">Forum Views ()
">Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Afghan minister says drug strategy is 'perfect'
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Australia
China
India
Indonesia
Japan
Malaysia
Philippines
Thailand
Vietnam
Search
Search:
Afghan minister says drug strategy is 'perfect'
By RAHIM FAIEZ,Associated Press Writer AP - Monday, June 29
KABUL - Afghanistan's counternarcotics minister said Sunday that his country's drug policy is "perfect," a day after the United States changed course and announced it would no longer support efforts to eradicate opium poppy plants.
ADVERTISEMENT
Gen. Khodaidad, who like many Afghans goes by one name, said that Afghanistan has achieved "a lot of success" with its anti-drug strategy _ which relies heavily on manual eradication of poppy fields, monetary incentives and public relations campaigns to persuade farmers not to plant poppies.
Afghan counternarcotics police have for years used tractors or hand tools to plow under or chop down poppy plants _ which yield opium, the main ingredient in heroin _ but they often came under attack and dozens have been killed by militants.
Because the country plants so much poppy, the Taliban and other militants were still believed to have reaped tens of millions of dollars in yearly profits. Eradication "might destroy some acreage, but it didn't reduce the amount of money the Taliban got by one dollar," Richard Holbrooke, the U.S. envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, said Saturday in Rome, on the sidelines of a Group of Eight foreign ministers' meeting.
A recent U.N. survey showed eradication's mixed results. Out of 23 villages where Afghan officials had eradicated poppies in 2008, 11 of those villages _ 48 percent _ still planted poppy for 2009.
Khodaidad said the Afghan government was waiting to see details of the new U.S. strategy and that officials would work with their American counterparts on it.
"Whatever program or strategy would be to the benefit of Afghanistan, we welcome it," Khodaidad said. He added later: "We are happy with our policy ... so I'm not seeing any pause or what do you call it, deficiency, in our strategy. Our strategy's perfect. Our strategy's good."
Afghanistan is the world's leading source of opium, cultivating 93 percent of the world's heroin-producing crop. While opium cultivation dropped 19 percent last year, it remains popular in Afghanistan's southern provinces where the Taliban is strongest and last year earned insurgents an estimated $50 million to $70 million, according to the U.N. drug office.
According to a recent U.N. report, opium eradication reached a high in 2003, after the Taliban were ousted from power, with more than 21,000 hectares (51,900 acres) destroyed. In 2008, only 5,480 hectares (13,500 acres) were cut down, compared with 19,047 hectares (47,000 acres) in 2007.
In a change of strategy by international troops, U.S. and NATO forces in recent months have begun attacking drug labs and opium storage sites in an effort to deprive the Taliban of drug profits.
The new U.S. policy calls for assisting farmers who abandon poppy cultivation.
Holbrooke told G-8 ministers that Washington was increasing its funding for agricultural assistance from tens of millions of dollars a year to hundreds of millions of dollars, said Foreign Minister Franco Frattini of Italy, the current G-8 president.
In eastern Afghanistan, meanwhile, a suicide car bomber attacked a police vehicle in Nangarhar province on Sunday, killing a child nearby and wounding nine people, including four policemen, said Ahmad Zia Abdulzai, the spokesman for the provincial governor.
The bomber struck the vehicle in Behsud district, Abdulzai said.
The resurgent Taliban regularly use suicide bombers against Afghan and foreign troops, but most of the victims in such attacks are civilians.
