An Argument Against Violence
A global call to re-examine the war on drugs and its violent consequences.
Introduction
At the UN General Assembly, Colombian President Gustavo Petro spoke about the failed war on drugs. He argued that the violent approach used by powerful countries is a lie. This strategy, he said, has killed many innocent people. His speech criticized the idea that military force can solve the problem of drug trafficking. He pointed to his own government’s success in seizing drugs without violence. Petro’s words challenge global leaders to think differently about this long-standing issue.
A Different Approach to the Drug War
Petro stated that missiles in the Caribbean, supposedly meant to stop drugs, are a lie. He said that his government seized the most cocaine and extradited over 700 drug lords in 2023 and 2024. This was all done without firing a single missile or killing any young people. This is because his government’s policy is to peacefully and voluntarily substitute cocoa leaf crops, not to forcibly eradicate them. He believes this method is far more effective.
The Connection Between Violence and Power
Petro argued that violence is a tool for domination. He believes powerful countries need violence to control nations like Colombia. He accused the Trump administration of being influenced by Colombian mafia politicians. These groups, he said, are allied with the far right in the United States. He likened the massacres of Colombian farmers to the killing of children in Gaza. This comparison suggests that these acts of violence are connected and serve the same purpose.
The Human Cost of Misguided Policies
Petro believes the drug war’s focus on poor farmers is a mistake. The true culprits, he said, are the greedy people who profit from distribution. He argues that violence is a strategy to target tens of thousands of farmers. He claimed hundreds of thousands of Colombian farmers have been killed. These deaths are due to powerful politicians bribed by drug cartels. These politicians are allied with US interests.
Conclusion
Petro’s speech was a powerful call to action. He urged leaders to rethink the global strategy against drugs. He believes the current approach is not only ineffective but also criminal. It has led to the death and persecution of many innocent people. He proposed a new path based on cooperation and compassion, not force. He asked for a criminal investigation against Trump. This is a bold move that highlights the high stakes of this debate. His argument is that the world must choose between violence and justice.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro challenges the global war on drugs, arguing that a violent approach has failed and a new, more peaceful strategy is needed to address the issue.
Takeaways
President Gustavo Petro argues that the US-led war on drugs is a failure.
He claims that military action in the Caribbean killed unarmed youths and was not about stopping drugs.
Petro stated his government successfully seized a record amount of cocaine and extradited over 700 drug lords without violence.
He links US anti-drug policies to global issues like racism, migration, and other international conflicts.
He suggests that the true problem is not the substance but the corrupt leaders and greedy criminals who profit from it.
Source
Times of India Source Title Trump ‘TROLLED’ By Putin Ally; Colombian President Petro Mocks American Forces’ OP In UN Speech Source Link