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Subscribe to RSSLt. Gen. Mark Hertling discusses the changing role of the U.S. military in Europe.
MAINZ, Germany -- More than 20 years after the end of the Cold War, the U.S. military is fighting a new battle in Europe.
Their enemies? Drug-runners, weapons smugglers and human traffickers.
The Joint Interagency Counter Trafficking Center (JICTC) is a task force based at U.S. European Command (EUCOM) in the picturesque rolling hills of southern Germany.
It helps U.S. government agencies and their international counterparts confront the criminal groups behind the illicit trade in narcotics, guns and people.
'Dismantle the drug flow'
U.S. and European officials say the drug business bankrolls many terrorist and criminal organizations. Last year, the Obama administration launched a new strategy to combat "transnational organized crime."
Europe is an attractive location for the narcotics trade. Experts say that cocaine sells for four to five times its U.S. street value and consumption has been on the rise in central Europe.
"This is not 'Miami Vice' in Europe," Brig. Gen. Mark Scraba, director of JICTC, told NBC News. "But our organization is being modeled off of the Joint Interagency Task Force South, out of Key West Florida, which has been in existence for about 25 years, with focus on South America, where they team with law enforcement officials to disrupt and dismantle the drug flow going into the United States.
"One of the big issues in Europe is that the volume of cocaine consumption has doubled between 2009 and 2011."
Bye, bye, GI: Deep impact for many Germans as US troops downsize
A U.S. government fact sheet released last year highlighted that "29 of the 63 top drug trafficking organizations identified by the Department of Justice had links to terrorist organizations."
According to the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime's 2011 World Drug Report, the Taliban in Afghanistan made more than $150 million in 2009 through the sale of opium. That same year, the U.N. estimated that more than 80 tons of Afghan heroin reached Central and Western Europe, and about another 100 tons transited through Central Asia to Russia.
"Latest statistics show that the global opiate market was valued at $68 billion in 2009 and I have seen recent figures that are far above that," Scraba told NBC News.
With its 40 staff members, including representatives from the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Agency, customs and border protection officials and the U.S. Treasury, the JICTC leverages existing military structures from the Patch Barracks in Stuttgart. JICTC was formally established in September.
"We sometimes compare ourselves to a small mom-and-pop shop, but in fact are a very efficient organization, as we have reach-back capabilities and capacities to those far larger U.S. organizations that have a similar focus," Scraba added.
The U.S. military has provided intelligence data, logistical support and non-lethal equipment for counter-trafficking operations for years -- but until recently their primary focuses had been Latin America and Afghanistan.
While actual raids -- as well as searches, seizures and arrests -- are mainly led and conducted by law enforcement agencies, the U.S. military's air and maritime surveillance capabilities help to monitor and detect suspected traffickers.
"I wouldn't say that it's a military role, what it is is a security role," Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling, commander of the U.S. Army in Europe, told NBC News. "It's a combination of military and police."
$250M cocaine seizure
Beyond offering traditional heavy military assets and providing intelligence, basic training measures for partner nations' forces have also had an impact.
In 2010, when EUCOM was in the early stages of its counter-trafficking efforts, a Ukrainian customs officer played a major role in the seizure of nearly 4400 pounds of cocaine. His involvement came only a month after returning from search-and-seizure training in the U.S.
Following intensive cooperation between Ukrainian border control and numerous U.S. agencies, several people were arrested off the coast of Odessa. Authorities confiscated cocaine with a total street value of an estimated $250 million.
"By confiscating product headed for the higher-yield European market, we also denied a large source of income for South American cocaine dealers that supply the U.S. market," EUCOM’s Capt. John Ross added.
As the U.S. military in Europe shrinks, it leaves behind many friends in Germany. "It makes me sad because friends are leaving," said Hans Gritzbach, 86, choking back tears. "And now at my age, looking back, I realize that the Americans were wonderful people." NBC's Andy Eckardt reports.
Experts say that the economic crisis in Europe and the aftermath of Arab Spring revolutions are also fueling security concerns.
"As we see regimes in Northern Africa collapse and are confronted with other instable political environments, we can suspect that a significant portion of weapons, for example, will be seized by criminal groups," said Valentina Soria, a counter-terrorism and security expert from Britain's Royal United Services Institute.
US sends aircraft carrier to Persian Gulf early
Officials say drug trafficking hot spots include Turkey and the Balkans, while weapons are often smuggled via the Baltic States and Northern Africa.
In October 2010, Moroccan officials dismantled a drug trafficking network that was linked to Colombian drug cartels and al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). According to the Moroccan government, al-Qaida provided logistical support and transportation to dozens of cocaine traffickers in the network.
