FIGHTING THE DRUG CARTELS

To the Editor:

Re "Colombia Can Win Mexico's Drug War" (Op-Ed, July 30):

Gustavo A. Flores-Macias is quite correct to point to the important
improvements in good governance in Colombia as an explanation for that
country's relative success against the drug cartels. He recommends
that Mexico follow the same course. That would be a good thing,
although as he points out, political and security reforms would be
needed to do so.

The more fundamental issue is the raging demand for illegal drugs, in
the United States and in Europe. If Colombia drives out the cartels,
they just move elsewhere. Mexico's location means, however, that it
will remain a focus of cartel activity.

The real game-changer will be when the United States learns the lesson
of Prohibition and legalizes, regulates and taxes these drugs.

John Peeler

Lewisburg, Pa., July 30, 2010

The writer is professor emeritus of political science at Bucknell
University.