https://pjmedia.com/richardfernandez/2009/08/12/the-opium-war/feed/PJ Media is a leading news site covering culture, politics, faith, homeland security, and more. Our reporters and columnists provide original, in-depth analysis from a variety of perspectives.en-usWed, 10 Jun 2026 08:06:57 -0400<![CDATA[The Estonians, British and US Marines have each in turn attempted to secure Helmand Province in Afghanistan, but without ultimate success. Now the USMC is trying again. What are they attempting to achieve? Helmand province is shaped like a narrow wedge running from the Pakistani border pointing north into the heart of Afghanistan. It is the single largest opium producing region in the world, &#8220;responsible for 42% of the world&#8217;s total production &#8230; more than the whole of Burma, which is the second largest producing nation after Afghanistan.&#8221;]]>Wed, 12 Aug 2009 06:28:42 -0400<![CDATA[Richard Fernandez]]>https://pjmedia.com/richard-fernandez/2009/08/12/the-opium-war-n188955