Bolivia: US Reduces Aid, Increases Interference

While the U.S. announced its plans to cut military aid and anti-drug aid to Bolivia, it simultaneously moves to increase its capacity to infiltrate the rural regions where the coca leaf is primarily grown (check out the Chew on This Documentary at Salón Chingón).

Morales contends that he opposes the U.S.-backed eradication of the coca plant (which is the main ingredient in cocaine, but also harvested for many traditional cultural uses), but also wants to more effectively combat the illegal trafficking of the drug. He is also under pressure to allow increased production of the plant by the cocaleros who helped him achieve a clear majority in December’s election .

The Narcotics Affairs Section (NAS) of the U.S. State Dept. is taking action to “allow for an expansion of NAS support to counternarcotics operations in Bolivia,” according to a department planning document that was obtained, and had just begun circulating, today. This otherwise unannounced escalation of U.S.-backed counterdrug missions comes four days after Evo Morales – a vociferous advocate of the rights of coca-crop farmers – took office as Bolivia’s first Indian president.

The first step toward expanding NAS-backed activities is the planned purchase of up to 90 heavy duty pick-up trucks, which will be delivered to “the Government of Bolivia pursuant to an agreement with the U.S. Department of State,” according to a Jan. 25 procurement notice found through a routine search of the FedBizOpps contracting database.

Although the U.S. Embassy in La Paz will buy the trucks to replace old ones, a closer look at the planning document reveals that the planned acquisition is not just a routine matter. Rather than simply replacing an aging fleet of off-highway 4×4s, the new fleet of vehicles will heighten the capability of counterdrug forces to transport personnel and supplies during these expanded operations, many of which will take place in rural regions…

Posted by OCoileain
The pen is mightier!

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