Marijuana laws loosen gradually around the globe
During a recent upswing in drug violence in Mexican border towns, many critics of the drug war called for a change in U.S. policy toward marijuana use. Meanwhile, New Jersey just became the 14th U.S. state to allow marijuana for medical use. View our maps to compare current U.S. marijuana policy to laws in Europe and the rest of the world.
Swiss government providing free heroin for drug addicts
A year ago, Swiss voters approved a referendum to give hardcore heroin addicts free supplies of the drug. The conservative country seems to be embracing a very controversial idea, but many critics think alternative therapies such as abstinence should be tried instead. Rather than prison time, should governments provide free drugs in treatment programs?
Evaluating the costs, benefits of new cancer-fighting drugs
In Wednesday's show, we look at a new cancer drug, Avastin, which can reportedly extend patients' lives. But there is a public debate about how much medical care should be made available at the end of life. Henry Aaron, a senior fellow and noted health care expert with the Brookings Institution in Washington DC, joins Martin Savidge to discuss the issue.
Tune in: Radio show on “Guatemala: Behind the famine”
In our weekly radio show, Martin Savidge explores the causes behind Guatemala's chronic malnutrition and escalating narco war. He hosts a panel of guests to discuss the remnants of war and genocide and land rights. Anita Isaacs, Stephen C. “Carlisle” Johnson and Samuel Lowenberg join the conversation. LISTEN NOW!
Mexico decriminalizes small amounts of drugs
Last week, the Mexican government announced that it will no longer jail users of small amounts of marijuana, cocaine and heroin. Other countries in the region have taken similar steps. John Walsh of the Washington Office on Latin America discusses the trend.
In Mexico, drug legalization is a mixed bag
In Mexico, a new law has been passed to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of narcotics including marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD and crystal meth. A Worldfocus contributing blogger examines the pros and cons of decriminalization.
Corruption hampers Mexico’s battle against drugs
Earlier this week, U.S. President Barack Obama praised what he described as Mexico's "courageous effort" to combat drug trafficking and violence. Andres Martinez of the New America Foundation discusses the drug war and the U.S. role in Mexico.
Hollow words as Obama praises Mexico’s war on drugs
At the North American summit in Mexico, U.S. President Barack Obama pledged to continue efforts to reduce U.S. demand for drugs, and to stem the illegal flow of guns across the southern border. But Worldfocus blogger Peter Eisner argues that the promises are just words, and nothing will change.
U.S. keeps Mexican drug trafficking on the back burner
As Mexican drug trafficking pushes along, the danger is evident, writes Worldfocus blogger Peter Eisner. But Mexican officials don't want to hear it, and U.S. officials don't want to push the issue too far ahead toward the front burner.
Iran hosts trilateral summit with Afghanistan, Pakistan
Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai, Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari met on Sunday to discuss their nations' potential cooperation on a wide range of issues, from drug trafficking to militant insurgencies. Marvin Weinbaum of the Middle East Institute discusses the summit.
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