Revisiting Afghanistan's Drug Policy: A Policy Analysis of Eradication, Harm Reduction, and Economic Dependencies.

Background: Afghanistan's responses to illicit drugs have oscillated between punitive eradication and limited harm-reduction initiatives. Two decades of heavy external spending, entrenched conflict, and an economy intertwined with opium have blunted policy effectiveness. Methods: Guided by Walt and Gilson's policy-triangle, we undertook a document-based review (2001-2024). Twenty-seven national laws, strategies, and analytical reports were retrieved from government and multilateral repositories. Data were coded thematically using Braun-and-Clarke's six-phase approach to map policy content, actors, context, and implementation barriers. Results: Four themes emerged. Conclusion: Sustainable progress demands moving beyond short-term enforcement toward an integrated rural-development and public-health agenda. Priorities include: (i) secure livelihood alternatives for farmers; (ii) restoration and scale-up of evidence-based treatment and harm-reduction services; (iii) transparent governance mechanisms that engage local communities. A balanced, context-sensitive policy mix offers the best prospect of reducing drug-related harm while addressing the structural drivers that have long frustrated Afghan counter-narcotics efforts.