We review "Drugs, Insecurity, and Failed States: The Problems of Prohibition," a new book from the very establishment International Institute for Strategic Studies.
Campos, Kilmer, Campbell, and Rosenthal at Oaksterdam (photos by Drug War Chronicle)
There was some interesting and well-informed discussion at Oaksterdam University Saturday night as the authors of four recent books on marijuana sat down to talk and think out loud.
Mexico's next president has joined the ever growing chorus of Latin American leaders calling for a serious discussion of drug legalization, even as he announced he would continue to fight the drug war in Mexico.
Law Enforcement Against Prohibition is hiring an Assistant Media Relations Director, probably but not necessarily working in San Francisco or Washington, DC. Apply by next week.
Law Enforcement Against Prohibition is an international nonprofit educational organization created to give voice to law-enforcers who believe the US war on drugs has failed. They are hiring a Speakers Bureau Director, most likely based in the Washington, DC area.
Gretchen Burns Bergman at the National Press Club (Moms United)
Former New Mexico Republican Gov. Gary Johnson has selected Judge Jim Gray as his vice presidential nod in his Libertarian Party presidential nominee campaign. That's a pretty strong anti-prohibitionist ticket.
Drug war spending continues to exceed treatment and prevention spending (ONDCP)
The 2012 National Drug Control Strategy is out. It looks much like the 2010 strategy or the 2005 strategy or the 2000 strategy. There are a few new wrinkles, but nothing much has changed.
Russell Brand at the premiere of Arthur (wikimedia.org)
Actor and comedian Russell Brand called for "love and compassion" for drug addicts at an appearance before a parliamentary committee in London Tuesday and suggested that decriminalization could be a good approach.
group photo at 2009 Summit of the Americas (whitehouse.gov)
History is about to be made at the Summit of the Americas in Cartagena this weekend. Hemispheric heads of state will discuss alternatives to the drug war and challenge the US prohibitionist model. This could be the beginning of the end.