01 May 2007

In his article “”, Svante E. Cornell analyses the dynamics and mechanisms of interaction between narcotics and conflict. In general, Cornell argues that armed conflict tends to increase present drug cultivation by limiting the reach of state law enforcement in certain territorial areas. It follows that, over time, insurgent groups become progressively more involved in the drug trade,...

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01 May 2007

In “Securing Afghanistan’s Border”, Amin Saikal summarizes the troublesome history of Afghanistan’s border, particularly along the Durand Line – the section of the border that begins on the northeast and extends southwest across to where Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran intersect. The article assesses the political complexities of the border issue, as well as the impact different players, such as Pakistan, al-Qaeda, and the Taliban, have had on deteriorating...

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