AFGHANISTAN — Legend claims that the island of Manhattan was purchased with beads and blankets. While that’s not true, it is possible that at least one segment of the so-called war on terror might be won with a handful of little blue pills. At least, that’s what some within the Pentagon are hoping. According to the Washington Post, Uncle Sam has discovered that an unorthodox way to convince at least some Afghan chieftains to see it the red-white-and-blue-way is by handing them a fist full of Viagra.
It’s not just erectile enhancing medication that has proven capable of renting, if not buying, the capricious loyalties of tribal leaders. Pocketknives, tools, toys, school equipment, travel visas and both medical and dental services have all served to loosen tongues concerning the Taliban’s movements and supply routes, among other things.
It’s no secret that the CIA has long been willing to exchange cash for secrets, but expanding to personal services is somewhat less common.
“Whatever it takes to make friends and influence people, whether it’s building a school or handing out Viagra,” an anonymous operative admitted to the Post while explaining how Afghan leaders can change loyalties as readily as their new allies can offer incentives.
With Iranian agents, Taliban commanders and opium dealers all vying for a special place in the hearts and minds of warlords and tribal elders, weapons and money aren’t as uniquely appealing as they once were. Firearms often wind up aimed at the good guys and money can purchase luxury items that attract sometimes deadly attention, but an aging stiffy that can satisfy multiple young wives is something even the most anti-U.S. power broker can find tempting.
“You’re trying to bridge a gap between people living in the 18th century and people coming in from the 21st century,” CIA Afghanistan covert operations veteran Jamie Smith explained to the Post. “So you look for those common things in the form of material aid that motivate people everywhere.”
Material aid that motivates people but doesn’t broadcast to the Islamic world that they’ve sold secrets, to be precise.
Using sex to lubricate the path to cooperation is nothing new, of course. Soviet spy services were well known for their habit of employing beautiful women to lure foreign diplomats into talking off record. Some of those who chose to speak with the Post insist that the sexual enhancement drugs for information exchange is rarely employed and only when interacting with older man who will experience the most notable “silver bullet” benefit from the otherwise largely unavailable – and sometimes entirely unknown – medication.
