Breaking these connections without alienating the civilian population in what has been a Taliban stronghold is no small task. More than seven U.S. Marine and Afghan national security force battalions have been committed to the mission. So have significant resources of the DEA and the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, which will provide micro-grants to farmers who do not harvest the poppies they planted last fall. Cash will be given to stimulate small businesses and encourage repairs to economic infrastructure damage incurred during combat operations.
Our Fox News team accompanied Leonhart; Ambassador Anthony Wayne, coordinator of U.S. development and economic assistance in Afghanistan; and Thomas Harrigan, DEA's chief of operations, to Marjah. There they met with those who will be the final arbiters of whether the plan succeeds -- local officials and civilians.
"We all have a lot to do in this effort, but I'm optimistic. These are very entrepreneurial, hardworking people," Wayne told me as we walked down a street where gunfights raged just a few weeks ago. The provincial governor, Gulab Mangal, widely regarded as one of the most competent in Afghanistan, has signed on, said one of the Marine officers involved in developing the plan. "That's what we need," the officer added.
There is more that is needed, as well, e.g., a hospital or at least a clinic, schools, roads, bridges, electricity, improved irrigation -- the basic services government is supposed to provide or assure. And there is another element that is crucial for success -- showing the people that their government is serious about cleaning up corruption. That's a key part of what the DEA brings to the fight.
"The most effective judicial system in Afghanistan is the special narcotics court," a Marine officer noted. "Marines prosecute enemy targets with bombs and bullets. The DEA, Afghan National Interdiction Unit and special investigative units collect evidence to prosecute targets differently but just as effectively."
Leonhart agrees. Standing beside me on the dusty streets of Marjah, she said, "The DEA is completely committed to winning this battle. Our blood has been spilled here. Locking up corrupt officials involved with narcotics is not only good for the people of Afghanistan; it's good for these Marines and the American people, too." She's right.