The Solution to the Crisis in Bolivia

Donald Rumsfeld is in South America drumming up support for the fragile democracies there. One of his concerns is the alleged funding of terrorist activities by drug dealers and smugglers. An unnamed defense official even stated that some radical Islamic groups are funded by these entities. There is a very simple way to shore up Bolivia's tottering government, marginalize the radical Evo Morales, limit Chavez's influence and cut off Hamas and Hezbollah - legalize the cultivation of the coca plant. US efforts to eradicate coca production has decimated support for mainstream political parties in the indigenous population and sent it running to the open arms of the socialist firebrand and Chavez wannabe Evo Morales. By operating in the formal economy the cartel would be smashed, gains would not be directed to nefarious groups and Morales would not have an issue to rally around.