Drugs, AIDS and terrorism

Drugs, AIDS and terrorism

In recent weeks, the world has focussed on terrorism.
Officials have revived and increased anti-terrorist measures,
particularly tracking and blocking the accounts and transfers of
terrorists' funds. The mass killing of people from 80 countries
in the United States on Sept. 11 has convinced people everywhere
they must co-operate against the terrorists, or they will be in
increasing danger.

The "wars" against drugs and AIDS must also be given high
priority. Although there are huge differences between the wars on
terrorism and drugs, some of the new emphasis on fighting
terrorists can be turned against the drug merchants, producers
and traffickers. Attacks must be made and stepped up on their
bank accounts, financial resources, ill-gotten gains and
luxurious life styles.

It has been eight years since the six nations at the center of
the regional drug epidemic agreed to share information against
drug traffickers, money launderers and their minions.
Unfortunately, Burma, Cambodia, China, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam
have failed to step up and stamp out the drugs trade. It is time
they did. It would increase vigilance against cross-border crime
as part of urgent, new initiatives to combat terrorism. Properly
designed, with careful reporting procedures, it also would pursue
drug traffickers. It will be necessary to convince Burma to join
this effort. If necessary, officials must be prepared to "go
public" with information that links the Rangoon regime to drug
dealers, just as information now is being released on the bin
Laden connection to terrorism.

The battle against AIDS has just begun. It cannot succeed in
isolation; it must be international in scope. And those involved
must realize, and combat, the links between the disease and
illicit drugs.

-- The Bangkok Post