Drugs: Qat

     Jaqui White reports on qat, which is dmaging public health and the economy of Yemen. All governments have great difficulty in controlling drugs and inter-ethnic hatreds. Jaqui writes:
     When we were in Yemen the people seemed a little hesitant to speak about the national pastime which is chewing Qat. It is sold absolutely everywhere - in the markets, in the street - just everywhere. There is nothing secretive about it - it is just like purchasing a head of lettuce. We were staying in the best hotel in Sana, and they had a special room off the lobby, very luxurious, with very low couches and soft lighting devoted only to Qat. The wall hangings, rugs and couches were of scarlet velvet.
     One has to build up sensitivity to it, and it discolours the teeth, so I regret to report that we did not try any. We were told that it is very soporific and one is very calm when one chews it, although it is known as a mild stimulant. It is grown on the fertile hills of what used to be known as North Yemen - North and South united in 1990. These hills or mountains have the perfect climate to grow the best coffee in the world, which was done for centuries. It was then discovered that it was far more lucrative to grow Qat, so coffee is basically no longer cultivated.
     The government of Yemen has tried for decades to discourage Qat, to absolutely no avail. Since it is grown and consumed throughout the country, I think they would have to figure out some kind of in-house Border Patrol.

Ronald Hilton - 08/02/99