The Shadow War in the Caribbean: Is the US “War on Drugs” a Pretext for Political Intervention?
The numbers tell a disturbing story: despite decades of aggressive counter-narcotics efforts, cocaine seizures at the US border are increasing, reaching record highs in recent years. Yet, the focus of US intervention isn’t shifting to where the data points – the Pacific ports of Ecuador and Peru, responsible for the bulk of trafficking – but remains fixated on the Caribbean, specifically targeting Colombia and Venezuela. This escalating tension, punctuated by unauthorized bombings and inflammatory rhetoric from former President Trump, raises a critical question: is the “war on drugs” a genuine attempt to curb the flow of narcotics, or a convenient pretext for broader geopolitical maneuvering?
The Bombs and the Silence: A Pattern of Unexplained Actions
Recent events have thrown the US approach into sharp relief. The recall of Colombia’s ambassador to the US following US bombings of suspected drug trafficking vessels, coupled with Trump’s accusations against President Petro – labeling him an “illegal drug dealer” and a “lunatic” – signal a dramatic deterioration in relations. Crucially, the US has provided little to no transparency regarding the identities of those killed or captured in these operations. As Guillaume Long, Ecuador’s former foreign affairs minister, points out, even when Ecuadorian citizens were intercepted and returned home, authorities failed to prosecute, despite a close alliance with the Trump administration. This lack of due process and evidence fuels suspicions that the bombings are “for show,” lacking a concrete basis in legitimate counter-narcotics intelligence.
Debunking the Caribbean Conduit Myth
The long-held assumption that the Colombia-Venezuela coastline is the primary route for cocaine entering the US is increasingly being challenged. Experts argue that the “Cártel de los Soles,” frequently cited by the Trump administration, is largely fictional. The bulk of cocaine now enters the US through Pacific ports, often concealed within legitimate cargo like banana shipments. This geographical shift renders the intense focus on the Caribbean increasingly illogical from a purely drug-interdiction perspective. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) provides detailed data on trafficking routes and trends, highlighting the growing importance of Pacific corridors. UNODC Cocaine Report 2023
The Political Undercurrents: Beyond Narcotics
The timing and nature of these actions suggest deeper political motivations. Tensions between Colombia and the US have been simmering for some time, stemming from disagreements over migration policies and, more recently, Petro’s stance on the Gaza conflict and his advocacy for holding Israel accountable under international law. Dr. Manuel Rozental, a Colombian physician and activist, argues that the “war on drugs” itself serves a broader purpose – maintaining economic imbalances and justifying intervention in the region. He suggests that the illicit drug trade, while destructive, also facilitates capital flows and provides a rationale for targeting territories and populations deemed “excess” or in need of resource control.
Ecuador’s Role and the Re-Militarization of the Region
The situation is further complicated by Ecuador’s increasingly close ties with the US. The Noboa administration’s willingness to consider reintroducing a US military base, coupled with the lack of prosecution of Ecuadorian citizens intercepted by US forces, raises concerns about a coordinated strategy. The stationing of 10,000 American soldiers in Puerto Rico, ostensibly for regional security, adds another layer of complexity, hinting at a potential for broader military intervention. This re-militarization echoes historical patterns of US involvement in Latin America, often justified by the “war on drugs” but driven by strategic and economic interests.
A Crisis of Capital and Control?
Rozental’s perspective is particularly stark: he frames the “war on drugs” not as a failure in combating narcotics, but as a success in addressing a global capital crisis. The illicit trade, he argues, provides a mechanism for transferring value northward, while the ensuing conflict allows for the elimination of “excess” populations and the control of vital resources. This cynical, yet compelling, analysis suggests that the current escalation is less about stopping drugs and more about maintaining a specific geopolitical and economic order.
Looking Ahead: A Shift in Strategy is Crucial
The current approach is clearly unsustainable and counterproductive. The bombings, the lack of transparency, and the disregard for due process are eroding trust and fueling regional instability. A more effective strategy requires a fundamental shift in focus – prioritizing intelligence-led policing at Pacific ports, addressing the root causes of drug production through economic development and social programs, and fostering genuine cooperation with regional partners. Ignoring the evidence and continuing down the path of militarization will only exacerbate the problem and further destabilize the Caribbean region. The question isn’t simply about stopping drugs; it’s about understanding the complex interplay of political, economic, and social forces driving the conflict and pursuing a more just and sustainable solution. What role will international cooperation play in reshaping the approach to drug policy in the Americas?
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