A November 18 statement from the United Nations drug office confirmed that Afghanistan’s economy is now dominated by opium production, which jumped 64% in the last year and now accounts for more than 60% of GDP. UN official Antonio Maria Costa explained that, three years since the US-led coalition began occupying the country, Afghanistan had achieved a double record: the highest drug cultivation in the country’s history, and the highest in the world. Costa said the trade was protected by corrupt officials, local investors and warlords who often hold elected positions.

From Green Left Weekly, November 24, 2004.
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