This revelation makes claims that the CIA sold heroin to finance secret wars in Cambodia & Laos and sold cocaine to finance proxy wars in Central America less far fetched. The logical followup question is what is the CIA and other U.S. "services" doing with the plethora of opium in Afghanistan? Regardless of whether or not the CIA is now dealing in Afghan opium, it is nonetheless clear that United States has no moral leg to stand on if it is trying to buy allegiance with Viagra.
Torture for some and Viagra for others will not lead to a U.S. victory in Afghanistan or a victory in the War on Terror. These tactics are more likely to lead to even more blowback. Does "spreading democracy" now equal pedaling Viagra? This is what United States has come to? Even from a purely pragmatic view, dispensing Viagra will only lead to more of a demographic shift against United States. What geniuses approved this tactic?
There is also condescension on the part of U.S. operative toward their would-be Afghan allies.
Little Blue Pills Among the Ways CIA Wins Friends in Afghanistan
By Joby Warrick
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, December 26, 2008; Page A01
The Afghan chieftain looked older than his 60-odd years, and his bearded face bore the creases of a man burdened with duties as tribal patriarch and husband to four younger women. His visitor, a CIA officer, saw an opportunity, and reached into his bag for a small gift.
Four blue pills. Viagra.
"Take one of these. You'll love it," the officer said. Compliments of Uncle Sam.
The enticement worked. The officer, who described the encounter, returned four days later to an enthusiastic reception. The grinning chief offered up a bonanza of information about Taliban movements and supply routes -- followed by a request for more pills.
~~~cont'd~~~