Afghan National Army Drug Problems

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         Unnamed intelligence officials have made it known that there is a pervasive drug problem within the Afghan National Army.  It is hashish, and not opium as you might expect.  Apparently, marijuana is easier to get a hold of and is the preferred drug of many of the soldiers.

          Hashish is a very potent derivative of the marijuana plant.  It is made by seining marijuana leaves through a silkscreen and collecting the “dust” that falls through the silkscreen.  That dust in turn is heavily compressed. 

It takes many marijuana leaves to make a substantial amount of the powerful drug.  The military trainers and intelligence officers are reporting a high, no pun intended, rate of use among ANA personnel.  This creates a problem for the trainers because as many of you know, hash or pot renders the mind minimally operational.

In addition, it should be noted that spending time in a rock crevice next to an Afghan National Army soldier stoned to the bone, could be unnerving.  I would not count on that guy to cover your ass, or any other part of your body.  Under different circumstances though, I am sure it would be a pleasant encounter.

War zones are no place for recreational drugs.  It is true that this may be a coping mechanism on the part of the ANA, faces with a faceless enemy.  IED’s and sniper attacks are psychologically devastating and demoralizing. 

The first time you lose a friend, the first thing you want is payback.  Unfortunately, the enemy is probably one or two miles away, operating a video camera for propaganda purposes.  You have to be on your toes unless you want them tagged.

The majority of the Afghan people and military personnel are committed, patriotic and noble.  Their soldiers should not be faulted for the actions of a few.  At this time in history, it is paramount that we learn to live together no matter our cultural differences.

Our differences are to embraced and celebrated, not fought over.  Are we really looking for a world where everyone is the same?  I sure as hell hope not.