EVOLUTION OF A POLICY: A TIMELINE

Here is a brief timeline of how the United States became involved in
interdicting drug-laden planes in Peru.

1986: President Reagan issues a directive declaring that combating drug
trafficking is a national priority. With host country consent, U.S.
military forces and assets can be used, in supporting but not lead roles,
to detect and interdict drug traffickers.

1989: President Bush approves a $2.2 billion, five-year Andean Initiative
to help Bolivia, Colombia and Peru dismantle drug-trafficking operations,
eradicate coca crops and encourage farmers to grow substitute crops. More
law-enforcement, military and economic aid is offered.

1993: President Clinton issues a directive to improve U.S. efforts to help
other countries combat drug trafficking. Effort includes more intelligence
sharing and increased cooperation, including more U.S. anti-drug aid and
materiel for foreign militaries.

1994: The National Defense Authorization Act allows U.S. forces and
employees to assist foreign nations in intercepting drug planes. The U.S.
can participate only where operational command remains with the host
country, there is _reasonable suspicion_ of trafficking, and the
intercepted pilot ignores a series of clear warnings.

1995: Peru starts U.S.-backed Air Bridge Denial Program aimed at disrupting
cocaine air shipments from Peru to Colombia.

U.S. intelligence data and reconnaissance are used to locate suspect
aircraft, intercept them and shoot or ground them. Peruvian commanders
direct all interdiction operations.

- -- Knight Ridder Newspapers