Peace and War on Drugs

Does the war on drugs create peace or prevent peace?   There are many aspects of the battle that effect not only people but also the environment.

The synergy of poverty and laws of supply and demand of illegal drugs create many challenges. It breeds not only street terror, but international terrorism that effects the peace of our planet. The drug trade has deep roots in violence both abroad and at home. We have only to look at the headlines of violent acts and their causes in our own neighborhoods - largely due to turf wars over drugs. Poverty and discontent in places such as Afghanistan and Columbia have led to increase productions of opium and cocaine. Poor farmers have to make a choice between having a crop that will support their families or going hungry. According to studies, Afghanistan accounts for 75% of the opium supply - with an estimated 10-20% of the profits flowing into the Taliban and Al Quaeda. The U.S. State Department shows that cocoa has been increasing in Columbia by 268%. Eradication of cocoa plants by fumigation was thought to be a policy to reduce this drug, but, it has, instead caused farmers to go into more remote areas. Research also shows that for every acre eradicated, 3 acres of the Amazon rainforest are cut down to replace them. Aquatic life, also, has been threatened in the Amazon. Harmony and peace with our planet is put in great jeopardy!