Vanda Felbab-Brown
Former Research Fellow, International Security Program/Program on Intrastate Conflict, 20052007
February 2006
"Trouble Ahead: The Cocaleros of Peru"
Journal Article, Current History, issue 688, volume 105
By Vanda Felbab-Brown, Former Research Fellow, International Security Program/Program on Intrastate Conflict, 20052007
"Ironically, civil society, which the United States has been exporting as a means of democratization around the world, is precisely what is complicating its counternarcotics policies in the Andes."
January 2006
"A Better Strategy against Narcoterrorism"
Magazine or Newspaper Article, MIT Center for International Studies Audit of the Conventional Wisdom, volume 06-02
By Vanda Felbab-Brown, Former Research Fellow, International Security Program/Program on Intrastate Conflict, 20052007
It is widely recognized that access by belligerent groups to the gains from drug production and trafficking contributes to the intensity and prolongation of military conflict. Also, that such groups—terrorists, insurgents, or warlords—grow stronger when they successfully exploit the drug trade. The United States' response—its antinarcotics policy— emphasizes crop eradication. This strategy is too simplistic and, ultimately, ineffective.
Autumn 2005
"Afghanistan: When Counternarcotics Undermines Counterterrorism"
Journal Article, Washington Quarterly, issue 4, volume 28
By Vanda Felbab-Brown, Former Research Fellow, International Security Program/Program on Intrastate Conflict, 20052007
Paradoxically, counternarcotics efforts in Afghanistan frequently complicate counterterrorism and counterinsurgency objectives and can even undermine democratization. Counternarcotics strategy should concentrate instead on strengthening the Afghan state’s capacity.
June, 2006
Kicking the Opium Habit? Afghanistan's Drug Economy and Politics since the 1980s
Journal Article, Conflict, Security & Development, issue 2, volume 6
By Vanda Felbab-Brown, Former Research Fellow, International Security Program/Program on Intrastate Conflict, 20052007
February 2006
"Trouble Ahead: The Cocaleros of Peru"
Journal Article, Current History, issue 688, volume 105
By Vanda Felbab-Brown, Former Research Fellow, International Security Program/Program on Intrastate Conflict, 20052007
"Ironically, civil society, which the United States has been exporting as a means of democratization around the world, is precisely what is complicating its counternarcotics policies in the Andes."
January 2006
"A Better Strategy against Narcoterrorism"
Magazine or Newspaper Article, MIT Center for International Studies Audit of the Conventional Wisdom, volume 06-02
By Vanda Felbab-Brown, Former Research Fellow, International Security Program/Program on Intrastate Conflict, 20052007
It is widely recognized that access by belligerent groups to the gains from drug production and trafficking contributes to the intensity and prolongation of military conflict. Also, that such groups—terrorists, insurgents, or warlords—grow stronger when they successfully exploit the drug trade. The United States' response—its antinarcotics policy— emphasizes crop eradication. This strategy is too simplistic and, ultimately, ineffective.
Associated Press
February 20, 2007
"Opium Wars"
Op-Ed, Wall Street Journal
By Vanda Felbab-Brown, Former Research Fellow, International Security Program/Program on Intrastate Conflict, 20052007
As NATO braces for a spring Taliban offensive in Afghanistan, many in the Bush administration, the Congress and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime are calling for it to take on a prominent role in combating the narcotics trade....
Associated Press
February 20, 2007
"Opium Wars"
Op-Ed, Wall Street Journal
By Vanda Felbab-Brown, Former Research Fellow, International Security Program/Program on Intrastate Conflict, 20052007
As NATO braces for a spring Taliban offensive in Afghanistan, many in the Bush administration, the Congress and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime are calling for it to take on a prominent role in combating the narcotics trade....
June, 2006
Kicking the Opium Habit? Afghanistan's Drug Economy and Politics since the 1980s
Journal Article, Conflict, Security & Development, issue 2, volume 6
By Vanda Felbab-Brown, Former Research Fellow, International Security Program/Program on Intrastate Conflict, 20052007
March 23, 2006
"Hasty Poppy Eradication in Afghanistan Can Sow More Problems"
Op-Ed, Christian Science Monitor
By Vanda Felbab-Brown, Former Research Fellow, International Security Program/Program on Intrastate Conflict, 20052007
"...Increasingly, the Taliban insurgents have joined forces with some of the Pashtun drug traffickers in the south, protecting drug convoys for payoffs and carrying out joint operations. Meanwhile, interdiction efforts have only consolidated the drug industry, strengthening the hold of local warlords — now police chiefs and government officials — on the drug trade while crowding out small traders.
The popular discontent in Afghanistan with the failure of Kabul to deliver security, social services, and basic livelihood is steadily growing. Although much has been achieved, expectations of improved living conditions have been growing at a much more rapid pace. Increasingly, the discontent is directed against President Hamid Karzai himself. The popularity he enjoyed after the presidential elections in 2004 is slipping. By the fall of 2005, unemployment and lack of basic necessities had paralyzed Kabul with protests...."
