Last month, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on Afghanistan that could pave the way for a new and more open-minded approach to counternarcotics strategies worldwide. In fact, the resolution called on the participants at a conference of donors, which took place in London at the end of January, "to take into consideration the proposal of licensed production of opium for medical purposes, as already granted to a number of countries." This proposal was originally made by the Senlis Council, an independent organization based in Paris, during a workshop in Kabul last September. The text introduced by the European Liberal Democrats, with the support of virtually all political groups in the European Parliament, is revolutionary, not only because it goes against conventional thinking, but also because it raises the issue above the stagnant reality of the "war on drugs." In Afghanistan, that so-called war has essentially been based on eradication campaigns and alternative livelihood projects, which have achieved only scant results. [continues 750 words]
This month, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on Afghanistan that could pave the way for a new and more open-minded approach to counter-narcotics strategies worldwide. In fact, the resolution calls on the participants at a conference of donors, to take place in London at the end of January, "to take into consideration the proposal of licensed production of opium for medical purposes, as already granted to a number of countries." This proposal was originally made by the Senlis Council, an independent organization based in Paris, during a workshop in Kabul last September. The text introduced by the European Liberal Democrats, with the support of virtually all political groups in the European Parliament, is revolutionary, not only because it goes against conventional thinking, but also because it raises the issue above the stagnant reality of the "war on drugs." In Afghanistan, that so-called war has essentially been based on eradication campaigns and alternative livelihood projects, which have achieved only scant results. [continues 759 words]
We must recognise that prohibition, rather than curtailing use, generates crime, because it makes trading in illicit drugs a lucrative business. As politicians everywhere remain loath to be seen as "soft on drugs," something must be done to call attention to this remorseless failure The world's attention has been focused on the war on Iraq. But another war - - this one UN-sanctioned - has been going on simultaneously: the war on drugs. In my view, every sensible person should want this largely ignored war to end as well. While the UN should play a role in leading Iraq toward a free and democratic society, it must also change dramatically its own course in the war on drugs and lead the world to a saner policy. [continues 759 words]
The world must develop a different approach to combating narcotics trafficking before we all become addicted to the UN's failed strategy of prohibition By Emma Bonino Wednesday, Apr 16, 2003,Page 9 The world's attention has been focused on the war on Iraq. But another war -- this one UN-sanctioned -- has been going on simultaneously -- the war on drugs. In my view, every sensible person should want this largely ignored war to end as well. While the UN should play a role in leading Iraq toward a free and democratic society, it must also change dramatically its own course in the war on drugs and lead the world to a saner policy. [continues 743 words]
The World Must Develop A Different Approach To Combating Narcotics Trafficking Before We All Become Addicted To The UN's Failed Strategy Of Prohibition The world's attention has been focused on the war on Iraq. But another war - -- this one UN-sanctioned -- has been going on simultaneously -- the war on drugs. In my view, every sensible person should want this largely ignored war to end as well. While the UN should play a role in leading Iraq toward a free and democratic society, it must also change dramatically its own course in the war on drugs and lead the world to a saner policy. [continues 744 words]
