Stardate 20011225.2153

(On Screen): When you take on a task, it's important to solve the big problems first, and to make sure you don't paint yourself in a corner by solving one problem in such a way as to prevent solution of another part. Proper sequence is vital: you put in the powder before the ball and patch.

The Taliban banned poppy production in Afghanistan. Given that there were tons of raw opium stashed there in warehouses, it's not clear that this actually made any difference in the international opium trade, but regardless, the farmers have now planted a new opium crop.

Should we do something about it? Yes, but not this year. It's important to get the Afghan government reestablished first. The international trade in opium is a bad thing and definitely needs to be controlled, but it's not urgent. But we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get a good government going in Kabul, and we shouldn't squander it. A premature attempt to stamp opium farming in Afghanistan out now could destabilize the infant government by restarting the civil war. Karzai needs breathing room. When the government's power is more secure, then it will be possible to go after the opium crop.