The Pentagon Sent $500 Million Abroad for International Drug Wars. What Happened Next Is a Mystery. The Pentagon Sent $500 Million Abroad for International Drug Wars. What Happened Next Is a Mystery.
A report by the Defense Department’s inspector general raises questions about a combatant command with a history of scandals.
Feb 8, 2018 / Nick Turse
America Is Losing Yet Another Drug War—in Afghanistan America Is Losing Yet Another Drug War—in Afghanistan
Opium is the fundamental factor driving the Taliban’s success, but try telling that to Donald Trump.
Nov 13, 2017 / Alfred McCoy
‘Addiction Is an Adaptation to Your Environment’: An Interview With Johann Hari ‘Addiction Is an Adaptation to Your Environment’: An Interview With Johann Hari
Addiction, according to Johann Hari, is less about drugs and more about human connection.
Apr 25, 2016 / Laura Flanders
The Drug That Makes the Taliban Possible The Drug That Makes the Taliban Possible
Until Washington deals with Afghanistan’s economic dependence on opium, the Taliban aren’t going anywhere.
Feb 22, 2016 / Alfred McCoy
5 Books That Shed Light on the Cultural Revolution 5 Books That Shed Light on the Cultural Revolution
“The most intriguing books draw out the continuities between contemporary China and its Maoist past.”
Nov 19, 2015 / Chenxin Jiang
From Opium Wars to Darwin’s Finches: A Brief History of Great Britain From Opium Wars to Darwin’s Finches: A Brief History of Great Britain
History has shown us time and time again that we are only human.
Jul 27, 2015 / Eduardo Galeano
Addicted to Numbers Addicted to Numbers
Misleading narratives about the Afghan opium trade have led to counterproductive eradication strategies.
Jan 11, 2011 / Paul Fishstein and David Mansfield
Afghanistan on Life Support Afghanistan on Life Support
The American war and Afghanistan’s civilians.
Sep 13, 2010 / Nick Turse
High on Opium, Not Democracy High on Opium, Not Democracy
In Bush-liberated Afghanistan, billions in drug profits are financing the Taliban, proving the President is better at starting wars than winning them.
Sep 6, 2006 / Column / Robert Scheer
Cultivating Opium, Not Democracy Cultivating Opium, Not Democracy
Afghanistan's crop "has spread like wildfire."
Nov 23, 2004 / Column / Robert Scheer