Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
CIA Uses Viagra to Fight the Taliban
By
Jen Chung
Published Dec 26, 2008
Modified Dec 26, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Chung
Published Dec 26, 2008
Modified Dec 26, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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?!
Tagged
afghanistan
c.i.a.
taliban
viagra
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Plainclothes ICE agent with long gun looked like mass shooter, Mayor Mamdani says
The mayor said his administration would review ICE and NYPD actions surrounding Thursday’s shooting.
By
Michael Sol Warren
Published Oct 11, 2026 at 1:49 p.m. ET
NJ Transit riders face 5 weeks of schedule disruptions starting Sunday
NJ Transit and Amtrak riders should prepare for cancellations, schedule changes and longer commutes as work continues on the new Portal North Bridge.
By
Giulia Heyward
News
NJ Transit riders face 5 weeks of schedule disruptions starting Sunday
NJ Transit and Amtrak riders should prepare for cancellations, schedule changes and longer commutes as work continues on the new Portal North Bridge.
By
Giulia Heyward
For a Democrat in a traditionally red NJ district, how to woo Republican voters
By
Mike Hayes
2 pedestrians killed in Bronx crash after driver ran red light, police say
By
Brittany Kriegstein
and
Ann Givens
Rain could put a damper on NYC’s long weekend. Here’s when it will clear.
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .