Change Course

More rational approach to international drug fight

Sometimes in the heat of battle, a wise commander must reassess
his tactics and shift them. Such may be the case in the
international war on drugs.

U.S. Sens. Christopher Dodd, DConn., and John McCain, RAriz.,
have introduced legislation to do just that, with the added
benefit that a change in tactics could foster more cooperation
with our international allies in the fight.

The DoddMcCain resolution, which could be added as an amendment
to the foreign aid legislation being considered by the Senate
this month, is targeted at the "certification" process that
requires the president each year to certify that nations are
cooperating partners in good standing in the antidrug effort.
Should the certification be denied, there are all sorts of
serious political and fiscal ramifications for nations found out
of compliance.

The bruising, high politicized certification process involving
Mexico earlier this year was proof that a different approach
needs to be given at least a trial period.

The DoddMcCain initiative calls upon the president to create a
highlevel national task force to develop a comprehensive
strategy on combating drug trafficking and consumption. The
president, in turn, would call upon the heads of state of major
drug producing and transit nations to establish similar task
forces. Within a year, an international summit would be convened
to review the task forces' recommendations and adopt more
coordinated policies.

The legislation, in order to create a more conducive climate for
this cooperation, would suspend the U.S. drug certification
process for two years.

There are several arguments to support this effort. But they all
boil down to increasing the likelihood that more productive,
rational debate and policy formulation will occur. And rather
than alienate our allies, it is a more sensible and multilateral
approach to the very serious problems posed by those who make,
transport and use illegal drugs.

For the twoyear suspension period, at least, the proposal is
worth a try.