El Diablo

Hey HODA,

Interesting point you make.  I think an argument could be made for some types of imports being considered a terrorist threat but in the case of drugs it might be a hard sell.  I personally look at the whole drug business as primarily a domestic problem here in the States.  Is it the supply of cocaine in Colombia and Peru that creates the demand or is the demand for cocaine in the United States that creates the supply?  I think it's primarily a demand problem and therefore we may in fact be more culpable than the Colombians.  Did you see the movie Traffic?  I thought it was an interesting look into the complex problems of the drug trade.

I was watching one of those news talk shows recently.  I think it was the O'Reilly Factor.  Anyway, William Bennet (former drug czar from mid 80's) was the guest talking on some subject I've forgotten.  At some point though, the discussion moved to the war on drugs.  Bennett made some kind of throw away comment indicating his hands were often tied when he was czar.  He indicated he had more ambitious plans but they were never acted on because other cabinet members believed the political fallout would be too great.  O'Reilly picked up on this statement and began pressing him for some details.  Bennet was reluctant but he did finally offer an example which I found fascinating.  He talked about a plan he had to bomb every cocaine manufacturing facility in Colombia with U.S. fighters.  He claimed that he had the support of the Colombian government and the intelligence to identify where all the facilities were.  He further claimed that the strikes could be accomplished quickly and would eliminate the cartels ability to manufacture for an entire year. He said the intelligence is there today also but as before the political will does not exist to do anything.  

Although this interview was pre Sept 11th, I agree and don't believe there is the political will to enter into any conflict with Colombia.  Any conflict with Colombia is likely to be perceived as entering into the domestic politics of a sovereighn nation.   I agree totally with Cali Vets assesment and as much as I'd like the U.S. to go in and kick butt, I think the Colombians will have to solve this one.

El Diablo

This is just my opinion but we have troops all over the world and in many countries but that doesn't necessarily mean that we'd directly enter into one of their internal conflicts.  We might provide training and some weapons but I personally would be really surprised to see United States soldiers at war with the FARC and ELN.  You and I have friends and loved ones in Colombia, for us it's not a civil war but a trajedy of greed and terrible injustices.  But is this the view of your ordinary American, probably not. The typical American views Colombia as a drug country ONLY and has little sympathy for their plight.  

The Republican party which is in control of foreign policy for the most part, has two primary camps when it comes to waging war.  One camp has always been somewhat isolationist but made an exception for communism. They were willing to take on the Soviet threat wherever they perceived it to be around the world.  With the Soviet collapse this group is rather isolationist today.

The other group, the Country Club Republicans if you will,  are less isolationist and see an active involvement were U.S. interests are perceived to be.  The best example of this is the Middle East.  Our interests here are Isreal and oil.  The unfortunate thing about Colombia is that is not perceived as a vital U.S. interest and because of this there's really not much support to involve ourself in their internal affairs.

Maybe things will be different after September 11.  I hope so!!

El Diablo

Peace....Hoda

p.s. the "Warpig" handle is definitly not appropriate to your point of view.

Mal, is that you....LOL!!!