The entire war on drugs disproportionately targets poor people and people of color.

We took two steps forward with the reforms in December, and one more step yesterday. But we still have 10 steps more to go.

If there's one thing the international community should do, if only out of deference because he won the election, is to take seriously his arguments that coca products have a place in the international commodities market.

The best news in this year's report is the significant decline in cigarette smoking, not just because that ultimately is the most deadly drug but also because it confirms that drug abuse is best reduced through sensible public health measures rather than criminal penalties, prosecutions and prisons.

What happened in California provides a powerful model. It is extremely likely that there will be other prop 36-like initiatives in other major states in 2002 and 2004.

The drugs are free or inexpensive, but distribution on this scale in rural villages and poor areas is a big, expensive job. Donations from foundations and wealthy countries helped fund the distribution in Egypt, and more of that same support is needed for campaigns in other countries.