CIA's Viagra Politics [UPDATE ADDED]

Caught a fabulous story in today's weekend edition of the Sydney Morning Herald. Does this opening not want to make you read further?

The Afghan chieftain looked older than his 60-odd years and his bearded face bore the creases of a man burdened with duties as tribal patriarch and husband to four younger women. His visitor, a CIA officer, saw a chance, and reached in his bag for a small gift.

Four blue pills. Viagra.

"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.

Brilliant! Wish I had thought of it myself for a fiction story. Check out the Sydney Morning Herald website to keep reading or the Weekend Australian for more information.