Iraq’s Hidden Third Plague

Karzan Kawsin

Iraq is still suffering from threats of ISIS, meanwhile feeling the heat of climate change effects. Lately added to this, is the increasing use and trade of the dangerous narcotics in the various parts of the country. The economic crisis of both Iran and Iraq and ISIS’s intermittent presence in the area could deteriorate the conditions of control.
The Iraqi government has constantly been in struggle with narcotic trafficking and abuse since the collapse of Baath regime in 2003. According to officials in the related field, almost 90 percent of narcotic substances (crystal, Captagon pills, and hashish) enter Iraq through the country’s eastern border with Iran, due to weak security procedures and the established smuggling bands of marshlands and unofficial crossings. Not only Iran, but also Syria has become a hub for narcotic dealings.
The essential question here is that, how could a country which is already plagued by internal conflict and climate change face with the menacing challenge of narcotics? More important than what is going on in the neighboring countries is the condition of the new volatile government in Iraq. It would not be easy for it to immediately tackle the newly emerged problems, let alone the deep rooted ones.
Recently, both Lebanon and Syria have become important sources for production of addictive drugs guided by Iran. This is considered the main funding source for Hizbullah since its alliance with Syrian regime in the trade throughout the area. Now, whether the Iraqi militias involved or not, the spread of the substances in the country could possibly jeopardize its vulnerable youth. It is clear that the security situation in the area remains volatile for the time being, so does the economic situation. In this respect, the drug industry needs the increase of marketing and distribution to survive and Iraq seems to be next potential market.
The issue of rising drug use and transit in Iraq is the result of dividing forces and parties in the country, making them susceptible to manipulation by regional states. Also, instability in Iraq is historical which has always brought with it a host of long-lasting problems.
The current growing problem of narcotics in Iraq is not promising and could destroy an entire generation of young men in the country. Previously and now, Iranian and then Syrian societies have respectively suffered from the consequences of narcotics trade. If a measured strategic plan is not considered for counter narcotics, things could go rampant in Iraq too.
There is a chance that if the new government start the reduction of poverty through launching funds for farmers and job opportunities for newly graduates, the youth would avoid the use and involvement of the substances. Also, the continuous awareness campaigns for targeted groups are not of less significance. Nevertheless, The most considerable measures by the government so far has been the tightening of the penalties and widening the counter narcotic units across the country. One of the signs the government has not taken into account the graveness of this case is that it has not established enough rehabilitation centers for the addicts, instead they are mostly put in prison which has further worsened the situation.