Didn't the Taliban outlaw opium production?

Question

I'm sure I remember - a very long time ago - before the war on terror - being reliably informed by the BBC, that the Taliban had outlawed opium cultivation in Afghanistan.

I don't know whether my memory is at fault or whether some kind of Orwellian re-writing of history has taken place but that is what I remember. I know that the Taliban had some pretty heinous policies but that one wasn't so bad was it?

It wouldn't bug me so much but for the fact that one of the principle reasons the military presence in Afghanistan is justified is to stamp out opium production.

Was Orwell right? Is my memory at fault? Please help!

Answer 1

I think the continued presence of the military in Iraq has more to do with the Taliban's efforts to regain power. I think that opium production is somewhere further down the list of the reasons we have a military presence there.

Answer 2

The Taliban talks one way and acts another.
You can bet that the profits fron opium/herion production and distribution,
(which largely come from drug sales in this country),
are being used to recruit and equip Taliban and Al Queda fighters.
Where do you think their money comes from?

Answer 3

What I've heard is that the growing of opium poppies is the Number one cash crop of Afghanistan. I think they need the seeds over there to lull the young people into blowing themselves up!

Answer 4

That'd be weird. Doesnt the drug trade fuel their war? Anyways I think its weird for any Muslim group to be promoting drugs. Mohammed strictly forbid Drugs in the Qor'an

Answer 5

Yes they did. Production was cut to nothing under them.

Not really a justification of them, I don't think getting rid of drugs is worth it if you have to install what amounts to a police state to do it, but yes.