Pubdate: Tue, 24 Apr 2001
Source: Seattle Times (WA)
Copyright: 2001 The Seattle Times Company
Contact:  http://www.seattletimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/409

EVOLUTION OF A POLICY: A TIMELINE

Here is a brief timeline of how the United States became involved in 
interdicting drug-laden planes in Peru.

1986: President Reagan issues a directive declaring that combating drug 
trafficking is a national priority. With host country consent, U.S. 
military forces and assets can be used, in supporting but not lead roles, 
to detect and interdict drug traffickers.

1989: President Bush approves a $2.2 billion, five-year Andean Initiative 
to help Bolivia, Colombia and Peru dismantle drug-trafficking operations, 
eradicate coca crops and encourage farmers to grow substitute crops. More 
law-enforcement, military and economic aid is offered.

1993: President Clinton issues a directive to improve U.S. efforts to help 
other countries combat drug trafficking. Effort includes more intelligence 
sharing and increased cooperation, including more U.S. anti-drug aid and 
materiel for foreign militaries.

1994: The National Defense Authorization Act allows U.S. forces and 
employees to assist foreign nations in intercepting drug planes. The U.S. 
can participate only where operational command remains with the host 
country, there is _reasonable suspicion_ of trafficking, and the 
intercepted pilot ignores a series of clear warnings.

1995: Peru starts U.S.-backed Air Bridge Denial Program aimed at disrupting 
cocaine air shipments from Peru to Colombia.

U.S. intelligence data and reconnaissance are used to locate suspect 
aircraft, intercept them and shoot or ground them. Peruvian commanders 
direct all interdiction operations.

- -- Knight Ridder Newspapers
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens