Pubdate: Sat, 10 Nov 2001
Source: Modesto Bee, The (CA)
Copyright: 2001 The Modesto Bee
Contact:  http://www.modbee.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/271
Author: Dr. R.B. Tuttle
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?203 (Terrorism)

ONE WAR AT A TIME

Someone please explain why we are fighting a "war on drugs," the net result 
of which has been to make drug trafficking so lucrative that bin Laden and 
al-Qaida -- entrepreneurs in the poppy extract distribution business -- 
will never have to worry about financing their next round of terrorism.

The United States is burning the candle at both ends with its twin wars on 
drugs and terrorism. With the offensive against terrorist financial 
networks in full swing, it's a pretty sure bet terrorist organizations like 
al-Qaida will shift the bulk of their financing to the underground 
cash-only economy of the drug trade and related criminal activities.

If President Bush proclaims we're in this war on terrorism for the long 
haul, then new thinking on the drug war is in order. Finding a way out of 
the drug war could well be the most effective way to deny financial 
resources to future terrorists.

DR. R.B. TUTTLE, Modesto
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