US Sanctions Colombian Leader for Not Policing Drugs, Ignores Its Own Arms Trade
The US Treasury, via Secretary Scott Bessent, announced sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro, citing his alleged failure to curb drug cartels. This move, framed by the Biden administration as protecting the nation, conveniently sidesteps the US's own historical role in fueling armed conflicts globally, which in turn creates optimal conditions for illicit economies to thrive. The
narrative conveniently forgets the US role in destabilizing regions, which often leads to spikes in drug production and trafficking. One might wonder if 'allowing cartels to flourish' only applies when the profits don't directly benefit Washington's preferred partners or military-industrial complex. While Petro faces sanctions, the Biden administration has simultaneously pushed for massive
military aid packages – like the $14 billion for Israel in HR 815, passed with bipartisan support—all while the US remains the world's largest arms exporter. It seems the definition of 'security threat' is remarkably flexible, depending on whose economy is flourishing.