SHINAHOTA, Bolivia-During nearly 14 years as president, Evo Morales
pampered the Chapare, the coca leaf-growing jungle region of central
Bolivia where he got his start in politics.
Mr. Morales expelled U.S. antidrug agents and promoted the health
benefits of the coca leaf, the raw material for cocaine, which is
legal and chewed by many indigenous people. His socialist government
built a paper mill, an airport, and a 25,000-seat soccer stadium in
the region. In turn, the farmers gave Mr. Morales, the head of a
federation of coca growers, their fervent support.
[continues 902 words] |