It's a fine line between diabolical and genius, as evidenced by this morning's Washington Post story about how American forces are using Viagra as incentives to win friends and influence the people of Afghanistan:
"Take one of these. You'll love it," the officer said. Compliments of Uncle Sam.
The enticement worked. The officer, who described the encounter, returned four days later to an enthusiastic reception. The grinning chief offered up a bonanza of information about Taliban movements and supply routes -- followed by a request for more pills.
Among the noteworthy historical details is that during the height of the cold war, Americans traditionally used economic incentives to lure spies, while the Soviets figured out that sex was a better sell. Thus: foxy double agents were real. And, apparently, they were called "honey traps." So I guess we're finally catching up to 1960! Then again, that means going back to 1960, or much further really, to exploit the gender politics of Afghanistan tribal culture:
Afghan tribal leaders often had four wives -- the maximum number allowed by the Koran -- and aging village patriarchs were easily sold on the utility of a pill that could "put them back in an authoritative position," the official said.
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