Last week, the World Food Program warned of a serious food shortage this winter due to soaring wheat prices, a bad harvest and reduced supplies from neighboring Pakistan - the result of efforts by Pakistan's new military rulers to halt smuggling across its porous border with Afghanistan. Smuggling is believed to cost Pakistan billions of dollars in lost revenue from import and sales taxes. Afghan officials, however, blame U.N. sanctions imposed Nov. 14 to pressure the ruling Taliban army to hand over suspected terrorist Osama bin Laden for trial - even though the sanctions do not directly effect food or humanitarian aid. A survey of Kabul's largest food market showed prices of nearly everything have nearly doubled in the last 10 days. Jan Aga, a store owner, said a 220-pound sack of flour costs twice what it did 10 days ago.
People are desperate.
In Islamic Afghanistan, most people also are observing the daytime fast to mark the holy month of Ramadan. If you appreciate the information we provide, please support our work. Make a donation or become a member of Global Policy Forum.