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Plan Columbia Expected to Continue
February 23, 2009

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News Summary

Officials in Colombia expect President Barack Obama to continue to send billions of dollars south to battle cocaine trafficking, contending that the alternative is more drugs on U.S. streets, Reuters reported Feb. 21.

The Bush administration directed more than $5 billion at Plan Colombia, which focused on aiding Colombia's military in drug interdiction and eradication efforts. Colombian Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos called the program "the most successful bipartisan U.S. foreign policy of recent times" and expects it to continue, citing bipartisan support for Plan Colombia funding in Congress.

However, Colombian cocaine production continues to grow, and President Obama's plans for the program are uncertain.

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

Posted by Luis M. Lozano on 24 Feb 09 01:06 PM EST
There is no evidence that this program has worked to reduce the amount of drugs entering the U.S. It has led to the death of hundreds of labor leaders, politicians, reporters and civilians in one of the most represive governments in South American and to the incarceration of more people here and in Columbia.

Posted by Morgan Moss on 24 Feb 09 01:42 PM EST
This whole matter needs a thorough review and evaluation of its effectiveness. I believe a large portion of these funds should be spent on demand reduction by using effective private, public, societal and correctional programming. For far too long we have focused on keeping drugs out, failed at it, and wasted billions while effective interventions go under due to lack of funding. The war on drugs effort has been very badly managed -- its time to get smart now and we have the window of opportunity.

Posted by jed on 24 Feb 09 03:27 PM EST
Can you imagine what an impact 5 billion dollars would make if spent on treatment and prevention? I sincerely hope this report by Reuters is incorrect. I'm tired of watching people who want drug and alcohol treatment in the town where I work die because they can't afford it.

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