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As obvious as it may be, beloved Massoud is not and can not be held accountable for the drug problem in the areas under his or his allies' control.

Mr. Massoud with his richly patriotic and honest feelings towards people of Afghanistan, did not encourage or promote any form of drug trade. After all he is a great diplomat too, and would never do such a thing.

During the years of Soviet occupation, Massoud provided for this men from taxes collected on trade of precious stones. No one grew poppy then, when western help was absent.

Problem started when Dr. Najib's govt. was toppled by mujahideen.

Note how Afghans can all of sudden go crazy and compete for power with no regard for human live or civilization. It's called "ghairat".

When Massoud captured Kabul city, he did not show any desire to become a president or a prime minister, while he should have. But people still turned against him, in an armed race for some golden treasure that we could not see.

It was the government posts that they were after. Those who didn't get what they wanted, went on rocketing Kabul city. Commanders turned against leaders, loyalty was a joke any more.

Poor Massoud found himself in the middle of unthinkable, another long lasting Afghan madness era.

After Taliban reached Kabul to occupy seats, and carried out savage attacks on Shamali plains, they destroyed what Soviets missed to destroy.  But, they are proud that they restored postal service and electricity in Kabul.

All this resulted in people doing what ever they can to survive, including poppy cultivation.

In the present day, Massoud is coming out as a hero once again. He managed to switch back to his guerilla style war against the creation of ISI, Taliban, and lock them only 15 miles north of Kabul and keep Bagram Air Base in his control. He wiped off Taliban from his logistical path and cleaned up some of the northern areas.

Hekmatyar's smart strong man, Mr. Sabaoon builds close ties with Massoud, and now they are working on building the first Afghan parliament in decades.

Taliban are seriously endangered.  Media implies that Taliban controls 90% of Afghanistan, but the reality is, they control less amount of Afghanistan's landscape than Babrak Karmal's government did with Soviet help.  Only the major cities, not the suburbs.

People are increasingly hating Taliban, and they can't stand Pakistanis roaming around their houses, mosques, and markets.  Not to mention that Afghan youth hates them for ripping leather jackets, and giving them forced hair cuts.  Women can't stand them.  Obviously, the enslaved Pashtoon women can not tell the difference, but those who do, hates Taliban.

US threats of military action against Taliban's military installations, is causing heartache in both ISI and  Taliban ranks.

Alarms are ringing all over ISI, there is a great chance that this year may be very hard on Taliban. So, ISI associates Massoud and his allies with drugs, and it can be used as a very effective weapon.

If you wonder why Massoud does not come hard on drugs issue; for the very same reason as the Taliban. Massoud must not try to axe his own foot.

Don't think too hard, things are easy to understand, only if you try to stay neutral, and be objective, not emotional.

Best wishes.
massoudafghan@geocities.com