The Taliban were largely against the production of opium, suppressing its growth prior to the NATO invasion. When they lost power, opium production shot through the roof because the local populace sees it as a means to make a little money. I've personally walked through some of those poppy fields. Not even considering the logistical and medical issues associated with burning poppy fields, consider this: If US troops destroy the one thing that these guys use to feed their families, how is the local populace going to react? It's probably going to result in a catastrophic loss of rapport, increased violence against NATO forces, increased support of the forces that work against NATO forces, and deterioration of the political situation in the country. DEA has had limited operations in the area to contain the problem but not stop it. This has been chalked up to one of the costs of doing business.
