Drug cultivation is one of Afghanistan's most important sources of income. Die WELT visited the fields and talked to the people who live from growing opium and marijuana. The Taliban banned the cultivation of these plants once before. But this time is different. 16/10/2021 This article was originally published by Die Welt on October 13, 2021. The original can be found here . Translation by SyriacPress By Alfred Hackensberger correspondent for WELT In the full afternoon heat, they huddle together in the shade of the last remaining grave on the grounds of the dilapidated cemetery of Mazar-i-Sharif. Some smoke crystal meth from small glass pipes, others heroin on aluminum foil, or opium. The relaxed mood of the ten or so men are changes abruptly when an armed member of the Taliban appears. He suddenly hits one of the drug users with the butt of his rifle and kicks him when he’s down. “The Taliban beat us all the time,” says the sturdy and tall No...
