Foreign Policy of the United States : Volume 4

Opium poppy cultivation and drug trafficking have eroded Afghanistan''s fragile political and economic order over the last 30 years. In spite of ongoing counter-narcotics efforts by the Afghan government, the U.S., and their partners, Afghanistan remains the source of over 90% of the world''s illicit opium. This book provides current statistical information, profiles the narcotics trade''s participants, explores linkages between narcotics, insecurity and corruption, and reviews U.S. and international policy responses since late 2001. Furthermore, key issues in the 111th Congress regarding the South Caucasus are discussed as well - including supporting Georgia''s integration into Western institutions such as NATO, Azerbaijan''s energy development, and Armenia''s independence and economic development. Current issues and U.S. policies regarding Bosnia, Bahrain and Brazil are also looked at, as well as the countries political, economic and social conditions, and how those conditions affect its role in the region and its relationship with the U.S.