us versus themSt. Petersburg Times: A special report
By SUSAN TAYLOR MARTIN
Times Senior Correspondent
CHALLENGING AMERICA’S WAR ON DRUGS

photoSince President Richard Nixon declared the "war on drugs" 30 years ago, the United States has vowed that no ground will be surrendered in its efforts to crush the $400-billion-a-year global industry in illicit drugs. Because of its wealth and power, America's zero-tolerance policies are not limited to its borders but greatly influence the United Nations and its 189 members.

Australia and other countries that try to deviate from the U.S. course are yanked back in line by fear of losing U.S. military or economic support. Countries like Netherlands that experiment with different approaches are subject to harsh public criticism. The United Nations itself has to toe the U.S. line or risk losing money.

"America is the Taleban of international drug policy," says one expert.

Sunday
Part one
Monday
Part two
Tuesday
Part three
U.S. policy not limited to borders
Faced with a serious heroin problem in the 1990s, Australia considered a daring new approach -- prescribing heroin to addicts who had failed to kick their habits with other forms of treatment.

Canada’s pot feeds U.S. habit
VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- There are two obvious clues something strange is going on in this drab little house across from an elementary school.

Marijuana loses its appeal in Dutch 'coffee shop' culture

Source of ecstasy experiencing 'fatigue' with it
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands -- When Dutch Prime Minister Wim Kok visited President Clinton last fall, talks quickly turned to a sore point in U.S.-Dutch relations: the "club" drug ecstasy.

The Dutch approach to education: Just lay out all the facts
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands -- Even most non-drug users know that heroin is usually injected while marijuana is almost always smoked. So when the "expert" from the United Nations Drug Control Program talked on CNN about "shooting up" marijuana, one group of viewers could hardly believe its ears.

Heroin for addicts works as Swiss fix
BERN, Switzerland -- In an old house near Switzerland's capital city, heroin addicts are getting ready for their midday fix.

Treat or get tough? Britain tries again
BRIGHTON, England -- This windy seaside town, once known as an elegant summer retreat for well-heeled holidaymakers, has lost its gloss.

Legal drugs cheaper
BERN, Switzerland -- One argument for legalizing drugs is that it would eliminate the black market and sharply reduce prices. Drug users wouldn't be as likely to turn to crime to pay for their habits.