The Foreign Service Journal, April 2003

in the part of the country it con- trolled, but the new U.S.-backed Karzai administration has done very little to prevent the boom in opium cultivation and heroin production that has taken place since the Taliban regime fell. In fact, parts of the government are likely deeply involved in the trade. And the drug trade is no peripheral issue. Central Asia, with the weakest and most corruptible states sur- rounding Afghanistan, has rapidly become the main trafficking route for Afghan heroin, eclipsing even Iran. In a region with little economic activity, save for oil, gas, and cotton, the drug trade plays an important role. The region is impoverished, and the profits of the drug trade are so enormous that it infiltrates gov- ernments and society as a whole. Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan are by now candi- dates for the label of “narco- states” — countries where the drug trade has infiltrated the bureaucracy and political elite to such an extent that it actually controls part of the state. Over a third of Tajikistan’s GNP is con- sidered to be drug-related. Drug consumption, which follows the trafficking routes, affects public health conditions, opening the way for severe diseases including HIV/AIDS; creates social conflict; fuels corruption; finances extremism and terrorism; and even plays a role in civil wars. The armed incursions by the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan in 1999 and 2000, which affected Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan significantly, was almost certainly in great part related F O C U S A P R I L 2 0 0 3 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 21 Suppressing the trade in narcotics is perhaps the area in which the U.S. has failed most blatantly since September 2001. HOW TO BUY AUTO INSURANCE OVERSEAS T HERE’S REALLY ONLY ONE WAY. Select the agent who offers broad experience and a high level of repeat business. Experience that helps you avoid the pitfalls of a highly complex business. Repeat business that results from providing what’s best for the customer not the agent nor the insurance company. Since 1969, Harry M. Jannette has provided dependable coverage with U.S. carriers with a financial rating of A+ or higher to thousands of Foreign Service Personnel worldwide. Thus you gain the broadest U.S. terms and conditions and flexible value limits often not available from other insurance carriers. MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED: SEE OUR WEBSITE APPLICATIONS WHILE IN WASHINGTON, D.C, AREA PLEASE CALL TOLL FREE 1 800 256-5141 Harry M. Jannette International, L.L.C. A Wood-Wilson Company 8111 LBJ Freeway, Suite 585 Dallas, Texas 75251-1334 Telephone (972) 783-4915 • Fax (972) 783-0545 Call (800) 256-5141 • E-mail: jintl@jannetteintl.com www.jannetteintl.com • WORLDWIDE COVERAGE Fire, theft, comprehensive and collision protection are available at foreign posts. • U.S. AUTO LIABILITY Available for short term on home leave, change of assignment, and new auto purchase prior to foreign departure. This coverage must be issued in combination with an “Embassy Plan” auto policy. • OCEAN/AIR CARGO COVERAGE Transit available from U.S. to post, post to post, and post to U.S. • PERSONAL COVERAGE Household goods and transit, valuable articles, personal liability, life insurance. • EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATION INSURANCE Including Directors and Officers.