The Poppy wars

I am wondering why no-one has commented on the irony of the Poppy symbol for Armistice Day and its links with Afghanistan. Perhaps it’s not politically correct to do so, but given the increasing gravity of the situation in Afghanistan and the wish of the majority of Britons to support their troops, it seems a little ignorant not to point out the obvious.

With the devastating loss of so many young soldiers recently and the current intensification of British military activity in Afghanistan, what was dubbed the ‘war on terror’ is at the forefront of public concerns. Families of those who have been killed want to know what we are fighting for.


The US and British governments, and state controlled news media would have us believe that continued military presence is necessary to secure safe and fair elections, and maintain political stability. There was little attempt, at least, to deny that both governments supported an outcome favourable to the western world.


The truth is probably less savoury. The so called ‘war on terror’ is now predominantly led by counter-narcotics initiatives. The control of thousands of acres of poppy fields by the Taliban for the production of heroin and generation of cash continues to ensure their survival. The cash is put back into weapons and the war continues. On the face of it then, should one country’s political activities be of such concern to the British government? No-one seems quite as bothered by events in the Democratic Republic of Congo or Zimbabwe. When you consider the underlying reasons, however, there appears to be much stronger justification for continuing war efforts in Afghanistan. So why doesn’t the government just tell the truth?


Should eradication of Afghan poppy fields be one of Britain’s primary military objectives? I don’t have a better answer for how to control worldwide demand for narcotics and continued fuelling of terrorism. So until I do, I will trust current military objectives and offer my full support to every man and woman, young and old who has risked his life in the name of protecting his country. To me the poppy is a symbol representing the possibility of peace, and the duty for all of us to find a way.