Citation

Rubin BR. World Dev. 2000; 28(10): 1789-1803.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/S0305-750X(00)00054-1

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The 20-year old Afghan conflict has created an open war economy, affecting Afghanistan and surrounding areas. Not only has Afghanistan become the world's largest opium producer and a center for arms dealing, but it supports a multibillion dollar trade in goods smuggled from Dubai to Pakistan. This criminalized economy funds both the Taliban and their adversaries. It has transformed social relations and weakened states and legal economies throughout the region. Sustainable peace will require not just an end to fighting and a political agreement but a regional economic transformation that provides alternative forms of livelihood and promotes accountability.