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Sign in to recommend this article »
0 users recommend
Related Articles: Asia Pacific
Indian gay rights march calls to legalize gay sexAP - Monday, June 29
Nine govt troops killed in southern PhilippinesAFP - Monday, June 29
Afghan minister says drug strategy is 'perfect'AP - Monday, June 29
Indonesia confirms new swine flu cases: ministerAFP - Monday, June 29
Series of quakes shake Taipei buildingsAFP - Monday, June 29
Most Popular – Asia Pacific
Viewed
Chubby people live longest: Japan study
Opium-eating wallabies get high, make crop circles
Saturn moon may harbour life-giving ocean: study
Jackson feared dying like Elvis: Lisa Marie Presley
Egyptian tycoon to hang for Lebanese diva murder
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Monday, 29 June 2009 Army overthrows Honduras president
| International
|
Iraq steps up security ahead of US city withdrawal
Israel to expand unsanctioned settlement enclaves
Three dozen killed in Afghanistan violence: officials
US withdraws from Iraqi cities despite violence
Hundreds 'still missing' in Iran: rights group
UN rights mission hears testimony on Gaza war
Heavy sandstorm blankets Iraq, delays oil bidding
Indian gay rights march calls to legalize gay sex
Nine govt troops killed in southern Philippines
Afghan minister says drug strategy is 'perfect'
Indonesia confirms new swine flu cases: minister
Jackson father doubts concert stress sickened star
Series of quakes shake Taipei buildings
Visitation held for slain Iowa football coach
Prosecutor: Mass. girl escapes would-be rapist
Boy dies after alleged Father's Day beating
Clinton urges condemnation of Honduran action
Dogs helping injured soldiers under gov't program
Arizona moves to allow concealed guns in bars
UN ambassador: US closely monitoring NKorean ship
Obama appeals for Hondurans to respect democracy
AP NewsBreak: SC gov considered resigning, won't
Connery blasts BBC at Edinburgh film awards ceremony
| Entertainment
|
"Transformers" tops global box office
Peter Leonard joins father in the family business
Michael Jackson's father doubts stress a factor
'Do The Right Thing' still asks burning questions
`Transformers' takes to sky with $112M weekend
Jewish cantors to perform in Warsaw opera house
Violence delays mine clearing in Afghanistan
Chaos erupts after Honduras coup
| International
|
Questions mount over Jackson animal kingdom
Iran spars with U.S. and Britain over election
| International
|
New road threatens ancient Afghan site
Obama against penalties on polluters
Iran arrests UK embassy staff for 'role in riots'
Argentine leader suffers sharp blow in vote
| International
|
Quarter of a million Malawians on free HIV drugs: president
Emaar downplays debt burden of Dubai property merger
Banking on security in Baghdad
| International
|
Iran's crackdown quiets streets but not anger
In China, parents mourn children abducted by traffickers
| International
|
Obama against penalties on polluters
China filter software faces tough sell in digital bazaar
| Technology
|
Appeal to reinstate Suu Kyi witnesses rejected
Vietnam War leftover ordnance has killed 42,000
NKorea criticizes US missile defense for Hawaii
Violence delays mine clearing in Afghanistan
Surprising number of teens think they'll die young
Broadcaster shot dead in Philippines: govt
NZ police kill paraplegic shooter in siege
US soldiers swap fighting for job creation schemes
Philippines blames rebels for fatal blast
Three dead, 15 hurt in Philippines blast
Vigil held for Michael Jackson at Motown studio
New North Korea sanctions will have impact: US
Attorney: Promoters owe Jackson doctor money
Does 'love factor' make SC gov more sympathetic?
Jackson's parents declare authority over affairs
TV footage of Mumbai suspect interview released
Bear skips veggies for chocolate in Calif. home
NZ household borrowing rises in May
Korea Hot Stocks
Jackson's final hours puzzle doctor, family
| Entertainment
|
Taiwan dollar weakens on stock losses, eyes c.bank
Family members turn out for BET Jackson tribute
| Entertainment
|
S.Korea T-bonds edge up, eyes on data
Bruno is Borat-lite, and a little tedious
| Entertainment
|
Indian farmers who cashed out struggle with riches
Comic-Con boasts heavy TV lineup
| Entertainment
|
A tale of two L.A. festivals
| Entertainment
|
Black stars salute Jackson at awards show
Family members turn out for BET Jackson tribute
Reaper actress corners Copper
| Entertainment
|
Winners from the BET Awards
Moon rises at Edinburgh fest
| Entertainment
|
Soap brings message of change to rural Nepal
Canadian rockers Billy Talent eye foreign success
Disney star Ashley Tisdale gets edgy on new album
| Entertainment
|
