Ive just heard about the 2 lads today

Quoted from MarinerWY

Yes, systems of decriminalisation of heroin in European countries have led to less addicts. You don't just give heroin away, you distribute it in a reduced manner each time in accordance with open rehabilitation programs. It treats addiction as an illness, not a criminal offence. Addicts don't hide away in fear of prosecution and therefore have help. It has also cut off the supply of money routed to criminal organisations.

Growing poppies in Afghanistan wasn't illegal, actually. Drug use is counter to Muslim beliefs, but Afghanis did not use heroin, they cultivated the opium and the West buys it. We are the reason their economy is based on drugs production, so surely to tackle the root, we need to turn our attention to our society?

1. The opium grown in Afghanistan is the best in the world and widely used in pharmaceuticals, morphine and the like.

2. Some Afghanis like growing poppies because they like money - drugs, although they make a small amount out of it compared to our finances.

3. Some Afghanis want to grow other crops but are forced by the Taliban to grow poppies under the threat of death of them and their whole family.

4. Some Afghanis are addicts so you are wrong. Also insurgents are often high on drugs or adrenaline when fighting.

5. Civilians get caught in the cross fire not by ISAF but by the insurgents who open up on anyone, they are often foreign fighters.

6. Insurgents will fight, run into compounds regardless of who is there, fight a bit more then drop their weapons and walk off leaving injured or dead civilians.

7. Poppies have been grown in Afghanistan for decades, mainly by local warlords to raise cash for arms.

8. Afghanis don't want the Taliban but will always follow who ever has the power.