r. Abdullah Abdullah Says Poppy Eradication Effort Encounters Success

EurasiaNet: A big topic these days is the eradication of poppies. Has the interim government been successful in the attempt to eradicate poppies?
Abdullah: We have been very successful in Helmand [Province], and just we started in Jalalabad also. We have had a few problems, but we have to be prepared for many more because we are talking about destroying millions and millions of dollars worth of [contraband] for smugglers. We [expect] more plots and provocations. Now we are paying to the farmers to destroy their crops, but in the long term, the crop must be replaced for the program to be a success.

EurasiaNet: There are reports that some military commanders and local officials are involved in narcotics smuggling. Are they trying to prevent poppy eradication efforts?
Abdullah: Maybe in some places but people support this program and they want to really fight against the smugglers. Fighting with drug smugglers here like anywhere else around the world is not that easy. Our plan is to finish this campaign in 10-20 days later, and then we have a long-term plan for fighting against drug production and consumption.

EurasiaNet: Was there any connection between the explosion close to [Interim Defense Minister Mohammad] Fahim's car and the anti-poppy campaign? [For background see the Eurasia Insight archives].
Abdullah: There could [have been a] connection. Before, the Taliban and al Qaeda had direct connections with the drug Mafia.