Terrorists, Tyrants, And Tobacco: How The Illicit Cigarette Trade Fuels Instability In The Middle East

The sea is the circulatory system of the world economy, through which the economic blood of trade, ideas, and information flows. At odds with this healthy economic lifeblood are the pathogens of theft, corruption, and illicit trafficking. In addition to patently illegal contraband, such as narcotics and weapons, numerous illicit goods move through the maritime transportation system, avoiding taxes and undermining legitimate trade. Tobacco is one of the most commonly smuggled illicit goods around the world.

http://cimsec.org/terrorists-tyrants-tobacco-illicit-cigarette-trade-fuels-instability-middle-east/12623