"We have seen this toxic brew in other regions in Africa," UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said at a February conference dedicated to the fight against transnational crime, drug-trafficking and terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel zone. "As West Africa remains a transit point for drug traffickers between South America and Europe, the potential for instability will continue to grow."
However, Scraba warmed the magnitude of the threat could potentially be higher.
"What keeps us up at night is a drug trafficker who has a very established drug route that was built over years and built on patronage of many in-between guys," Scraba said. "[What] if that criminal is then approached by an organization or a network that wants to traffic a weapon of mass destruction, but does not have an established route to get that weapon of mass destruction to its target? It could be downtown London, it could be downtown New York."
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Talk about a dysfunctional organization desperately seeking a "mission" in order to stay relevant and prove it deserves funding.
Tell me gain why there is any US Army command structure still remaining in Germany? With too much management bureaucracy collecting paychecks and waiting on pensions to kick in?
3 little words...
Federal Jobs Program
The US Army is the textbook definition of socialism.
Homeland Security is a textbook example of a neophyte department evolving in modern times. Growth is exponential and as a previous mission statement is completed new ones are written in as the bureaucracy grows mass. From insignificant budgets to power for total control grows. Paid with Deficit spending credit card.
Obama adm. is really vermischt- try your friends' turfs in Africa and Arabia for real human trafficking- your ownbackyard for drugs from South/Central America- the AQ members (also hired by you) in Maghreb. Now TSA is hired in Heathrow Airport to check incoming Olypic Games spectators- while US busdriver with Us athletes lost his bearings whilke driving British way. The Yanks in EU cannot go now on unemployment since 'job creation' is numero uno by any means.
Why do we ALWAYS have to find a "cause" to fight some damn war?
Why don't we bring home those troops and put them to work in our country???? We have the same problems that need fixed!
We're already fighting a War in Afghanistan, it would stand to reason we could at least buy up the billions of dollars worth of Opium rather than spend it on fighting it later..
At least then we could follow the money.
The real question should be is, why can OUR military be used in this capacity in Europe when we have a veritable war zone across our southwest border with the same exact situations? We have all these convoluted feel-good programs that cost us millions for our returning servicemen and women to find jobs. Let's just hire them to protect our own sovereign borders. Training in the southwest region especially can benefit our own security and maintain our troops in battle readiness.
I'd much rather pay our returning troops to do what they are trained best to do then have to go through the whole training process through our dysfunctional Homeland Security embarrassment. We'd also have to get rid of Janet Neopolitan and replace her with someone with some pride in our Border Patrol so they aren't taught to "Run and Hide" when confronted.
Scary! ..... We have managed for 200 years to keep our police & military separate .... over the last 25 years it seems that the effort is to make them one ...
Let our Military be our protector from "Foreign Invasion" not police the world, or police our country!
Whether some folks accept it or not, we have enemies all over the world, and they will do anything to bring us down. That includes some that we call allies. There is no doubt that if we leave Germany, it will only be a matter of time before we are there again. You are only fooling yourselves otherwise.
Although, I do agree that we need troops on our borders. Unbelievable how we have so much in men and resources and yet our borders are so pourous.
DAK - and YOU are a text book definition of a yellow belly coward on a free ride. If it were NOT for the US military you wouldn't be able to run your silly mouth with such drivel - you wound be speaking German, Japanese, or Russian. As for EUCOM in their current "mission", except for perhaps interepting money or weapons intended for our enemies, it does NOT need to be involved in what essentially is a responsibility for European countires and organizations such as Interpol to address. ASSISTING with more advanced intelligence capabilities or air surveillance may be appropriate, but getting directly involved in these areas when our own borders are rife with cartels and violence is almost as stupid as DAKS socialism BS.
I am very sure they would not be dysfunctional for you if you could have them place on our boarders to keep the illegals out. And you wouldn't even call them
If only the world was as you see it and wish it were. But it's not , but how would you know, you serve only from behind a computor keyboard,
Exactly my thoughts.....the military better understand with the technology we have we only need 30% of what we have. Enough they need to streamline, and be done with it. Appreciate their past but the milk man is done.
Another way to waste US taxpayer money on yet another bull@!$%# mission far away from home.
Shouldn't we be billing Europe for these services? Why does the American taxpayer shave to flip the bill for everyone elses safety in the world?
Grey Wolf Vet: Don't you just hate it when those who never served criticize then men and women in uniform? I'll bet Dak never played football either, but I'll bet he is the country's greatest armchair critic of the game.
@Linda That makes to much sense.
The military is the greatest socialist program of all times and Congress knows it but with all of the defense lobbyist sending money their way and a significant footprint or spending program in every state no Congressman would want to say no to its request for money and size. The last thing they want to hear is "Well Mr. Congressman since you voted against this military bill we will have to pull out of your state and go to a more supportive state and spend our defense dollar there.
The military has no business doing police work regardless of what you call it, especially in a foreign country. Could you imagine what the original framers of the Constitution would say since they didn't even want a standing army!
I served in the military and am a Viet Nam combat veteran.
They kept misspelling "Mexico" as "Europe" in the whole article!
I love the whole "vets are the only ones who can talk about the military, unless they are praising it". It is stupid that I have to say that I was in the military (99-2012) to be able to have an opinion on how to use the military. Using the military as police is the province of Dictators and Tyrants, not Americans. Let Europe handle Europe, and use our military to defend US!
Ya like this crap ..??? Just keep voting for democrats and other America haters.......
You can talk about the military all you want vet or not. But when you cross certain lines in the observation part of a comment ( talking about you Iam talking in general), and show disrespect to those who are presently serving or are veterans,you are going to get a response that the person may not like.
I don't believe we should be the world police. I believe that we need to pull out of Europe and other places. But I can say it with respect, after all it's the politicians and the money making /donating military corporations that decide where the military goes ,not the military.
By the way the military is for defending the UAofA, just not on our own soil.
OBAMA Strategy: Flood the United States with Latin Americans and their drugs, then make them US citizens.
Mexico has been the enemy of the United States since 1836 when Mexican soldiers racially profiled American immigrants at San Antonio and Goliad Texas, then murdered them.
OBAMA: Can I put the US Armed Forces on the North Pole? I think there might be some drug dealing going on over there.
Actually Mexico was our enemy when we invaded Mexico and took their land. I think they are just trying to get it back. San Antonio and Goliad were in Mexico during the time you are speaking of.
For all of those people who think Obama started the installation of our military in foreign countries please read some books about after WWII.
Its 2012 and you humans are still buying and selling each other?
You are indeed an interesting species.
(Yes, I'm human. But don't tell the aliens, as I don't want to be associated with humans when they arrive.)
It is a jobs program, but if you want an army you have to maintain one. The force that you try to build up and down to suit a political climate is the more dysfunctional.
Don't worry hs321 - nobody wants to buy you, and they probably couldn't sell you for much.
I see we're still trying to be the world's policemen. Why can't the European countries police themselves? They certainly have police forces and intelligence gathering capabilities, so why do we see the need for meddling? Is this just another example of a bureaucracy attempting to perpetuate itself?
This is so funny it's almost like a joke. Ask them if they stopped all of the poppy growers in Afghanistan, or if they are just "watching over them"?
Roger - with all due respect... I served in Europe during the height of Cold War, and resent your comment. Even those who did not serve have the right to criticize the horrendous waste of money that goes on in this country in the name of 'national defense'. Why? Because it is their money pissed away on totally useless 'missions to nowhere'!
Wet Willy, are we trying to be the worlds policemen, or, are we just policing those areas that are of our best interests?
The Military Industrial Complex and war profiteers will never let a good 'gig' go away. What? No more Commies?
America's new European war policy: use our F-16, A-10, M-1A1 , M-155, Stryker Infantry, and Tomahawk to fight drug dealers, pimps, and prostitution.
The United States will not bring the troops home because the troops are there to serve the interests of the government, not you. The US military has become a sort of refuge for the unemployable.
It is so bad that I venture to say that serving in the US military is to serve in favor of limitless government expansion and against freedom and liberty. Service in the US military is little more than service to tyranny.
If you think this is bad, just wait until our US military is deployed against the American people.
I see that NBC isn't any better at having there articles proof read before placing them, S.S.D.D. (same chit different day!)
It should say;
However, Scraba warned the magnitude of the threat could potentially be higher.
I realize its a typo but since its from a professional writer I would expect way better than this but then again I'm only a normal person who doesn't count I guess.
For everyone who critcizes the US and wants to downsize our defense, you are entitled to your opinion and I will respect that much. There are many things at play and not just being the world's policemen.
For example, when we went to Kuwait in 1990 after the Iraqi invasion, there was plenty of the blood for oil speeches being made. How many people understood that we had a treaty with Kuwait since 1945 to help them against invaders, in exchange they would keep oil flowing to us? They held up their end. How would it look if we had just bailed on them when things were tough? Our word would mean nothing.
That is just one of many reasons why to keep our military strong and on standby to protect US interests. Thank you.
"the Taliban in Afghanistan made more than $150 million in 2009 through the sale of opium. That same year, the U.N. estimated that more than 80 tons of Afghan heroin reached Central and Western Europe, and about another 100 tons transited through Central Asia to Russia."
Many Muslims, especially from Pakistan and Bangladesh, in Europe are into the drug traffic gangs.
The funds generated from these go into expanding Islamic radicals and terrorists activities.
The US and NATO forces are slow to recognise the problem.
For the beer and spiessbraten.
