Counternarcotics Efforts in Afghanistan

[Aria2013]

Given that trade of illicit drugs in Afghanistan can fuel the insurgency, counternarcotics strategies play a significant role when it comes to the country’s long-term security concerns. The trade of illicit drugs weakens economic development, enables corruption, affects the legitimacy of the government, and threatens security, stability, and rule of law; not only in Afghanistan but across the region. Over the past decade the United States has played an important role in the development and support of Afghan counternarcotics strategies. Since 2002, the United States has appropriated $7.5 billion in counternarcotics funding to Afghanistan to help build capacity for Afghans to implement and lead counternarcotics efforts. This being said, some believe there is not enough political will in Afghanistan to aggressively confront all aspects of drug production and trafficking; do you agree or disagree with this statement and what challenges do you foresee post 2014?
Aria2013,
Digital Engagement Team - USCENTCOM