Drug Crackdown Tied to U.N. Seat

The Taliban offered to stop growing poppies--which help make Afghanistan the world’s second-largest opium producer after the Golden Triangle of Southeast Asia--in exchange for recognition by the United Nations as the government of the country. Mullah Mohammed Omar, the supreme leader of the Islamic militia, made the offer in remarks that were broadcast by the Taliban over the radio. Only Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates recognize the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan. The offer was made as a U.N. envoy, Lakhdar Brahimi, was in Iran for talks on easing a border standoff with the Taliban.