Interim Afghan Foreign Minister Says Poppy Eradication Effort Encounters Success

Instability remains the main feature of Afghanistan's political life. The expected return of former king Mohammad Zahir Shah on April 17 or 18 could add an additional element of insecurity. The former king, who has lived in exile since 1973, has already postponed his return once because of security concerns. Meanwhile, Hamid Karzai's interim government continues to struggle to project its authority outside of Kabul. EurasiaNet contributor Camelia Entekhabi-Fard discussed Afghanistan's continuing political turmoil with the interim government's foreign minister, Dr. Abdullah Abdullah. The text of Abdullah's comments follows:

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.