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CIA Uses Viagra to Fight the Taliban
By
Jen Chung
Published Dec 26, 2008
Modified Dec 26, 2008
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By
Jen Chung
Published Dec 26, 2008
Modified Dec 26, 2008
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The Washington Post offers a story about how win over Afghan "notoriously fickle warlords and chieftains" by offering them "variety of personal services." This includes "pocketknives and tools, medicine or surgeries for ailing family members, toys and school equipment, tooth extractions, travel visas, and, occasionally, pharmaceutical enhancements for aging patriarchs with slumping libidos." A CIA operative tells the WaPo, "Whatever it takes to make friends and influence people -- whether it's building a school or handing out Viagra." In one example, an older tribal leader with four younger wives was so pleased with the Viagra he "offered up a bonanza of information about Taliban movements and supply routes -- followed by a request for more pills." CNBC's Mike Huckman spoke to Pfizer, whose spokesperson said the pharmaceutical company was "certainly not" aware about the drug's use in the war against terror. But, seriously, what will the government think of next—tabs of LSD?!
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afghanistan
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taliban
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Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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