The Clinton administration and Congress are discussing how to
best help Colombia win a narco-guerrilla war. The White House
has proposed a $1.3 billion aid package over the next two years,
which includes funds for judicial and economic reforms.
Republicans in Congress want most of the package devoted to
military spending. A third voice opposes all military aid for
Colombia, arguing that it will only intensify the fighting and
lead to more human rights abuses. This opinion is shared by U.S.
human rights groups and liberal think tanks. What to do?
Colombia is a tough problem, but it is one the United States
cannot afford to ignore. This is because both countries share a
drug problem. Colombia provides the United States with 80
percent of its cocaine and an increasing portion of its heroin.
The United States provides Colombia with consumers who crave
illegal drugs and have the means to buy them. Thus, the jungles
of Colombia and the streets of America interact every day. The
drug trade also has strengthened Colo