TOUGH AND SMART

For years, Washington's drug policy was all about stopping the flow
north, an almost impossible job that has cost billions, filled
prisons and yielded paltry results. It was another war this nation
wasn't winning.

This approach is about to change with the selection of new drug czar
who wants to rebalance the battle by emphasizing treatment and
education. The aim is to slow this country's huge appetite for drugs,
an aspect of the war on drugs that's slighted as too tolerant to sell
politically.

The White House is tapping Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske, a
policy wonk who aims to emphasize both drug busts and rehab programs.
His city, like San Francisco, gives marijuana arrests the lowest priority.

His approach is neither legalization nor bombs-away interdiction. His
choice means the White House wants to hit both ends of the drug
problem: aiding countries battling producers and smugglers such as
Mexico and Colombia while working to diminish the American market,
which fuels the trade.

In reality, he'll also be an unofficial emissary to Mexico, where
some 7,000 have died in fights among drug cartels and Mexico law
enforcement. His task will be overseeing the $1.4 billion Merida
Initiative to aid the hard-pressed central government in its
anti-drug fight while working to stem the tide of guns, cash and
drug-making chemicals heading southward.

Kerlikowske's selection has raised doubts because his post will be
downgraded from Cabinet level. The White House says it wants him to
work closely with Vice President Joe Biden, who has staked out drug
policy as a special area of interest.

The drug war is due for a tough-minded but humane reappraisal. The
new czar is the right choice in crafting a new direction to replace a
failed strategy.