The Dark Legacy of the Afghan Opium Trade

This chapter explores the profound effects of the opium trade in Afghanistan during the U.S. military occupation, revealing that Afghanistan was responsible for producing 92% of the world's illicit opium by 2006. It examines the complex relationships between U.S. forces, corrupt officials, and warlords, and reflects on the moral implications of these dynamics, particularly in light of detainee abuses. The narrative juxtaposes U.S. attempts at nation-building with ongoing issues such as women's rights, while critiquing the portrayal of the invasion as a liberating force.