But Majid and others here in Badakhshan fear the new U.S. strategy could backfire.

NPR: Teams Focus on Poppy Eradication in Afghanistan

Afghan officials say even a popular governor like Abdul Majid cannot control every part of Badakhshan.

NPR: Teams Focus on Poppy Eradication in Afghanistan

In January, German forces handed over security of the northern province of Badakhshan to Afghan control.

BBC: Afghanistan: Germany's Merkel in troop deadline warning

Cross-border trade with China, it says, will revive not just the depressed Gorno-Badakhshan region in the Pamir mountains, but the country as a whole.

ECONOMIST: Tajikistan

The government accused Mr. Ayombekov, a Gorno-Badakhshan native, of assassinating days earlier a general commanding the provincial branch of the Tajik state security service.

WSJ: Western Tourists Caught in Tajik Drama

Still, Badakhshan is emerging as one of the few success stories.

NPR: Teams Focus on Poppy Eradication in Afghanistan

As for Gorno-Badakhshan, a region covering nearly half of the country, its only outlet is the perilous mountain road to Osh in Kirgizstan, impassable in winter.

ECONOMIST: Tajikistan

In the course of this interview she mentioned Nadia Anjuman, an Afghan poetess killed in November 2005, and Amina of Badakhshan, a young woman reportedly stoned to death for having an extra-marital affair in April 2005.

BBC: Malalai Joy, Afghan MP