Disney star Ashley Tisdale gets edgy on new album
Update: Pitchman Billy Mays Found Dead At Home
U.S. Television Pitchman Billy Mays Jr. (50) Found Dead In Home
Jackson's father concerned, doctor protests innocence
Sentence May Cost Madoff 150 Years, $170 Billion
"Bruno" is Borat-lite, and a little tedious
LA Police Find No "Red Flag" After Interview With Michael Jackson's Doctor
BET Awards turn up star power for Jackson
Jackson's final hours puzzle doctor, family
Iran recount seen as bid to placate opposition
Partial recount in Iran, reformers want annulment
| International
|
Israel to build 50 new homes at W.Bank settlement
| International
|
Activists sail to Gaza with aid
Shanghai activists save cats from being eaten
Joe Jackson Suspects Foul Play In Son Michael's Death
UN hears of Gaza children's suffering
Coolio Sentenced To Attend Rehab After Pleading Guilty To Drug Charges
Activists sail to Gaza with aid, defying Israel
| International
|
Lebanon's Hariri begins tough job to form government
| International
|
Farrah Fawcett's Funeral To Be Held In Private
Nigerian militants say attack Shell despite amnesty
| International
|
Middle Eastern Royal, Sheik Al Khalif, Expresses Sadness Over Michael Jackson's Death
Pol Pot paintings saved my life, S-21 survivor says
| International
|
Bangladesh textile workers go on rampage
| International
|
BET Awards Pays Tribute To Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson "Severely Emaciated" When He Died
Michael Jackson's Cardiologist Denies Administering Painkiller
Jackson Fans "Insulted" With Joe Jackson CNN Interview
Janet Jackson Addresses Michael At BET Awards
U.S. Television Pitchman Billy Mays Jr. (50) Found Dead In Home
SC governor resolves to stay put despite scandal
Smartphones, social networks to boost mobile advertising
| Technology
|
Hordes of hungry grasshoppers invade Utah
Mortar hits Pakistan mosque killing 3 tribesmen
3 dead, 60 hurt in central China train collision
Telecom firms back standard phone charger in Europe
| Technology
|
Abu Ghraib scandal haunts W.Va. reservist
New Zealand gunman dies after shooting spree
Centenarians show it's never too late to tweet
| Technology
|
First Khmer Rouge survivor testifies at tribunal
Spiritual adviser: 'Darkness' gripped Sanford
Supreme Court rejects appeal on Cablevision network DVR
| Technology
|
Israel approves 50 new settler homes in West Bank
Taiwan head takes Honduras off Latin America trip
Supreme Court bidding goodbye to Souter
EU Chamber asks China to reconsider Internet filter
| Technology
|
World fans still in mourning for Michael Jackson
Xbox users in France to get Canal+ films, soccer
| Technology
|
Firing kills 1 Indian soldier on Kashmir frontier
The Nation's weather
Sony eyes cellphone/game gear hybrid
| Technology
|
Microsoft to sell Razorfish: report
| Technology
|
Malaysia stops boats carrying Afghans, Pakistanis
Obama to meet with Colombian president
Obama officials: talks with Iran still possible
Autopsy planned for TV pitchman Billy Mays
China's Hu to attend G8 meeting in Italy
Reports: China loan spree goes to stocks, property
China central bank chief says economy on the mend
Asia Naphtha-Taiwan Formosa buys at higher premium
Daiwa Securities tumbles on share offering news
Pierre Cardin denies plans to sell group to Chinese
Toyota technology has brain waves move wheelchair
Share dilution worries sent Japan stocks lower
Sony silent on reports of 'PlayStation phone'
`Transformers': Worst-reviewed $400 million hit?
Rock legends form new band, call it Chickenfoot
| Entertainment
|
Michael Jackson's lyrics tell a hard story
Young, Springsteen give Hyde Park rock masterclass
| Entertainment
|
Lawyer: Jackson's doc didn't give excessive drugs
Youngest Son Survives Virginia Murder-Suicide By Father
Impressionist, Vegas headliner Fred Travalena dies
Janet Jackson makes emotional appearance at BETs
Update: Supreme Court Overturns Racial Ruling From Nominee Sotomayor
Gay Leaders Celebrate Anniversary Of LGBT Movement With Obama Monday
West Bank settlers call tourists to the rescue
Baron Cohen's Bruno falls for Australian PM
North Korea: U.S. Missiles In Hawaii Are "Undisguised Moves For Nuclear War"
Islamic revival tests Azerbaijan's tolerance
Iran Begins Recounting Votes In Disputed Presidential Polls
Supreme Court Issues Ruling On Racial Discrimination Case Handled By Sotomayor
Concerts in Prague: false notes, great business
Senate Pushes For Changes To Terror Detainee Military Commission Trials
Spears, DeGeneres Twitpic accounts hacked
U.S. Condemns Honduran Coup; Organization Of American States Warns Only Ousted Pres. Zelaya Will Be Recognized
Michael Jackson "Severely Emaciated" When He Died
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights