Product Description

"Afghanistan is seen as a major drug producer, but its own people are becoming the victims...David Macdonald not only explores [the reasons for this] but also tells an addictive tale that is difficult to resist." - Shirazuddin Siddiqi, BBC. "This stunning book provides a first hand account of the Afghan drug problem. David Macdonald has written the definitive text on drugs in Afghanistan." - Professor Gerry Stimson, Executive Director, International Harm Reduction Association. "David Macdonald tells a story about the diversity of drug use in Afghanistan that no one has ever told before." - Ethan Nadelmann, Executive Director, Drug Policy Alliance, New York. Afghanistan is the world's largest producer of opium and heroin. This book explores the devastating impact that the drugs trade has had on the Afghan people. Author David Macdonald has worked as a drugs advisor to the UN. Based on his extensive experience, this book breaks down the myths surrounding the cultivation and consumption of drugs, providing a detailed analysis of the history of drug use within the country. He examines the impact of over 25 years of continuous conflict, and shows how poverty and instability has led to an increase in drugs consumption. He also considers the recent rise in the use of pharmaceutical drugs, resulting in dangerous chemical cocktails and analyses the effect of Afghanistan's drug trade on neighbouring countries.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #107599 in Books
• Published on: 2007-01-10
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

Shirazuddin Siddiqi, BBC
'David Macdonald tells an addictive tale that is difficult to
resist.'

Professor Gerry Stimson, Executive Director, International Harm Reduction Association
'David Macdonald has written the definitive text on drugs in
Afghanistan.'

Ethan Nadelmann, Executive Director, Drug Policy Alliance, New York
'David Macdonald tells a story about the diversity of drug use in
Afghanistan that no one has ever told before.'

Customer Reviews

drugs in afghanistan
This book is written with such authority and sensitivity.It's easy to read despite the statistics which serve to add weight to its credibility. It gives a fabulous insight drawn from years of experience working in afghanistan,into the depth and breadth of drug addiction in a hugely complex society. If you read one book about this subject, this should be the one.

worth its weight in..
This is a very fine book. David Macdonald knows an awful lot about opium, outlaws and afghanistan. Informative, educative, as well as tough and challenging, Scorpion Tales is a good read. The arms dealers and the drug dealers have got to know each other rather well over the years it seems.
Macdonald offers a whole new set of insights into the war on drugs. We will ignore them at our peril.