Western Asia the Mediterranean Sea. To the north, the region is delimited from Europe by the Caucasus Mountains, to the southwest, it is delimited from Africa by the Isthmus of Suez, while to the east, the region adjoins Central Asia and South Asia. The Dasht-e Kavir and Dasht-e Lut deserts in eastern Iran naturally delimit the region somewhat from Asia itself. Three major tectonic plates converge on Western Asia, including the African, Eurasian, and Arabian plates. The boundaries between the tectonic plates make up the Azores-Gibraltar Ridge, extending across North Africa, the Red Sea, and into Iran. The Arabian Plate is moving
Drug trade in West Africa Drug trade in West Africa In the late 1950s and early 1960s the US and EU’s demand for cocaine, cannabis, and other drugs increased dramatically. This resulted in two trade routes, both of which went through West Africa. One route exported local cannabis from West and South Africa to Europe and Asia. The other trade route moved cocaine from Latin America and heroin from Afghanistan to the EU and US. This was only possible because of West Africa’s badly policed borders, endemic corruption, and economic inequalities. At first the drugs were only smuggled in small quantities, but as time progressed