NATO Calls Drugs Afghanistan's Biggest Threat

The European Union has earmarked nearly $12 million to combat poppy cultivation in Afghanistan (AFP) 16 December 2005 -- NATO's top commander in Afghanistan says that drugs, not militants, are Afghanistan's biggest problem.

U.S. General James Jones made his remarks in Qatar en route to the Afghan capital Kabul for a meeting with Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

Jones said that drugs pose a greater threat to the country's security than the ongoing Taliban insurgency.

His remarks come as NATO prepares to send up to 6,000 more troops to expand its security mission in Afghanistan.

(AP)