One of the Central Asian countries the US may launch air strikes from is Tajikistan. Last week the Soviet Foreign Minister said the Bush Administration could use military facilities in Tajikistan, an unprecedented extension of US military power in the region.

According to the UN, however, Tajikistan has become a major transshipment point for heroin and opium on its way toEurope. Recent reports indicate that drug prices in Europe have even been falling as drug gangs in Afghanistan,Tajikistan and elsewhere sell off their stockpiles in anticipation of a US military attack.

Guest:

• Antonella Deledda, regional representative for Central Asia for the UN Office on Drug Control and CrimePrevention in Uzbekistan

Related link:

• UN Office on Drug Control and Crime Prevention