September 18.