Since I was a small child, I have heard of "the war on drugs."
......spend more taxpayer money, but you all lost
An we will keep losing until we start killing and locking up the cartels that run the drug trade and the people that buy and use them illegally.
The war on drugs is a joke. Alcohol is legal and 3/4 of everyone uses some type of prescription narcotic. We give drugs away left and right. The war on drugs created the cartels. Do you understand that JP? You're trying to destroy the enemy you created. That's why its a joke and will never end.
The point is to NOT win. The problem is the "war on terrorism" is starting to wear a little thin on Americans and the world so the Military Industrial Complex (and law enforcement groups in the US, which model themselves after the M.I.C. and its propaganda of "safety" and "dangers") invents new "dangers", picking something that can never be eradicated and that will justify continual, increasingly brutal and draconian actions to keep the real monsters going, the military and other police state apparatus.
The only reason these inherently corrupt entities cam exist is the same reason populations are always exploited by armies, governments and religions: most people live in irrational fear and are afraid to or unable to really think for themselves, so they give up their freedom for an illusion of safety.
The idea of bringing the military home is a great idea. But then to install them on our own boarders which will only create a perpetual state of constant "war" is no solution either. Bring the troops home and give them civilian jobs, perhaps rebuilding the collapsing infrastructure in the US.
America loves "wars" on everything, including their neighbors. We're no different than any other empire in history. And empires have always collapsed in on themselves eventually. Now with the insane Prisons for Profit we're well on our way to total self destruction. Type in "Pennsylvania judge kids for cash" to see the tip of a huge iceberg and what will lead to the destruction of this country as you know it. Unless the general population wakes up and dis-empower the profiteers at top who manipulate them so easily but I wouldn't count on that. That would require calm, intelligent thought, something most of the public are incapable of as they scream for their neighbor's blood and stuff their bodies and minds with the garbage that's fed to them.
Human trafficking requires those who have the ability to stop it to do so
How much of this "Human Trafficking" is just desperate people trying to escape the worlds he11 holes? Is working as a prostitute really worse than life as a poor person in Rwanda or Somalia?
@JP:
We will lock up the people who use drugs and send you the bill for their incarceration. It costs, on average, between $28-50,000 per year, per inmate, depending on the state and prison.
Here's a better idea: Mind your own business, let people do whatever they want with their own bodies. If they hurt someone, charge them with a crime accordingly, just like drunk driving. Otherwise, please send your money order for $28-50,000 to the State to house the inmate of your choice for the coming year.
The trade is expanding and now more are into to it.
In many nations, Pakis and those from Bangladesh are into counterfeit currency circulations. These monies are again diverted to Islamic radical and terrorist organizations like al-Qaida, Taliban and other label ones.
Why not bring them home and put them on our southern border and secure that drug flow problem...
Wrong. They are not needed there either. The so-called drug war is a bust and just an excuse for government control, coercion and theft. Pink-slip these gold-brickers so I can keep more of what I earn for myself.
Nobody wearing a silly uniform has earned the right to steal from or live off of the productive value of my labor.
Totally agree with Chris.
Dak: Don't take such a red neck approach to the military. Remember: WE DO HAVE ENEMIES, FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC. Without those "silly uniforms", you wouldn't sleep very well.
Sure, DAK, security isn't needed at the border because the drug war "is a bust." Tell that to the thousands of people on the other side of the border who are killed or terrorized every year because their security can't do squat. Ever think that maybe the reason we don't experience that is because we keep some basic security patrolling the border?
Norcy; To tell you the truth, I don't think Dak stops to think. You made a good point.
Agree Chris. Let the rich German police Germany. Notice the Lt. General cites a 25 yer old agency in Key West as both his model and justification for making his paycheck in Germany. All these gubmint employees decide what the mission is to suit their carreer goals and paychecks. Police the world ? - sounds good to them as long as you fool taxpayers keep sending the money. Bring them home and put that general on the Gila bend watching the river for two years. Secure OUR border first. Germany can handle Germany.
It's about time. Finally really going after the criminal groups behind the illicit trade in narcotics, guns and people. This is in Europe where ever the criminal groups operate go after them, hard. Soon the money from drugs can end up in terrorists bank accounts, who are said terrorist main targets, America. I'll gladly send my tax dollars to fund these operations, U.S. Army go get them!! What a good use of our military assets and traning.
You win this war but at what cost? Just let people use the drugs. We already let them use most of the
drugs. Alcohol, prescription narcotics,tobacco, junk food. Anyway you're not going to win the war. You never will because you're too stupid to win anything.
DAK - "Pink-slip these gold-brickers so I can keep more of what I earn for myself." You must be one of those "1%" folks who just wish to keep what they earn. (Wait a minute, they didn't really earn it, did they?) You must be violently against the President and Democrats for massively raising taxes on the rich, middle class, and poor as they are about to do. After all, the President just said that what you earn is really owed to the government anyway because they "allowed" you to earn it.
DAK, I wish I lived in your world. It is so far removed from the real world the rest of us live in. These Soldiers, who are are making far less than their civilian counterparts, are doing it for the love of their country. They are doing it to keep folks like you safe behind their keyboards, spewing forth hate rhetoric about them. My guess is that you never served, in less you count Happy Meals. As one who has, your attitude toward those who have and are currently serving is rather insulting.
Roger - "Don't take such a red neck approach to the military" His attitude is more Liberal/Yuppie than Red Neck. Equating DAK to Red Necks is an insult to those hard working, dedicated Americans who proudly allow their necks to be sun burned.
Bob: Yeah, I know what you mean in challenging my comparing Dak to a red neck, point well taken. Being from red neck country, I guess I focued mainly on his vernacular. Nonetheless, I think we agree in principle that Dak's opinion is like his rectum; it stinks!
Joe Buck. The war on drugs is OK by me. IT's not being done right, but the under lying idea is sound. If we just let people do all the drugs they want, Meth, coke, crack, heroine, etc. we'll see great quantities of people who aren't worth a dam robbing and shooting the rest of us to get money for their habits, clogging the hospitals wanting free medical care and the few people who stay clean and keep working are just supposed to pay for it. Screw that ! My idea is this , if I have to pay extra for your sorry a** to be a drug addict, I'll pick how I pay for it. I choose to pay for it in the form of law enforcement and prisons instead of paying for the crime victims and drug addicts so the drug addicts can have it their way. Because of the huge amount of criminals in prison now, we have the safest streets in the US since the 1950's. You may not like the idea of going to jail because of your drug use - but I sure like the idea of not having to fear the assaults and robberies of all the drug dealers and addicts that are now in prison. We need more conceal carry laws and permits. And people like you can take your chances for a change instead of it just being people like me taking all the chances. Bring the troops from Germany and the middle east and central Asia, and use them to secure the border, stop weapons and cash from going south and drugs from coming north. Some will get through, but the price will go up on your end. Look at it like a jobs program. People like me are willing to pay for it.
check out the video this morning of two punks with a gun trying to hold up 30 people in an internet cafe. a 71 year old customer pulls his concealed carry permitted .38 and shoots one and both run like the punks they are. Probably wanted money for drugs. Joe buck would say it's OK. IF we had legal drugs for every one, the addicts would not be robbing people, they wouldn't be overdosing requiring free medical care, they wouldn't be getting hurt in car accidents and such, requiring free medical care, they would never require free rehab abd counseling, the victims of their DUI accidents would never need society support for their medical and accident damage cleanup. Joe says there'd be no cost to society if we just had legal drugs. BS. I say give the old man a medal, and give the punks 20 years. When their momma cries on TV about how come so many people in prison look like them, answer is: it's cause you allowed them to threaten people with guns ! but they are not the only ones with guns. Payback can be tough.
Just another banal propaganda article to justify a pathetically outdated U.S. military presence in Europe. Long overdue and time to pack up and bring the troops home. We have plenty of problems in our own back yard that need fixing.
DAK: I can tell you why there is a U.S. command still in Germany, I just don't think you will like the answer.
Whether we like it or not, our security is intrinsically linked to the security of Europe. Europe knows and exploits this. The EU is dysfunctional; no common foreign policy, no credible joint military force. all because they do not share common interests. Thusly, now, as with the cold war, Europe is content to use America's broad shoulders to provide much of their security. It saves money and manpower and keeps those self-centered socialists focused on their economies (Good luck with that). Furthermore, the European peacenicks can maintain a perception of pacifism while casting blame on the U.S. when things go bad, even at the hands of a splintered Europe, Bosnia and Serbia 1999.
I'm not real happy about all this either, but... !
This article is ridiculous bs. Like DAK-1250684 says, the US Army in Germany "desperately searching for a mission" to justify being in Germany in the first place. The war on drugs is an unmitigated failure, regardless of where it takes place. Since in was initiated by Nixon in 1973, it has accomplished nothing worthwhile. The effort against sex traffic has done little more. And the US is by far the world's largest weapons dealer, so in that case they are just trying to monopolize the business. Basically this article is pure propaganda to convince the ever gullible Americans that their military is actually used for some good purpose. Not.
The only way to verify whether our war on drugs has accomplished anything is to terminate the war on drugs and let the drug lords and traffickers run rampant at their will. Hmmm, don't want that. Maybe this war is doing more than we see and realize.
MAINTAIN THE WAR ON DRUGS!
Roger, your policy of a war on drugs created the cartels. We've done this already its called ending alcohol prohibition. You need to learn something.
Joe Buck: My Policy? I'm not now and never have been preisdent of this United States.
You offered a faulty analogy: Drug trafficking analogous to alcohol and prohibition. Read my post carefully; the point I made is that although the war on drugs has not ended drug production, trafficking and consumption, it has been a deterrent.
The W on D did not create cartels, they were in a nascent form of existence long before the W on D began back in the early 70s'.
And trust me, there is NOTHING I need to learn from you.
Drug trafficking is analogous to alcohol and prohibition. How is it different? Alcohol is a drug. When alcohol was outlawed the trade in alcohol was taken over my organized crime syndicates. When alcohol was re-legalized the trade in alcohol was taken over taken by legitimate business enterprises. And war on drugs does strengthen and give power to crime syndicates that would otherwise not pose as big a threat. These syndicates would still pose a threat but their power would be greatly reduced if they could no longer make billions off of the drug trade. Oh yeah, and your "deterrent" idea is faulty because the same policy of deterring the drug trade is also the reason the drug trade is so profitable.
Joe Buck: It is a faulty analogy. The analogy is not in alcohol being a drug. Alcohol went from legitimate to illegitimate back to legitimate. Illicit narcotics do not follow that pattern. Prohibition was forced upon America by the progressive social movement of its time and the women's suffrage movement. Illicit hard drugs are being fought against on many fronts, not just two as with alcohol back in the early 20th century. Ergo; faulty anaology. As Aristotle said: "There are no true anaologies".
Further, to make this analogy valid, one must work with the details. Cocaine, crack, heroine, etc, are far more dangerous to one's health and well being than alcohol.
In your earlier post, you said the W on D CREATED the cartels, I noticed you adjusted your position on that.
Lastly, this issue, as I see it, goes to the heart of a nation's ethics and morality. To throw up your hands and do nothing is a shameful cop out in giving up on an endemic problem that corrodes the very foundation of the country, we have come to know alcohol is not corrosive to society as a whole.
I believe the W on D is a deterrent. Where would we be if we did nothing at all?
Faulty analogy, Joe.
Joe Buck:
Oh, I nearly forgot, your last sentence about my deterrent theory led you to yet another fallacy called cricular conclusion.
Here's how you confront drug abuse. First, take the money out of the game. That is done by allowing govt to stockpile the hard drugs and dispense them to those who want them. Second, if you want to use hard drugs you have to get them from these govt stockpiles and on the condition that you identify yourself and agree to some sort of monitoring to make sure you're not posing an imminent threat to the safety of others. Finally, we have a massive education and treatment programs for people who want help. The problem with criminalizing drug use is that it compounds the problem. Instead of having to deal with problematic drug use and the consequences thereof we now have to deal with drug abuse AND organized crime.
Roger white: who is the enemy we need to protect Europe from ?
Turning our military into an international police force is nuts. If they no longer serve a defensive purpose for our nation, bring them home.
Kinda tricky, I suppose. They're downsizing, which is a good start, but the U.S. will never completely pull out. Germany and the surrounding countries make for extremely good strategical allies, both as a people and a geographical location. So we'll always try to maintain at least one really large base for future use, if needed. I guess rather than sit on their hands and completely waste the money, the U.S. Army is trying to keep busy until the next round of fighting starts.
All you guys must not understand what "transnational" means. Where these criminal groups behind the illicit trade in narcotics, guns and people exist is everywhere, no boarders. Sooner or later they will be coming to our shores, big time. Look at the Mexican boarder today and all the pictures of the drug runners. They should kill them all where ever they find them.
It is legal for anyone to get a gun, go get one and attack those people yourself. The rest of us dont care. The whole war on drugs is not only a failure but a joke.
We should have a war on thugs, forget the one on drugs...we lost that one a long time ago.
Another Program that will end up on the heap of failures. The so-called drug problem is with the users, not the suppliers. You cannot throw all the users - also known as the facillitators - in jail, so you have to find an alternative solution. Drug interception is not a solution to the underlying proble, all it does is eat up scarce resources. Legalization is one step into the right direction, when are we going to realize that? Answer: Never! There is just way too much money spent on this stupid War on Drugs by the Government to give up! It is about the MONEY, nothing more, nothing less!
Quit wasting our money and bring all of our troops home!!!
Let me try to understand you Roger (#5). US presence in Germany is vital because the Europeans don't want to take care of themselves? Er... We need to be where we're not really wanted, just a cash cow? And you say we need to accept that? Oh, I see, you were a grunt yourself and all the tough guy posturing is right on.
Now for the article. I know I read that before we invaded Afghanistan the Taliban were burning poppy fields with the fierce intention to eradicate opium trade. That seems to fit with Islam, drugs are against the religion, including alcohol, we all know that. At that time, Afghanistan produced 9% of the global product. As soon as the Taliban were forced out of power, the percentage rose quickly to 90%. Many reports clearly state Karzai's brother controls the drug's shipping routes. Those should be easy to close for US super-duper aerial surveillance tools, but not happening. Um? I strongly doubt the Taliban are dealing, yes, they're cruel fanatics regarding women's rights, but so is the ruling Saudi family but we're cozy with them. Drugs are not in the Muslim picture.
Next, why is the focus of the new US/European team on only drugs? Surely human trafficking is the most disgusting of the 3 targets. None of us want women and children forced into prostitution, compared with the millions who are happy with their drugs. And guns? Aren't they so beloved we would have to force them out of their cold dead hands?
I don't need to spell it out. The human trafficking is centred in Eastern Europe states near Russia. Wonder who's turning a blind eye to all that?
And something is also fishy about the US war on drugs. We also all know if they were legalised Mexico and Columbia will shrivel and die.
Of course, stopping gun trade isn't really an issue, US is #1 in that business, hell, I bet half of the weapons are ours.
Nope, this news is all BS and not far from the surface is the underlying motive of money, the true element of global manipulation.
Brit in the pit: Yes I! stand by what I said, with one caveat; you Brits are the only Europeans willing to take on an active, aggressive role in seeking peace and security, so allow me to now exclude your country from the Euro Whimp list.
And let me ask you this, wasn't America the one country above all European countries that provied the majority to European security during the Cold War? It's a rhetorical question, you can just say "yes".
Yes, America is number one in the gun (arms) trade. Good for us. No apologies from this Yankee!
By the way; odd isn't it that England has asked for and will receive American assistance in securing British airports for the Olympic Games in London, England. Good job with that one!!!
The article never mentions that without the "war on drugs" that these narcotic smuggling organizations would not exist. They thrive because the war on drugs keeps the street prices high so their profit machine hums along funding terrorism and other ugly isms. The truth of the matter is the DEA, Homeland Security and now apparently the US military and the trafficers have one huge thing in common. Their jobs depend on the war on drugs.
I find it interesting that the fascist propaganda machine funded by the military industrial complex (that Eisenhower predicted and feared), convinces the American people daily that their war on drugs is the solution. The war on drugs, like their war on terrorism, is not designed to be won. It is established as a self perpetuating monstosities that gobbles up incresing amonts of the budget at a time when programs that actually help Americans are slashed to the bone so the profiteers of the war on terror and drugs can pay as low a tax rate as possible.
Of course smuggling would not exist, the same people who are the cartels could simply come through with passports and customs manifests and continue doing the same business. And economic law of supply and demand would keep prices pretty high, look at what smokers addicted to cigarettes are willing to pay.
Just another attempt to justify their existence. There are dozens of multinational, multiagency counter drug arrangements out there and the drug problem is bigger than ever. JIATF coordinates air, sea, and ground surveillance and has never affected the ability of drug organizations to ship product. The other big military mantra is counter finance - if only we can identify and interrupt the bad guys source of money we can nail them. The program regularilt seizes rooms of money from the drug lords and has no affect; in Iraq and Afghanistan where we owned both countries the bad guys had bank rolls of hundred of millions from their fund raising. Just a bunch of generals looking to show how important their jobs are.
The so called drug war the U.S. has declared is only 40 years old costing tax payers billions each year is by far a crime in itself. With our massive resources the drug trade could have ended years ago which leads me to believe that someone's palm is being greased to look the other way while shipments are made. And so now our drug czar involves the military and it's capabilities. I expect a total win to the end of drug traffic!! If we are going to do drug wars then for Pete's sake get the lead out you butts and put ALL parities out of business for good and stop this stupid game. If wholesale slaughter of "cartels" syndicates" and "mafias" is what takes then pull the trigger and stop feeding us crap about wins and losses. Of course , this is just my opinion!!
You don't seriously think a win is possible do you? Every time the supply is tightened the price goes up. This enables the smugglers to afford more sophisticated techniques. It is absolutely a no win situation.
The only way you can stop drug use is draconian measures against users (executions). This country is founded on individual liberty, so that is out of the question.
The drug war is self perpetuating. The bureaucracy is huge and deeply vested in self interests (keeping their jobs). Huge sums of cash and drugs are involved when busts occur severely tempting the enforcers to profit from the business themselves.
The death toll in Mexico is well up in the tens of thousands now. Many innocents are killed in the crossfire. This is mostly due to the marijuana trade, a drug far safer than alcohol.
Unfortunately, there will be no end to this regardless of how many people are hurt by this war. The problem as with many other problems we face is the stupidity and ignorance of the American public. The public is easily manipulated by propaganda.
Bring the troops home. DoD is trying to intrench themselves in domestic affairs and that is not their charter. Ridding the world of drugs is like ridding the world of roaches. It's not going to happen. And you will not have any rights or privacy at the end of the day.
You will paying 90% of your income in the name of security. It is time for change, for sure.
Just an FYI...the word is BORDERS not boarders....
You kill one cartel guy, another pops up...they never go away as long as their is a demand for the product. I also think that those of you who are so critical of military people...should be drafted into the next war one of our great leaders thinks we need to be fighting. You are right, we don't need a military when we can just pack all you up and put you on the front lines.
Until we decriminalize drugs and do something like legalize, regulate and tax pot...we will have an issue with drug runners. When this country was stupid enough to outlaw alcohol, look at the criminal element that created. I also have no problem with the military helping out with human traffickers but I don't think that is a significant problem in Germany. Also, remember what happened the last time we let Germany "police" itself.
We have become more like nazi Germany than the current German state. Oldtt99 you should open your eyes to the 21rst century and see fascism for what it is today not what it was 75 years ago. Who is the invader of others lands today my friend? Remember that nazi Germany played the foreign threat card and homeland aka fatherland security continuously to justify to the German people why a country needed invading:) I do agree with you 100% about legalizing and taxing pot. We could use those funds to pursue a public health approach to reducing drug demand, the only real way to win the battle against drugs and drug abuse.
So the military can fight drug trafficing in Europe, but not in the United States ! Somebody has their priorities backward !
the pharmaceutical companies are the new drug kingpins and traffickers...
What a bunch of retards, You can NOT Tell peolple what to do, They WILL do what they want. After billions of dollars spent trying to do it in America "land of the free" they are attacking the problem, Europe ??
Take your monitoring ass out of my living room !
Ron Paul for LIBERTY !
I'm with you Lou. Correction. In over 40 years of this madness, it would be Trillions.
Jerry Sandusky wanted to do what ever he wanted too!
randy, this is exactly the kind of stupidity I mentioned above. You are so weak minded that you equate a crime with real victims to the personal use of drugs. How does that make sense to you?
Fear mongering to build support for our continued role as world police. The blending of police/military continues. I, for one, do not feel comforted by the slowly evolving policeman/soldier. How long before we have armed patrols watching our every move? Drones will become VERY common place, soldier/policemen will operate the drones. Take a look at the "security" London has put in place for the Olympics. Roof top surface to air missile batteries and snipers too? How long before the fear mongering results in elevated security to "protect" us outside the parameters of large events like the Olympics? Why not use our trained personnel and massive ordinance to help secure the lives of "free" American citizens against potential attack as they go about their everyday lives?
There are those who already would support this. It seems that freedom is evolving, ever more eroded and soon we will need to adjust the spelling of the word...I suggest the new word be spelled; freedumb!
"Whatcha talkin about Willis", oops, I mean America. You mean, you are going after traffickers in Europe while America burns? You are passing up the mother lode of drug trafficking right here at home for the Pee Wee Hermans of Europe? Oh, I forgot, we are so rich that we can waste more money in stupidity galore while here children have no health care, the worse education system in the industrialized world, with the poor breaking records in membership, homeless and getting better by the minute, the jobs? Nowhere to be found, billions of unpaid bills for wars that amounted to a fiscal orgy and no accountability, with war criminals roaming free, while this "Christian and democratic" nation goes after small dictators, which BTW, at one time or another were our BFF. Has this insanity have an end?
One thing for sure, if accomplishments were the standard to determine the succes or failure of another effort in futility, we would have ended this fiscal black hole years, decades long time ago. So, why continue throwing away the baby with the bath water over and over and no cigar. If the armed forces don't have a damn thing to do, how about going after Russia and let's call curtains for this insane world. Shouldn't some one in charge should have an iota of intelligence? When are we going to get tire of having special needs people in charge? Stop this world, I want to get off.
They have money to bankroll terrorism because drug BUYERS have money and a demand for drugs. We spend trillions on the "war." How much for treatment?
Funny stuff all while allowing tons of the Devils dandruff to come over the southern border! Proof every single person in Washington must go get out of here you are fired! That is everyone Democrats and Republicans.
The war on drugs and terror is money in the bank for the rich and famous and criminals. We should not spend another nickel on the drug war. If you want to get drunk or high then like NIKE say's Just Do It. We will spend our money on education and hopefully you will be smart enough to Just Say No or maybe just a little like the last two democrat presidents. You might want to stay away from obama's choice though.
Unfortunately, our nations OLD PEOPLE will vote against such sane policies. OLD PEOPLE are far more afraid of drugs than dangerous overgrown governments. So long as Senior Citizens get their monthly checks, they can be trusted to vote in favor of limitless government at the cost to their children's lives and liberty.