Donald Trump plans to encourage international war on drugs

Since Trump's election as President of the United States, it's an understatement to say that political observers are having trouble knowing which foot to dance on. On the subject of cannabis, he oscillates between respect the rights of States to draw up their own legislation on the subject and organize a secret committee to reinforce cannabis prohibition.

On the sidelines of the upcoming United Nations summit in New York, to be held next Tuesday, September 25, a private event on public drug policy is being organized by the Trump administration. The invitation has only been sent to certain countries that have signed up to a controversial non-negotiable action plan, according to documents obtained by The Intercept, including countries with the most draconian laws on the subject.

The event, entitled« Global Call to Action on the World Drug Problem »(a global call to action on the world's drug problem) leaves us dubious as to the methods employed. The document is unofficial, has not been circulated through the usual channels of communication, has not been negotiated, and is intended to propose a common position before the United Nations.

For Hannah Hetzer, Director of International Policy at Drug Policy Alliance, It seems to be a way of getting countries to get behind Trump and his administration. I think the countries that sign this and then show up for this photo op should be very careful - they don't really know what they're signing up for.«

The document calls for an action plan based on four pillars: demand reduction, treatment of sick people, international cooperation and the reduction of illicit drug supply. It also calls on the UN Narcotics Commission to accelerate its action on synthetic drugs.

Another document that The Intercept indicates that the United States is already collaborating with more than two dozen countries, including China, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Russia and the United Arab Emirates, the first 3 of which executed drug addicts last year. They also include the UK, India and Costa Rica, countries with more relaxed drug policies.

The United Nations generally agrees on a position that also suits countries with the toughest laws. By 2016, however, the General Assembly had begun a process of openness, moving away from the draconian measures previously adopted. The US administration, during Obama's tenure, had also softened its stance. Trump, who takes great pleasure in undermining everything Obama has done, may want to return to a stricter stance and declare a "no trade" clause. War on Drugs 2.0.