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