Pubdate: Fri, 14 Jan 2000
Source: New York Times (NY)
Copyright: 2000 The New York Times Company
Contact:  http://www.nytimes.com/
Forum: http://www10.nytimes.com/comment/
Author: Robert Knake
Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n036/a10.html

ECONOMICS OF DRUG WAR

To the Editor:

The Clinton administration's $1.3 billion aid package to fight narcotics in
Colombia, much of which will be spent on military training and equipment,
will not outweigh the market forces of supply and demand for drugs (news
article, Jan. 12).

For this program to succeed, the poorly equipped Colombian Army would have
to retake an area the size of Switzerland controlled by mobile and
well-financed guerrillas.

Even with major United States aid, the Colombian Army stands little chance
of dislodging the guerrillas and bringing drug production under control.

Congress and the president should instead consider focusing on reducing
demand at home. A drop in the price of drugs caused by lower demand would
do more to hurt the rebel cause than financing a weak and corrupt army.

Robert Knake, New London, Conn., Jan. 12, 2000
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jo-D