Opiates of the Iranian People

Iran has the highest opium addiction rate in the world, according to the UN; 2.8% of the population above 15 years old. Only two other countries have rates higher than 2%, Mauritius and Kyrgyzstan. Most observers (and addicts) blame unemployment, while some blame a government conspiracy to keep the youth busy since it cannot create enough jobs. Although governments don’t really create jobs, their policies affect job creation in many ways that can either speed it up or slow it down. I personally believe the Saudi government’s policies are not promoting job creation and that most of its efforts is counterproductive. I hope we don’t end up in the same place as Iran is today.