Salaam
We all know of the poppy culture in Afghanistan and other countries (everyone grows poppies).
What can be done about it? Banning does not seem to work as it is the only way for farmers there to make a living.
I would like to suggest a new method: Tax.
There are only two certainties in life: death and taxes.
These countries cannot afford the resources to fight the drug wars.
I suggest legalise the growing of these plants UNDER LICENCE. keep the consumption of such items illegal but allow their transport sale and export, with large taxes at each step.
Now the governments will have more incentive to close illegal trafficking and gain them some financial reward. There will also be a paper trail for rich countries to follow to stop the drugs being sold illegally.
On the other hand countries as holland (and others where some substances are legal) could sign agreements to allow the transport to them, providing the poor government with more finance.
Thirdly drug companies such as beechams could actually buy their samples for drug development cheaper, and avoid their own farms licenced in the rich countries. (heroin is diamorpine; a more potent natural substance similar to the synthetically made morphine which is used in hispitals throughout the world).
Am I way off base, or is this probably the best way to tackle the poppy culture?
You are way off base. It is how you would legitimise and profit from the destruction of people and possibilities around the world. Obviously someone who did this would be throwing their flag down a cesspit.
Legitimising it is not the way.
One step towards legitimising is one step towards agreeing to its acceptance. Which we can not do.
The only real solution is to offer them a substitute. Instead of growing poppys grow something else and we'll give you the same price for it.
Back in BLACK
Seraph's answer bears similarity to what you were saying about local agricultural development. Looks like the way forward. If land is irrigated and rocks cleared - is that the case where the poppies are? - I bet the earth and weather are perfectly good for a lot of non-toxic stuff.
True about the agricultural side.
however, poppy's do also have some possible uses.
Another benefit of legitimising and licensing production would be it is taken out of the hands of criminal gangs. If the produce is put to legitimate use, its all good. If not, there is a paper trail to follow to the culprits.
We have to accept and acknowledge the problem. poppys can have alot of benefits; morphine is not the only drug that can be made. Also if the drug is legalised in another country for consumption, should it be transported by criminals, or by businessmen (again with a paper trail)? (heh, they are normally the same!)
"For too long, we have been a passively tolerant society, saying to our citizens 'as long as you obey the law, we will leave you alone'" - David Cameron, UK Prime Minister. 13 May 2015.
Well... I think no, no, no.
It is very unlikely that growth would be more controlled rather than less, although it would give the government revenue. What I said before. If Afghanistan were that well regulated there wouldn't be a problem in the first place.
Well, it was well regulate under the Taliban.
They had cut production down to virtually nothing.
Then they were accused of growing it, removed, and production shot up.
"For too long, we have been a passively tolerant society, saying to our citizens 'as long as you obey the law, we will leave you alone'" - David Cameron, UK Prime Minister. 13 May 2015.
true.
IMO Taliban were better than what was before them, and what came after.
"For too long, we have been a passively tolerant society, saying to our citizens 'as long as you obey the law, we will leave you alone'" - David Cameron, UK Prime Minister. 13 May 2015.
I don't know. They were violent to their communities. I'm not aware the current administration is, and that's a very massive difference to me. It's the difference between staying or leaving (or not being allowed).
Currently the country is once again run by warlords. Whilst the Taliban had a strict form of Law, these do not have any.
The country is lawless, and not even the capital is fully under the control of the puppet regime.
They do not have the will or the power to ban poppy plantations.
The warlords fund ther private millitias through drug money, and the gov want them on its side. It will not touch their plantations.
"For too long, we have been a passively tolerant society, saying to our citizens 'as long as you obey the law, we will leave you alone'" - David Cameron, UK Prime Minister. 13 May 2015.
Humans can do another's bidding. But rulers are rarely puppets through and through. They form alliances and hierarchies that befit them and ideally ensure the country's prosperity. What that administration can do for the people is massive because of what you say. Undermine them if you dare. I know you aren't in support of the Afghan war. It's unfortunate, because support wins wars, and you've compassion to offer.