DRUG STRATEGY FOR COLOMBIA IS A FAILURE

As the U.S. Congress and public are focused on preparations for war with
Iraq, the U.S. government deepens its involvement with the 40-year-old
civil war in Colombia. The Associated Press reported that the United States
dispatched 150 soldiers to search for the downed intelligence operatives in
Colombia. This deployment brings the number of U.S. troops in Colombia to
more than 400.

The United States continues to pursue a dangerously simplistic policy in
Colombia instead of addressing the deep and complex causes of the conflict,
revolving around economic issues.

Last year's focus was the "war on drugs," which has now morphed into the
"war on terrorism." By all measures the anti-drug mission has failed. The
price of cocaine and heroin on U.S. streets has remained constant and the
amount of coca grown in South America has stayed the same at more than
200,000 hectares.

As evidence of failure accumulates, one might expect Washington to
reconsider its military-centric strategy. In the name of the drug war the
United States has given $2.4 billion in aid to Colombia since 1996. Of this
amount, 82 percent, or $1.96 billion, has gone for police and military
expenditures. A very small percentage of the funds have been used for
alternative crop programs, even though law requires these. Now the United
States has sent Special Forces to fight in Colombia.

As our involvement increases, serious questions must be raised. Will the
annual level of military aid continue to grow to $1 billion, $2 billion or
more? Will we see an increased U.S. military presence in Colombia? How much
U.S. military aid is enough to guarantee success? What is the definition of
success in Colombia?

After 40 years of war, Colombia needs a negotiated peace to solve its
complex problems, not more war. Support for alternative development
programs to help poor Colombian farmers transition from growing drug crops
is an essential step. In the United States, expanded availability drug
treatment programs will do more to reduce the drug problem than any
interdiction program we finance in Colombia.

- -- Noreen Ordronneau, Carrboro