Story: Fighting Terrorism in Afghanistan Means Combating Drug Trade, 05/23/07
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/jan-june07/afghanistan_5-23.html

Reading Comprehension Questions:

1. What is opium and where does it come from?

2. Describe the scope of Afghanistan's poppy crop now? How does this compare to past crops?

3. How big is the Afghan drug trade? Who is getting most of the profits from the illegal drug trade?

4. According to the article, what is one reason that international troops are not directly involved in poppy eradication efforts?

5. What are some of the ways that American-backed projects are working to eliminate Afghanistan's illegal drug trade?

6. Why are alternative sources of income important in fighting the Afghan illegal drug trade?

7. What role does Helmand Province play in the Afghan drug trade?

Discussion Activity (more research might be needed):

1. What are the biggest challenges facing those who want to eradicate poppy cultivation in Afghanistan? What might be the consequences if eradication efforts fail?

2. Should international troops be directly involved in poppy eradication efforts? Why or why not?

3. According to the article, Colombians are helping teach Afghans about drug eradication efforts. How are the efforts in each country similar or different?

Write a 300-500 word essay on any of these topics providing clear examples. Send your completed editorial to NewsHour Extra (extra@newshour.org). Exceptional essays might be published on our Web site.