Choi, MikeElko, BrettKrentel, JeffLander, NatashaValenti, Amy2011-06-222011-06-222009-121947-2633https://hdl.handle.net/1920/6532Our paper will begin with an overview of the history of the drug trade in Afghanistan, and an assessment of why the illicit trade of opium is critical to US interests. We will then address the political and economic effects of the narco-trade on Afghanistan, which will identify possible impediments to successful implementation of counternarcotics plans. Next, we will discuss the Five Pillars Plan, which encompasses the five main policies of the US counternarcotics strategy in Afghanistan. Through an understanding of these issues and assessments, we will be able to analyze whether US policy strategies will be effective and whether US counternarcotics policies are addressing these issues.en-USOpiumAfghanistanArticle