As the US wages it war on drugs, it appears they may be interfering in a war that is not theirs to battle and one they appear to be failing at drastically. When eliminating the exportation of drugs, especially those cultivated in Afghanistan and Bolivia, it's not as simple as burning fields, arresting farmers and declaring a "drug free zone."

This method has proven to be ineffectual in the drug situation in Afghanistan. Bolivia's livelihood and culture revolves around the production of the coca plant, but if the situation is not contained, it has the potential to reach the same heights as that of the heroine trade in Afghanistan.

The issue at hand is very intricate as it may be denying the two countries their right to their culture and their livelihoods. No longer is it a war on drugs but once you begin to eradicate something that is vital to the history of a nation and its people for survival, it becomes a cultural, traditional, moralistic and economical nightmare for all parties concerned.

Afghanistan is a country not only ripped apart by war and conflict, but is also one that is very poor and has had problems with drought.

The poppy plant requires little work and water to reap the benefits it produces in the illegal drug trade. Farmers grow the poppy and receive protection from the Taliban. Both the farmers and the Taliban seek the drug lords who pay an upfront fee for crops and also credit on future crops of poppy plants. Poor rural farmers recognize planting of poppy is one that will ensure they can feed their families. Afghanistan is now responsible for over 90 per cent of the world's heroine production, so poppy production is proving to be a financial success.

In an attempt to eradicate the drug from its source, in 2002 the UN and the Afghan government set forth to burn all crops and refund the farmers a fraction of the cost they would have received if their crops had been sold for the intent of illegal drug trade. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has been helping to educate Afghan farmers on producing and cultivating legal farming sources and on more successful farming methods. Money had been promised to help the poor farmers of Afghanistan reach more legal and successful livelihoods.

But in 2008, Afghanistan's poppy production is reaching record highs. Farmers are involved in violent conflicts with US financed drug forces. Farmers are claiming they haven't received any assistance in learning

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