I was reading Moisés Naím's excellent book Illicit the other day, and came across this passage (which is continued after the break). Afghanistan is a case study in the processes he describes; the impact of institutional capture by opium traffickers and their allies is already evident, and their diversification (into real estate, for example) is well underway. Expect more of the same. All future attempts to reform Afghan politics, justice system, or economic development must account for the centrality of the illicit economy:
Left unchecked, illicit trade can only pursue its already well advanced mutation. There is ample evidence that it offers terrorists and other miscreants means of survival and methods of financial transfer and exchange. Its effect on geopolitics will go further. In developing countries and those in transition from communism, criminal networks often constitute the most powerful vested interests confronting the government. In some countries, their resources and capabilities even surpass those of their governments.
These capabilities often translate into political clout. Traffickers and their associates control political parties, own significant media operations, or are the major philanthropists behind nongovernmental organizations. This is a natural outcome in countries where no economic activity can match illicit trade in size or profits and therefore traffickers become the nation's "big business." And once their business becomes large and stable, trafficking networks do as big businesses are prone to do everywhere else: diversify into other businesses and invest in politics. After all, gaining access and influence and seeking government protection has always been part and parcel of big business.
Therefore not only are illicit networks tightly intertwined with licit private sector activities, but they are also deeply embedded within the public sector and the political system. And once they have spread into licit private corporations, political parties, parliaments, local governments, media groups, the courts, the military, and the nonprofit sector, trafficking networks assume a powerful--and in some countries unrivalled--influence on matters of state.
Illicit: How Smugglers, Traffickers, and Copycats are Hijacking the Global Economy
by
Moises Naim
- Paperback: 352 pages
- Publisher: Anchor (October 10, 2006)
- Language: English
- ISBN: 1400078849
Thank you for your article, the contents of the following which you will like.Cheap Jordan shoes,UGG Boots, Nike SB,Tiffany Rings, Nike Dunks,Tiffany Jewelry for Sale.Who is also a useful information: Nike Dunks SB,Nike SB for Sale ,Gucci Shoes,Christian Louboutin,Bose headphones.
Posted by: nike sb | July 25, 2009 at 10:12 PM
Replica Handbags
Fake Handbags
Knockoff Handbags
Replica Louis Vuitton Handbags
Replica Gucci Handbags
Replica Chanel Handbags
Prada Handbags
Replica Fendi Handbags
Replica Dolce Gabbana Handbags
Replica Chloe Handbags
Replica Jimmy Choo Handbags
Replica Thomas Wylde Handbags
Replica MiuMiu Handbags
Replica Balenciaga Handbags
Replica Coach Handbags
Replica Lancel Handbags
Replica Hermes Handbags
Replica Marc Jacobs Handbags
Replica Anya Hindmarch Handbags
Replica YSL Handbags
Replica Mulberry Handbags
Replica Givenchy Handbags
Replica Valentino Handbags
Replica Versace Handbags
Replica Cartier Handbags
Replica Marni Handbags
Replica Bottega Veneta Handbags
Replica Loewe Handbags
Replica Kooba Handbags
Replica Bally Handbags
Replica Burberry Handbags
Replica Christian Dior Handbags
Replica Juicy Couture Handbags
Replica Ferragamo Handbags
Replica Celine Handbags
Posted by: fake handbags | July 28, 2009 at 12:42 AM
LV Monogram Denim Patchwork handbag , commonly referred to as
Monogram Denim Patchwork bags, or sometimes shortened to
Louis Vuitton Monogram Dentelle handbag has become one of the most
Louis Vuitton Monogram Groom handbags luxury brands.
louis vittion web sitelove
lv handbag websitegood
cheap louis vuittoni like
cheap lvnice
Posted by: george | July 29, 2009 at 10:26 PM
Posted by: louisvuitton2 | August 03, 2009 at 12:05 PM
The network Gaia Gold layer - it will Dofus Kamas have to rely above, so Gaia Online Gold no need to trouble Kamas Dofus with the sockets. Use the top Kamas layer for your Buy Gaia Online Gold platform, even a library Acheter des Kamas full client-server. The graphics Buy Gaia Gold library - Do not write your Dofus Kamas Pas Cher scene graph, wretch! Neither the routines to MMORPG News load resources (images, 3D models). From the little I know Gold Gaia of DirectX is probably used Gaia Money directly, but for OpenGl, find Buy Gaia Money yourself a good graphics engine. ADH uses Gaia OpenSceneGraph, but there Gaia Gold Store are tons in all languages.
Posted by: Gaia Gold | August 04, 2009 at 12:13 AM
Pochette Tikal
Zipped Purse
Wallet with Coin Pocket
Pochette Orsay
Phone Case MM
Insolite Wallet
Zippy Coin Purse
Partenaire PM
Pochette Cancun
Pochette Tulum
Passport Organizer
PSP Case
Posted by: louisvuitton2 | August 05, 2009 at 08:00 AM
The wit of relatives links of london comes from the classic pendants and other ornaments of relatives of london. The romantic keyed in the influence of empathy seems to these relatives of Links of london Silver Chain ornaments together are used as the keeper of mystery, displaying the female links of london jewellery completely. aperture a distinctive kind of mold in the sculpt of “key” which makes us speculate as medal contains the confidence and commitment in the key to links of london sweetie bracelet box, collection box, tape, diary, luggage, and even the door of an exclusive disco or a country hall. Nevertheless, the romantic “ Links of london Rings ” is now derived into family of london key cycle and those old stories also relocated themselves from the “keys” reserved by relatives of london. All these conventional “keys”. Each unique Links of london Earrings , with clever shape will fetch you to a distinctively extravagant world. Besides, Most of them handcraft of some ones together, the authority a lot of cosmos to expect, which is made of the Links of london Pendants , platinum set with rhombus, or some skilled goldsmith and profound narration, is hung on oval or sequence associate.
Posted by: links of london | August 11, 2009 at 09:10 PM
Support of the Lou Zhu, Lou Zhu worked hard
Signature--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nothing is impossible for a willing heart.
ugg classic cardy
Posted by: hanyujoys | September 27, 2009 at 11:47 PM
The new billige rejser O dia do Valentim � uma ocasi�o aonde voc� consiga expressar seus sentimentos sentido ao seu mais caro.
Posted by: George Matthews | October 06, 2009 at 04:42 PM
Everything dynamic and very positively!
ugg classic tall
I've worn my ugg classic mini on cold, dry days, and they keep me warm outside as well as inside! (The ugg classic mini come with a hard sole that makes them durable beyond the bedroom.)
Wow, my uggs boots on sale will not be coming off now! I’ve had them on for 12hrs strait and I do not want to take them off. Thanks for everything, well worth the wait.
Posted by: aDGB | November 27, 2009 at 02:16 AM