They “want the area” because it is their home and nation, not ours. I find it amazing that so many Americans feel that once we invade someone else’s country we immediately think the native inhabitants have no right to attack our forces lol. Listen to what you’re saying man. We have no right to be there trying to prop up a weak “government” that wouldn’t last a week without our presence — our little Afghan “government” has no support among the people.

As for the poppies, the Taliban had pretty much eradicated the growing of poppies during their brief rule, but under American stewardship after 9/11, Afghanistan has once again returned as the supplier of the overwhelming majority of opium to the planet. I’m sure the CIA is making sure the opium fields are protected and operating as the CIA has always used money from illicit narcotic sales for funding they wouldn’t be able to get from the US Congress.

The Afghans and their American benefactors know that the US market for heroin and other opioids is pretty hot right now and they are making a killing off of it.

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade