Drugs are a tragedy for addicts, but criminalizing their use converts that tragedy into a disaster for society...

– Milton Friedman, Nobel Prize Economics

Faces of the Drug War There is growing global consensus that it is time to end the War on Drugs. This war has had catastrophic effects on human health, human rights and global safety. Hundreds of thousands have died from the violence associated with the illegal drug market, fatal drug overdose and AIDS. Millions of others are living with HIV and serious medical conditions as a result. Hundreds of billions of dollars have been spent on prisons and law enforcement. Families, neighbourhoods and countries have been devastated by organized crime, corrupt governments and black market economies. The victims of this senseless war are unacknowledged and undefended. How can we help our political and policy leaders acknowledge the failure of prohibition and map out a path to a rational future? Without public input and pressure, governments are often reluctant to change policies, regardless of how ineffective they are. One way to help right now is to check out the Vienna Declaration and find out more about how the War on Drugs is having overwhelmingly negative health, social and economic impacts on individuals and communities around the world.  Please sign the Vienna Declaration to show your support for drug policies based on scientific evidence, public health and human rights. The Power of Music and Dialogue FACES will harness the ability of the arts community to engage large numbers of people in making change. Through a series of high profile concerts accompanied by dialogue forums and social media campaigns, FACES will give the public a voice in ending the war on drugs. The events will take place in 8 cities in Canada, the US and Europe and will feature well known artists, celebrities and people engaged in drug policy reform. Funds raised will be used to support victims of the War on Drugs and to support drug policy reform.  The music community is already becoming engaged in this process.  Recently, Sting has lent his voice to support the end of prohibition and the beginning of drug policy reform.

via facesofthedrugwar.com

The Fight To Be Well « Peter Reynolds

The Fight To Be Well

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THC4MS bust - Law enforcement maybe, justice? no.

You are in Medical

THC4MS bust - Law enforcement maybe, justice? no.

26th January 2007 Carlisle Crown Court This story should really have be our lead item andif it ween't for the contamination problem which was a major story at the time it would have been. Mark and Lesley Gibson - Lesley being an MS sufferer - and Marcus Davise ran THC4MS for a number of years, supplying cannabis in chocolate - known as "Canna-Biz"to MS sufferers. They were busted last year and were found guilty on Friday 16th December. There have been a lot of stories concerning drugs in the media recently, it's clear that the present "zero tolerance" drugs policy is in a total mess; it's both unjust and creating more problems than it solves. Not only are people put at extra risk due to the uncontrolled nature of cannabis, but compassionate people are just collateral damage. When this government came to power in 1997 it made a point of squashing drug law reform, preferring to breath new life into the war on drugs. Well, that's certainly what's happened and people with MS have been dragged through the courts, but that's only one of the sickening results. Prohibition - the correct term for the "war on drugs" - means that so-called illegal drugs are not "controlled substances" in any meaningful use of the word "controlled". Recreational and escapist use is supplied by organised crime with a turnover making it the third biggest industry on the planet. People who use cannabis for pain releif are treated as the enemy in this war. Well financed and able to defend itself the suppliers of hard drugs - the drugs the government promised to target such as heroin and cocaine - have continued to spread like a cancer through our society. Meanwhile the full force of the law has been directed where it's easy to get results - such as busting THC4MS. What's happened is people who supplied cannabis for free - in a non-smoking form - to ease pain relief in ill people have been made to go through what can only be desrcibed as a "show trial" in order to demonstrate the law is tough and even medical users will be prosecuted. This is sick beyond belief, but true. In May last year, the court of appeal ruled "medical necessity" could be no defence for the possession or supply of cannabis as a pain relief, leaving the way open for the police to target medical cannabis users. These people may have broken a law, but they are not criminals. They stood trial in a place dedicated to "justice", not "law enforcement" - justice has not been done. Guardian report on the background to all this here (The Guardian)

via ukcia.org

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Information on Drug Abuse

There are no easy answers to the problems caused by drug use, but knowing the facts can help you deal with drugs issues.

Understanding drugs

What do we mean when we talk about drug use?

People use many different kinds of drugs. These drugs may be legal or illegal, helpful or harmful. Every drug has side-effects and risks, but some drugs have more risks than others, especially illegal drugs.

Using drugs can become a problem depending on a number of factors. These are: 

• What drug is used?
• Who is using the drug? (especially their mood and personality)
• Why they are using the drug?
• Where and How are they are using the drug?

Different drugs create different problems for different people. These problems require different answers. To begin to understand the problem, you have to know what is happening in the life of the person who is using the drug and what drug they are using.

The most commonly used illegal drugs are cannabis, ecstasy, heroin and cocaine.

Why do people use drugs?

Different people use different drugs for different reasons.

There are, of course, legal drugs which we all come across every day. For example, you may take medicine when you are sick, alcohol to help you relax or coffee to help you stay awake.

What we are talking about are illegal drugs. You may experiment with illegal drugs because of curiosity, because your friends are doing it or to escape boredom or worries. You may take certain drugs to change how you feel. You may believe it’s a fun or fashionable thing to do.

You may continue to use a drug because you enjoy it, or because it’s part of your social life or culture. This is often called “recreational” drug use.

Sometimes drug use can become an important part of your life. This may be because of emotional, psychological or social problems you are experiencing. Some drugs can make you addicted or dependent, where you lose control over your drug use and feel you cannot function without the drug.

Some people use more than one drug at the same time – this is known as “polydrug use”. Mixing drugs can be dangerous because the effects and side-effects are added together. This includes mixing illegal drugs with legal drugs such as alcohol or medication. For example, taking alcohol with cocaine increases your risk of irregular heart rhythms, heart attacks and even death.

Know the facts about drugs

There are no easy answers to the problems caused by drug use, but knowing the facts can help you deal with drugs issues.

Myth “All drugs are addictive”.

Fact  Some drugs can create addiction or dependence much quicker than others. There is no evidence that people get “hooked” after one to two uses, or that everyone who tries a drug will become addicted. Using a drug even once can cause serious problems. Addiction depends on the what, who, why, where and how of drug use.

Myth “only drug addicts have a problem” 

Fact Addiction or dependency is not the only problem drugs can cause. Some people have problems the first time they use a drug, or problems may develop as you use them more often. Drug use can affect your physical and mental health, your family life, relationships and your work or study. Using illegal drugs can also get you into trouble with the law or cause money problems.

Myth “All illegal drugs are equally harmful” 

Fact Different drugs can harm you in different ways. Some drugs, such as heroin, are regarded as more dangerous because they have a higher risk of addiction and overdose, or because they are injected. However, each drug has its own risks.

Drugs are often described as being either “hard” or “soft” but it’s not as simple as that.

Myth “My teenager is moody and losing interest in school – they must be on drugs”.

Fact Parents often ask how they can tell if their child is using drugs. But you should be careful of lists of signs and symptoms. Many of the possible signs, such as mood swings or loss of interest in hobbies or study, are also normal behaviour for teenagers. It’s better to talk to them before jumping to conclusions.

If you find that your child is taking drugs, don’t panic. Find out the details of their drug taking – what they have taken, for how long and why. Speaking with a trained professional can help you decide what action to take.

You can help your child develop a sensible attitude towards drugs, by showing a sensible attitude to your own use of drugs particularly legal drugs such as alcohol and medication.

Myth “Young people are tempted to try drugs by pushers”

Fact Most young people are introduced to illegal drugs by a friend or someone they know. In many cases drugs are “pulled” rather than “pushed” – the person asks for it themselves, often out of curiosity.  

It’s good to talk and listen!

Talking about drugs and drug use can be difficult. You may feel uncomfortable taking about drugs because you don’t know enough about the subject. You may not be confident that you can talk to and influence the other person. You don’t have to do this alone, you can get further information and support.

If someone you know is taking drugs or you think they are taking drugs:

• Listen to them – it is important to understand and respect how they feel;
• Keep the lines of communication open; and
• Look for more information before you do anything.

Where can I get more information and support?

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has trained staff, in drugs education, in your area. They also have counselling and treatment services. A number of voluntary agencies also provide education, counselling and treatment throughout the country.

To get information on your local services:

Free phone: Drugs Helpline 1800 459 459

Monday – Friday, 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. 

Web: www.drugs.ie

Text: Drugs to 51900

If you or someone you know needs immediate help:

If you find someone drowsy or unconscious:

• Stay calm.
• Phone the emergency service on 999 or 112.
• Make sure their airway is clear.
• Turn them on their side and try not to leave them alone. Take care when turning them to avoid contact with needles or sharp objects.
• Give any powders, tablets or other things you find to the ambulance staff.

If you think someone has taken drugs and needs help:

• Contact your local doctor – listed under General Practitioner (GP) in the phone book.
• Go to or phone the Emergency department (A&E) of your nearest hospital.
• Phone the emergency service on 999 or 112.

What you need to know about drugs

There are five main kinds of drugs that can change your mood or how you behave. Most of these drugs come under a law called the Misuse of Drugs Act. They are known as “controlled drugs” and are listed in different groups called schedules.

The schedules group drugs, according to how useful they are and what is needed to control their use. For example, schedule one covers drugs that have no medical use – drugs such as LSD and “designer drugs” such as ecstasy.

This is different from the UK where drugs are grouped in classes (A, B, C) according to how the law deals with them.

• Depressants, such as alcohol, can be used to calm the mind, relieve anxiety and can cause sleepiness.

• Sedatives and minor tranquillisers include the benzodiazepine drugs, such as valium,   these are often prescribed to calm you down or to help you sleep at night. They have the same general effects as depressants but they cause addiction in a different way.

• Opiates, also known as narcotic analgesics, are strong painkillers that produce feelings of euphoria (happiness) and sleepiness. The opiates include morphine, heroin and methadone.

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BBC News - Osama Bin Laden dead

1233: The BBC's Aleem Maqbool in Islamabad says: "The authorities here are hailing this as a huge victory, but the amount of time it took them to react to the news suggests it was as much a surprise to them as everyone else. It is astonishing that the trail to Osama Bin Laden did not lead to a cave, or tunnels in the tribal areas, but here to the beautiful, lush, green hills of Abbotabad."

1226: We've just published a gallery of pictures of world reaction to the death of Osama Bin Laden.

1223: In the last half hour the FBI has updated Bin Laden's profile to "deceased" on its Most Wanted website.

1214: jonathansebire tweets: "Humoured by certain Republican reaction to #OBL refusing to mention Obama. Can't believe body has already been disposed of."

1213: Michaela in Dundee, Scotland, writes: "I am so happy that the American troops have finally managed to get that evil man. He doesn't deserve anything better than death! ...My boyfriend is out there fighting and I truly hope this does not spark more fighting. Troops in Afghan, I Salute You!" Have Your Say

1211: "The news of Bin Laden's death will, I predict, encourage many Americans to believe that the war which began on 11th September 2001 is finally over and that it is time their boys came home," blogs the BBC's political editor Nick Robinson.

1208: The BBC's security correspondent Frank Gardner says it was "very significant" the US did not inform the Pakistani intelligence services until after the operation had been carried out: "The US simply couldn't trust the ISI not to tip off Bin Laden's people. It happened before in 1998 when President Clinton ordered the firing of cruise missiles at Bin Laden's camps in response to the bombing of US embassies in Africa. Somebody tipped off Bin Laden's people, the camps were emptied and the death toll was one goat, one shed and a few followers."

1207: As details of the operation in which Bin Laden was killed come in, we are updating our guide, How it happened.

1204: AFP news agency confirms that Ismail Haniya, the head of the Hamas government in the Gaza Strip, has condemned Bin Laden's killing.

1203: More on the Taliban threat. Ehsanullah Ehsan, a spokesman for Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), or Taliban Movement of Pakistan, told Reuters by telephone from an undisclosed location: "Now Pakistani rulers, [Pakistani President Asif Ali] Zardari and the army will be our first targets. America will be our second target."

1200: The BBC's security correspondent Frank Gardner says: "Bin Laden has gone to his watery grave partly successful, but partly failing. He succeeded in his aim of waking up the the Islamic community - by saying, 'look at the justices being inflicted on you - you have a duty to fight'. But on the other hand, he failed - he and his movement have not been able to replace a single Arab regime anywhere."

1159: AFP is now confirming that Pakistan's main Taliban faction has threatened to attack Pakistan and the United States.

1157: Palestinian militant group Hamas have condemned the killing of Bin Laden, Reuters reports, calling it the "assassination" of an "Arab holy warrior".

1155: The Taliban have threatened fresh attacks on Pakistani leaders, the army, and the US following the death of Osama Bin Laden, Reuters news agency reports. More as we get it.

1153: Tim Sumner, from a group called 9/11 Families for a Safe&Strong America, says he is "very happy to see that our nation has scored this victory". Mr Sumner, who lost a friend and his brother-in-law in the 9/11 attacks, told the BBC World Service that he and his family "are exhilarated. That would be a good word to use. It is a just ending to a mass murderer."

1151: Anna from Petrozavodsk tells BBCRussian.com: "They celebrate like it is a New Year or something! A symbol of terrorism was killed but all his supporters are alive. They will fight in his name."

1149: Rich Higgins in London, writes: "More whitewash from Washington? They've taken 10 years to find this man, and instead of ceremonially parading his corpse on the world's media they 'bury him at sea'? Believeable? I don't think so, neither should any sane person. I genuinely don't know who's worse in all of this. The lies that have come out of this Western coalition are enough to make you question any statement." Have Your Say

1147: Robert in St Louis, writes: "In Nov 2010, General Petraeus visited the Pakistan Military Academy, only a few hundred meters from Bin Laden's compound. The US intelligence agencies thought Bin Laden might be living in that compound as early as Aug 2010. Petraeus must have been aware that he was probably only a few hundred metres from Bin Laden at the time of his visit." Have Your Say

1145: In this article for the BBC, Middle East analyst Roger Hardy wonders whether Osama Bin Laden could prove as dangerous dead as he was alive.

1141: The BBC's Rahimullah Yusufzai in Peshawar says that the death of Osama Bin Laden means that al-Qaeda cannot now operate effectively as a military operation. "Although Bin Laden will be identified as a martyr, al-Qaeda will not have the same strength and importance," he said. Our correspondent says that Bin Laden's deupty, Ayman al-Zawahiri does not have the same status as him and will inherit an organisation that is "diminished in strength".

1135: Nicola in Llanelli, writes: "My daughter is currently in Afghanistan and this news has done nothing to make me feel she is any safer, in fact I believe she and the other troops may well be in more danger. We need to be on high alert now, not only in Afghanistan, but around the world. Do people seriously believe there will be no repercussions?" Have Your Say

1131: Agha Lalai, a member of the Afghan government council for southern Kandahar province, said Bin Laden's death could make it easier for the Taliban to reconcile with the Afghan government: "I think that now the Taliban will be free to make their own decision, and maybe these peace negotiations will finally have some success. They are also Afghan and we can't fight with them forever," she told AP news agency.

1126: Sean Cassidy, whose son Ciaran was killed in the 7/7 bomb attacks in London, has warned that there are many "young pretenders" to Bin Laden's throne: "He was the spiritual leader, not a foot soldier any more. He was like a supreme being. There are plenty more willing to fill his shoes - all those fanatical organisations have their young pretenders."

1121: The Home Office has confirmed our earlier report that the threat level from terrorism remains at "severe". A spokesman said: "We face a real and serious threat from terrorism. The overall threat level from international terrorism, set by JTAC, remains at 'severe' which means that an attack is highly likely. There is a continuing need for everyone to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the police."

1119: The BBC's security correspondent Frank Gardner says: "Bin Laden has gone to his watery grave partly successful, but partly failing. He succeeded in his aim of waking up the Islamic community - by saying, 'look at the justices being inflicted on you - you have a duty to fight'. But on the other hand, he failed - he and his movement have not been able to replace a single Arab regime anywhere."

1116: Jason Burke, the Guardian's South Asia correspondent, tweets: "I'm hearing Shuja Pasha - ISI chief - knew, Kayani - army chief etc - knew. Zardari told as it was happening ... unconfirmed but plausible."

1113: Mr Mamdouh, who went on to open a new restaurant with surviving colleagues, says he hopes that following the death of Osama Bin Laden "we will get more peace". He says he hopes that "what's been going on since 9/11, all the attacks against Muslims and against Arabs and against everybody who looks like an Arab and all the killings - I hope that it will finish today."

1110: Fekkak Mamdouh, former head waiter of the Windows on the World restaurant in the North Tower of the World Trade Center, where 73 staff members were killed in the 9/11 attacks, tells the BBC World Service he is glad that Bin Laden is dead as because of him, "we got into two wars and killed a lot of people in Afghanistan and Iraq".

1108: To check out the range of our coverage of the death of Osama Bin Laden, go to our special report page.

1105: Nato Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen says the killing of Bin Laden is a "significant success" for the security of Nato allies, Reuters reports.

1104: Kenya's Internal Security Permanent Secretary Francis Kimemia says that security there is being stepped up in case of reprisal attacks. "We have put our security forces on very high alert to ensure that nothing happens. I think the US should not stop there. They should go ahead and decimate all the cells; all the al-Qaeda cells, some of whom are even nearby, near our country," he said.

1101: We've just published this fascinating piece about how an IT consultant was sniffing out the story of the operation in Abbottabad for his Twitter followers as it unfolded.

1057: Paul in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, writes: "I find it hard to believe that world leaders think this symbolic figurehead's demise will in any way weaken the resolve of those who follow his beliefs... As someone living and working in Saudi Arabia, I for one will not be celebrating, I will be more concerned about sleeping soundly at night!" Have Your Say

1055: Ed Miliband MP, UK opposition leader, says: "Osama Bin Laden committed one of history's most appalling acts of terrorism and the world is a safer place because he will no longer be able to command or encourage acts of terror. For the victims of 9/11 and their families, nothing can take away the pain of what happened but this will provide an important sense of justice. Despite the death of Osama Bin Laden, our vigilance against the perpetrators of terrorism must and will continue."

1054: Mohammed Shafiq, chief executive of the UK Muslim organisation the Ramadhan Foundation, says: "Osama Bin Laden has been responsible for preaching hatred and using terrorism to kill innocent people around the world and it would have been more suitable for him to be captured alive and put of trial in an international court for the crimes he has committed. Victims of terrorism by al-Qaeda should have had the chance to see him brought to justice.

1052: Ms Shaikh adds: "This is an extremely difficult moment, because there will be a large number of people within Pakistan's military and intelligence establishment who will be wondering whether Pakistan has in some sense outlived its usefulness now in the so-called war on terror, and having outlived its usefulness what can Pakistan's leverage be in demanding a key role in that end game in Afghanistan. All of this, of course, is deeply troubling, and it isn't suprising that the military and political leadership today have had a series of high-level meetings."

1050: Farzana Shaikh, a Pakistan analyst at the Chatham House thinktank in London, tells the BBC World Service: "Many people around the world are going to find their worst suspicions confirmed - that there has been, right from the outset, complicity on the part of the Pakistani state in aiding and abetting Osama Bin Laden." She told the BBC World Service that "the fact that he wasn't found in a cage, but right there at the heart of an academy which in many ways represents the military establishment is of course deeply embarrassing to both Pakistan's political leadership and to its all-powerful, dominant military."

1048: Fazil in Southampton, writes: "There's something wrong with Bin Laden's death. How do we believe he is actually dead when we can't see a video/photograph of him? Why in the world did US bury him at sea without releasing any photos? There are a lot of questions to be answered." Have Your Say

1037: Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has expressed his "heartfelt gratitude" to President Obama for the military operation which killed Osama Bin Laden: "We should never forget 9/11 was also the worst ever terrorist attack against UK civilians, and our thoughts are with all those - American, British and from nations across the world - who lost their lives and with their loved ones who remain and who live with their loss. 9/11 was an attack not just on the United States, but on all those who shared the best values of civilisation. The operation shows those who commit acts of terror against the innocent will be brought to justice, however long it takes," Mr Blair said.

1033: The current threat level from international terrorism in the UK remains unchanged at "severe", a Home Office source told BBC News. The threat was set at this level in January 2010 and there was no indication it would change today, the BBC's political correspondent Ross Hawkins reports.

1026: You can read the thoughts of BBC guest columnist Ahmed Rashid about the remaining threat posed by al-Qaeda in full here.

1023: The Palestinian Authority has given its reaction: "Getting rid of Bin Laden is good for the cause of peace worldwide but what counts is to overcome the discourse and the methods - the violent methods - that were created and encouraged by Bin Laden and others in the world," said spokesman Ghassan Khatib according to Reuters news agency.

1021: The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office has issued this travel advice: "Following death of Osama Bin Laden we advise UK nationals overseas to monitor the media for local reactions and remain vigilant. UK nationals should exercise caution in all public places and avoid demonstrations, large crowds of people and public events."

1015: Prymuz in the UK writes: "No body = no proof. No WMD = no justification for war." Have Your Say

1012: The president of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, and the president of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, have issued this joint statement: "Osama Bin Laden was a criminal responsible for heinous terrorist attacks that cost the lives of thousands of innocent people. His death makes the world a safer place and shows that such crimes do not remain unpunished... The European Union continues to stand shoulder to shoulder with the United States, our international partners and our friends in the Muslim world in combating the scourge of global extremism and in building a world of peace, security and prosperity for all."

1009: Kiel in Sheffield writes: "Are we going to see a real life video of the body? Why have/would they bury him at sea? Why has he not been shown to the world like Saddam was?" Have Your Say

1007: Jacqui Smith, the former Home Secretary, tweets: "V good news from Pakistan but a potentially perilous time. Thank goodness for the professionalism of our CT police and security services."

1006: Mr Lelpi, himself a former firefighter, added that he was "more than happy" that Osama Bin Laden had been killed, rather than caught and put on trial. "This is the better way to do it, we don't have to listen to him or anybody else preach about how wonderful they think they are."

1004: Lee Lelpi, who lost his son Jonathan, a New York City firefighter, in the 9/11 attacks, says he started crying when he heard that Osama Bin Laden was dead. He told the BBC World Service's World Today that he cried "tears of joy and tears for those people who were murdered on 9/11 and after 9/11. I was overwhelmed when I heard the news. It will send a beautiful message out to a lot of people."

0954: Don't miss our gallery of Osama Bin Laden's life in pictures.

0951: UK Foreign Secretary William Hague told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme that elements of al-Qaeda were "still in business". He said: "We will still have to be vigilant, even more vigilant, in the coming days about the international terrorist threat. The work in Afghanistan will continue to be phenomenally difficult and must go on. So it would be wrong to draw the conclusion that suddenly we have solved a mass of the world's problems."

0948: Mark in Kirkcaldy, Scotland, writes: "Didn't David Cameron just give £650m to Pakistan as an apology for saying they harbour terrorists. Now every world leader and media centre are saying they harbour terrorists. Wow, the Tories just aren't out of touch with Britain, they're out of touch with the whole world." Have Your Say

0946: Bob in Tampa, Florida, writes: "While I can understand some of the negative comments to the reaction of young Americans outside the White House and New York, please keep in mind that this is a decade long struggle against a truly evil entity - those kids were children at the time of the horrific terror attacks and it is a visceral reaction." Have Your Say

0937: She says "Indian officials have spoken plainly: saying this underlines concerns that terrorists find sanctuary in Pakistan. President Obama was more diplomatic. He emphasised that the counter-terrorism operation with Pakistan had helped - framing Pakistan in public as help, not hindrance. Some Pakistani newspapers went further, quoting security officials as saying this was a joint operation. In fact, it seems much more likely that Pakistan didn't even know the operation was planned. That too hints at the fundamental lack of trust between the US and Pakistan. The suspicions raised now will strengthen the hand of those who've always accused Pakistan of playing a dangerous double game."

0935: The BBC's Jill McGivering examines the questions arising from the discovery of Bin Laden in Abbottabad - "an affluent Pakistani town, near the capital Islamabad, a place closely associated with the military". "Could Pakistan's military and intelligence services really not have known he was there? Or is this evidence that the Pakistani establishment, or parts of it, are still supporting Islamic extremists, as its critics have always claimed?"

0923: Afghan President Hamid Karzai says the killing of Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan proved Kabul's long-standing position that the war on terror was not rooted in Afghanistan: "Again and again, for years and every day we have said that the war on terror is not in Afghan villages, not in Afghan houses of the poor and oppressed," he tells a gathering of tribal elders. "The war against terrorism is in its sources, in its financial sources, its sanctuaries, in its training bases, not in Afghanistan. It was proven that we were right."

0920: Will in Wales, writes: "One of my strongest memories from 9/11 is people celebrating around the world. I remember being disgusted. Now I have just seen Americans celebrating the death of Bin Laden outside the White House, I am again disgusted. I believe this scene may even incite more hatred and terror against in America and Europe." Have Your Say

0917: More of the statement from Pakistan's Foreign Office: "Osama Bin Ladin's death illustrates the resolve of the international community including Pakistan to fight and eliminate terrorism. It constitutes a major setback to terrorist organizations around the world. Al-Qaeda had declared war on Pakistan. Scores of Al-Qaeda sponsored terrorist attacks resulted in deaths of thousands of innocent Pakistani men, women and children." The statement says almost 30,000 Pakistani civilians and more than 5,000 Pakistani security forces have been killed in the last few years. "Pakistan has played a significant role in efforts to eliminate terrorism," the statement says.

0912: A former spokesman for Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Khaliq Ahmed, tells BBC News he is not surprised Bin Laden was found in Pakistan rather than Afghanistan: "We knew Bin Laden could not be in the Afghan tribal areas - the price on his head was too high. He had to be in Pakistan. We used to tell this to journalists and diplomats but they did not believe us."

0911: A former spokesman for Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Khaliq Ahmed, tells BBC News he is not surprised Bin Laden was found in Pakistan rather than Afghanistan: "We knew Bin Laden could not be in the Afghan tribal areas - the price on his head was too high. He had to be in Pakistan. We used to tell this to journalists and diplomats but they did not believe us."

0910: Pakistan's Foreign Office has released a statement confirming the operation: "In an intelligence driven operation, Osama Bin Ladin was killed in the surroundings of Abbotabad in the early hours of this morning. This operation was conducted by the US forces in accordance with declared US policy that Osama Bin Ladin will be eliminated in a direct action by the US forces, wherever found in the world."

0907: W Norton in the UK writes: "We have to admit that Obama's ratings have been low, he will be hoping no doubt for a resurgence in this department. But there will be many more Bin Ladens hidden around the world, they will not go away. That only happens in fairytales." Have Your Say

0906: The killing of Osama Bin Laden is an "act of justice" for the victims of the 1998 bombings at the US embassy in Kenya, President Mwai Kibaki says according to AFP.

0902: Col Richard Kemp, the former commander of British forces in Afghanistan, tells BBC News: "This is not just symbolic - this is a major setback to al-Qaeda. It shows that the US is strong and al-Qaeda is weak. It is the third major high point of the war on terror. The first was the removal of the Taliban from power. The second was the defeat of Saddam Hussein. And now, the death of Osama Bin Laden."

0901: An official in the president's office of Yemen - Osama Bin Laden's ancestral homeland - welcomed his death, hailing it as "the beginning of the end of terror", reports AFP.

0859: Osama Bin Laden's death is a "victory for the forces of peace," but does not mean extremism has been defeated, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said according to AFP news agency.

0857: The BBC's James Copnall in Sudan's capital Khartoum says a foreign ministry spokesman refused to comment on how the Sudanese government viewed Bin Laden. They're in quite a difficult situation, he says, because they're desperate to get off the US list of countries it accuses of supporting terrorism but they also have a domestic constituency which has some support for Bin Laden. There are some people here who remember him fondly from when he used to live in Khartoum in the 1990s.

0852: William Hague, the UK foreign secretary, told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: "It is unequivocally a good thing that Osama Bin Laden is no longer able to pursue terror, murder and mayhem in the world."

0851: Zeeshan Malik in Islamabad, writes: "Just viewed international media and what is the most shocking and disappointing thing - not a single word of appreciation for Pakistan and its sacrifices... How disgusting! The most sacrifices and efforts against war on terror are by Pakistan. And without support of Pakistan all this success of USA will be near to impossible. At least give a word of appreciation for hundred thousand martyred of Pakistan who were killed in the war against terrorism." Have Your Say

0850: Although in the short term, the Obama administration will be bracing itself for possible revenge attacks, for many the bigger question will be whether in the longer run al-Qaeda can survive, says Middle East expert Roger Hardy. "Since the start of the year, some experts have argued that the uprisings in the Arab world have rendered it irrelevant. They will see Bin Laden's death as confirming the trend."

0845: Associated Press in Washington is quoting a US official as saying Osama Bin Laden's body has been buried at sea.

0841: And the White House official went on: "We soon learned that more people were living at the compound than the two brothers and their families. A third family lived there - one whose size and makeup matched the Bin Laden family members that we believed most likely to be with Osama Bin Laden. Our best assessment, based on a large body of reporting from multiple sources, was that Bin Laden was living there with several family members, including his youngest wife."

0840: The official continued: "The main structure, a three-storey building, has few windows facing the outside of the compound. A terrace on the third floor has a 7ft privacy wall. The property is valued at approximately $1m but has no telephone or internet service connected to it."

0835: More now on the intelligence that led the US to Bin Laden. A senior White House official described the compound where the al-Qaeda leader lived: "We were shocked by what we saw - an extraordinarily unique compound. It is roughly eight times larger than the other homes in the area. It has 12-18ft walls topped with barbed wire. Internal walls sectioned-off different portions of the compound to provide extra privacy. Access to the compound is restricted by two security gates, and the residents of the compound burn their trash, unlike their neighbours, who put the trash out for collection."

0833: Tim in London, says he is reminded of the words of Col Tim Collins to his troops: "If you are ferocious in battle remember to be magnanimous in victory": "The ugly, boastful scenes outside the White House cannot in any way be seen as magnaminous and is unpleasently remindful of flag-burning rallies and hate parades more commonly witnessed in those countries we suspect of being orchestras of terror." Have Your Say

0830: Journalists near the town of Abbottabad, where Bin Laden was found, told the BBC Urdu service that they were seeing an extraordinary level of military movement and activity in the area.

0824: Afghan President Hamid Karzai has called on the Taliban to end its violence after the killing of the al-Qaeda leader: "The Taliban must learn a lesson from this. The Taliban should refrain from fighting," he said in a televised news conference.

0821: Abbottabad is home to three Pakistan army regiments and thousands of military personnel and is dotted with military buildings, news agency Associated Press says. Bin Laden's discovery there raises pointed questions about how he managed to evade capture and even whether Pakistan's military and intelligence leadership knew of his whereabouts and sheltered him.

0818: Local TV channels in Pakistan say two women, who were brought out from inside the compound, were taken to local hospitals in critical condition. Both were of Arab origin. One is said to have later died in hospital.

0816: BBC Pashto reports: "Just now Afghan President Hamid Karzai told a large gathering at the presidential palace that Osama Bin Laden had been killed, which was cheered with joy. The president added: 'We have always said that the war on terror was not in Afghan villages but outside our borders, and so it has proved once more.'"

0815: Raza S Janjua in Abbottabad, writes: "Abbottabad is normal as a regular day, the roads are fine. My mother is out to get groceries, father's in his office. Only the Bilal Town area is in complete military control - no one is allowed in." Have Your Say

0811: The BBC's Paul Wood in Kabul says officials there believe the violence will go on despite Bin Laden's death: "The Taleban are no longer so closely affiliated with al-Qaeda. In many senses they have split off."

0809: The UK Foreign Secretary William Hague, who is on a visit to Egypt, has congratulated the US on "ending the reign of terror of Osama Bin Laden himself". "There couldn't be a greater contrast between what we've seen here in Tahrir Square, people aspiring for democratic change, for peaceful change in the Arab world... and the destructive and murderous approach of al-Qaeda," he said.

0806: Zabiullah Mujahid, Taliban spokesman in Afghanistan told BBC Afghan Programmes: "We are not saying anything about this story; our investigation is continuing and will talk about it later."

0803: Before his announcement, President Obama spoke to former presidents George W Bush and Bill Clinton "to review with them the events of today [Sunday] and to preview his statement to the nation tonight", a White House spokesman said. "The pursuit of Osama Bin Laden and the defeat of al-Qaeda has been a bipartisan exercise in this nation since 11 September 2001."

0801: Ahmed Rashid goes on to warn: "The fear now of random suicide bombings in subway or train stations in the US or Europe is particularly high. So are plane hijackings, bombings of Western military targets and US embassies in the Middle East where they are already a frequent target. Or just the amateur jihadi placing a bomb in a supermarket."

0758: The BBC's guest columnist Ahmed Rashid says Bin Laden's death is a huge blow to extremists, but al-Qaeda today is "loose and amorphous", not the highly centralised hierarchy it once was. "Today al-Qaeda's philosophy is one man one bomb. In other words it does not need another 9/11 to make its mark. One bomb in Times Square in New York placed by one dedicated suicide bomber or one bomb in a New York subway - both attacks were attempted last year - are big enough indicators that al-Qaeda is alive and kicking."

0752: US General Jack Keane told the BBC's Today programme that it was "appropriate" that Bin Laden was killed by US forces. "I'm glad we're bringing a body back [to the US] as to opposed to him walking back," he said.

0750: A senior Afghan counterterrorism official has told BBC Afghan Programmes in Kabul: "This [Bin Laden's death] would have been more significant in 2004, 2005 or 2006 - now it is too late. There is a Bin Laden on every street today.''

0744: A spokesman for Human Rights Watch said: "Osama Bin Laden will never again be responsible for mass atrocities such as the September 11 attacks. His death should also bring an end to a horrific chapter of human rights abuses in the name of counterterrorism."

0742: Prominent Pakistani opposition politician Imran Khan has said on Pakistan's Dunya TV that Bin Laden's death ought to mark the end of US military operations in Pakistan, BBC Monitoring reports. "I feel that now that they have killed [him], there remains no justification for this war," he said.

0729: A BBC reporter in Pakistan says the compound where Bin Laden was killed is 800 yards from the premises of the PMA - Pakistan Military Academy - Pakistan's equivalent of British Army officer training centre at Sandhurst.

0726: Haron in Lahore, writes: "I think we all need to ask ourselves if this is the beginning of the end or the end. Osama was not an individual, he was a mindset. I am surprised that the whole world just refuses to recognize that he was just one of the many manifestations of inequality, injustice and insanity that still prevails. We in Pakistan have a far greater insight into the war against terrorism to make jubilations and take the simplistic view that with OBL eliminated, our lives, streets and country is safe." Have Your Say

0724: From BBC Afghan programs in Kabul: Mullah Zaeef, former Taliban ambassador to Islamabad told the BBC, " Osama's killing will not help the ongoing situation for Afghans, I don't think it will do much in the Afghan case, Afghan( peace) need more efforts."

0717: Celebrity news website TMZ points out that ironically, Osama Bin Laden's death came on the eighth anniversary of George W Bush's notorious "mission accomplished" speech in Iraq.

0714: Syed in Abbottabad, writes: "Last night, at around 0100, there was heavy gunfire about 300 metres from our house, which was followed by a huge blast. There was little in terms of military activity during the day to suggest something even remotely close to what happened. The exact spot where this incident took place, is a stone's throw from the Pakistan Military Academy, Pakistan's equivalent of West Point." Have Your Say

0712: Reuters have reported some reaction from Jihadist internet forums. "Oh God, please make this news not true... God curse you\rObama," said one message on an Arabic language forum. "Osama may be killed but his message of Jihad will never die," said another posting.

0710: Usman Mansur in Islamabad, writes: "How was he living in that compound in the city close to the military base? Pakistani intelligence must have known about it yet they denied it all along." Have Your Say

0708: Mahmoud Salem in Egypt tweets: "Dear US, u still have that "Mission accomplished" banner? I think it's time to get it out of storage now!"

0706: Official sources in Pakistan tell the BBC Urdu Service that apart from Osama Bin Laden five of his guards were killed in the operation. They have detained four suspects too.

0705: According to locals speaking on Pakistani television from the area where Bin Laden is said to have been killed, Pakistani troops arrived after the operation and they have now completely taken control of the area. There is a search operation going on and no one is allowed in the immediate vicinity.

0702: While Bin Laden's death is "good for the United States reputation, power and influence", his killing "does not end Al Qaeda", cautions Nicholas Kristoff in the New York Times. He says Bin Laden's death "might have mattered more in 2002 or 2003", when "many ordinary people had a very high regard for Bin Laden and doubted that he was centrally involved in the 9/11 attacks".

0659: And this from an senior Afghan national security official, via the BBC Kabul bureau: ''We always said he was in Pakistan. The fact that this happened 60 miles outside of Islamabad, where military bases are, is what we have always said.''

0655: Kenya's Prime Minister Raila Odinga has told the BBC World Service that he welcomes news of the death of Osama Bin Laden - who was linked to a bomb attack on the US embassy in Nairobi in 1998. "It's a major achievement in the war against terrorism", Mr Odinga said.

0648: French government reaction: "A victory for all democracies against terrorism".

0646: India's Home Minister P Chidambaram says Bin Laden's killing near Islamabad highlights concerns that Pakistan provides "sanctuary" to terrorists - AFP.

0644: Pakistan's Dunya News is reporting that Pakistani troops are searching the site of Bin Laden's death. Troops are also involved in recovering the remains of a Pakistan helicopter that reportedly crashed during the operation, the TV station says.

0640: From Gen Petraeus' office in Kabul: "We have received guidance that the White House has the lead so we have no comment". ISAF (international force in Afghanistan) is directing all inquiries to the White House.

0638: CBS News tweets: "Aljazeera correspondent in Kabul says #Osama Bin Laden's body taken to Bagram base. Journalists could be called in to inspect it ."

0634: This from US network CBS: President Obama made decision to undertake raid operation at 8:20am on Friday (29 April) before leaving for Alabama.

0632: Indrajit in Kolkata, India, writes: "People like bin Laden are not born, they are made. By poverty, inequality, discrimination. As long as these are prevalent in the world, I fear killing one Bin Laden won't really solve anything." Have Your Say

0631: Muhammad Adnan Rabbani, in Lahore, writes: "Salute to the Pakistan Army who made it possible, otherwise the US and allies may have killed many more in this ghost hunt." Have Your Say

0626: The BBC's Syed Shoaib Hasan in Karachi says that US Marines were operating out of a base relatively close to Abbottabad, the city outside which Osama Bin Laden was killed. The base in Tarbela Ghazi is certainly close enough to run the operation from, our correspondent says.

0622: The executive director of the 9/11 Commission, Philip Zelikkow, told the BBC how he had witnessed a spontaneous gathering of people at Ground Zero in New York: "We take a great deal of satisfaction in the news that Bin Laden has been brought to justice. Hundreds of people are gathering spontaneously in the night, just coming from all over the neighbourhood to share the moment of relief that the original architect of that giant mass murder has actually been tracked down in the heart of Pakistan."

0619: More from the BBC's Haroon Rashid in Islamabad: "For those who keep a close on eye on these matters it wasn't a total shock that he was ultimately hunted down in an urban area. In the past we have had reports of him being treated in hospitals in Rawalpindi for kidney problems. There was even one report that he was treated in the southern city of Karachi. All of these were officially denied. Some of the big al-Qaeda and Taliban names in the past have been captured in big Pakistani cities. Khalid Sheikh Mohammed was captured in Rawalpindi, Pakistan and Afghan Taliban military commander Mullah Baradar was reportedly captured in Karachi."

0617: And according to Pakistan's Express TV, American forces arrived first at the big residence on the outskirts of Abbottabad where the operation took place, and Pakistani forces came later.

0614: Pakistani TV says the government there is mulling a response to Bin Laden's death.

0612: US officials say the compound in which Bin Laden was killed appeared to have been custom-built to harbour a major fugitive.

0610: A BBC reporter in Pakistan says the Afghan Taliban have confirmed the death of Osama Bin Laden.

0608: This from the Associated Press: "Based on statements given by US detainees, intelligence officials have known for years that Bin Laden trusted one al-Qaida courier in particular and they believed he might be living with him in hiding. In November, intelligence officials found out where he was living, a huge fortified compound in an affluent suburb of Islamabad. It was surrounded by walls as high as 18 feet high, topped with barbed wire. There were two security gates and no phone or internet running into the house."

0604: Richard in Ontario, Canada writes: "A great day for all. Justice finally delivered for those who have lost loves ones over the years at the orders of Osama Bin Laden. Our thoughts and prayers still with those." Have Your Say

0603: A member of the Taliban Haqqani group - a network of insurgents broadly loyal to the Afghan Taliban - has told a BBC correspondent that he met Osama bin Laden three months ago in Abbottabad.

0601: Here's the statement from the British government: "The news that Osama Bin Laden is dead will bring great relief to people across the world. Osama Bin Laden was responsible for the worst terrorist atrocities the world has seen - for 9/11 and for so many attacks, which have cost thousands of lives, many of them British. It is a great success that he has been found and will no longer be able to pursue his campaign of global terror. This is a time to remember all those murdered by Osama Bin Laden, and all those who lost loved ones. It is also a time too to thank all those who work round the clock to keep us safe from terrorism. Their work will continue. I congratulate President Obama and those responsible for carrying out this operation."

0558: More on the three other people killed along with Bin Laden; officials are saying that one of them was a son of the al-Qaeda leader.

0556: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Bin Laden's death is a "resounding triumph for democratic nations fighting terrorism" - Reuters.

0554: Arif Siddiqui in Dhaka, Bangladesh writes: "A victory of peace over terror." Have Your Say

0553: Carolyn Shawgo in Washington, US writes: "First tears and then a wave of relief. Such a sad event to celebrate. I feel as if President Obama handled this with dignity and calm clarity with no sort of boasting." Have Your Say

0543: Here's a link to a full transcript of President Obama's statement.

0548: Neokin in Bangalore, India writes: "It is a significant achievement for the people of the US and people all over the world who want peace and justice. Great operation led by US intelligence and troops who have dedicated their lives particularly to this operation." Have Your Say

0546: CBS News White House correspondent Mark Knoller tweets: "Official says US believes compound in Abottabad built about 5 years ago specifically for the purpose of harboring bin-Laden."

0544: The BBC's Haroon Rashid in Islamabad said that last night there were rumours that an operation was going on in an area close to Abbottabad. There were unconfirmed reports of a military helicopter crashing in the area as well. Witnesses said the whole area was cordoned off and nobody was allowed close although they did hear gunshots and firearms. But nobody had any inkling that this was an operation to get Osama bin Laden.

0542: Tim Sumner, from the group called 9/11 Families for a Safe&Strong America, lost a friend, and his brother-in-law in the 9/11 attacks. He gave his reaction to the BBC: "I'm very happy to see that our nation has scored this victory. I say it's a victory for America and for all those engaged in this war -- and it is a war. On a personal level, I woke my wife up just not long ago to tell her and this has been long coming... I would say we are exhilarated, that would be a good word to use. It is a just ending to a mass murderer."

0539: Four people including Bin Laden were killed in the operation - AFP.

0538: US official says Bin Laden's body is being handled according to Islamic practice and tradition, Reuters reports.

0537: UK Prime Minister David Cameron says Bin Laden's death "will bring great relief" around the world - Reuters.

0536: US state department warns Americans of "enhanced potential for anti-American violence" following Bin Laden's death.

0534: AP citing Pakistani official: Four helicopters launched the attack in the Bilal area of Abbottabad, about 100km north of Islamabad; women and children were taken into custody during the raid, according to the report.

0531: Justin King in New York, US writes: "Good news, bad reaction. While I am very pleased to hear that Bin Laden is no longer living and I understand that many may feel that this symbolises a sort of closure to 9/11 and the war in Afghanistan, I can't help but feel a little disgusted by the cheering mob jumping around outside the White House. As the world celebrates this occasion let's not forget that even killing a killer is an ugly business and we could be recognising Bin Laden's demise in a more dignified way." Have Your Say

0530: CNN anchor Rosemary Church tweets: "Ed Henry reporting thousands out the front of the WH, celebrating the news that the world is taking in: #OsamabinLaden is dead!#CNN"

0524: Former US President George W Bush has called the death of Bin Laden a "momentous achievement". He said in a statement: "The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done."

0522: The American president stressed that the US is not at war with Islam - Bin Laden's demise should be welcomed by all who value peace and dignity, he said.

0519: Obama's verdict towards the end of his statement: "Justice has been done." He said Bin Laden's death marks most significant achievement in struggle against al-Qaeda - and paid tribute to intelligence officials - but he also said there's still more to be done.

0516: President Obama said there was a firefight, after which US forces took possession of Bin Laden's body.

0514: President Obama said Bin Laden was killed after the US launched a targeted operation at a compound in Pakistan.

0500: We're starting up live coverage shortly after US President Barack Obama announced that al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden has been killed in a US-led operation. Stay with us for the latest updates - reports from our correspondents on the ground, expert analysis, and your reaction from around the world. You can contact us via e-mail, text or twitter. We'll publish what we can.

via bbc.co.uk

The United State Of Weed 5/1/11

The United State Of Weed is a weekly series where we recap all of the cannabis-related political developments happening in The United States at the state level. If you know of any new political developments in your state in regards to marijuana law reform – whether it be medicinal or otherwise – let us know at joe@the420times.com.

From The 420 Times:

RI: Federal Prosecutor Warns Rhode Island About Medical Marijuana

RI: House Minority Leader Busted In CT For Marijuana

WA: Governor Vetoes Main Parts Of Medical Marijuana Bill

WA: Obama’s DOJ Conducts Aggressive Medical Marijuana Raids

MT: Legislature Passes Revised Medical Marijuana Bill – Governor Will Allow Into Law

MI: Medical Marijuana Patient Awaits Word On Lawsuit Against City

MI: ACLU Looks To Reinstate Fired Walmart Employee Lawsuit

PA: Medical Marijuana Bill Introduced

CA: State Senate Considering Bill To Buffer Homes From Dispensaries

CO: Feds Warn Colorado About Medical Marijuana

IL: Newfound GOP Support Revives Illinois Medical Marijuana Bill

AK: Federal Judge Rules Trooper Couldn’t Sniff Out Marijuana Grow From Hundreds Of Feet Away

From Around The Web:

WA: Rework The Vetoed Medical Marijuana Law

CA: Reward Offered In Marijuana Club Firebombing

NV: Proposal Would Divert Funds From Medical Marijuana Program

MT: Medical Marijuana Advocates Rally For Support

AZ: Medical Marijuana Zoning Rules Pinch Dispensaries

If your state didn’t make this week’s “United State Of Weed,” it’s most probably because there is no recent political cannabis news coming from that state. If there is a story I missed, let me know at joe@the420times.com.

- Joe Klare

 

Filed Under: Activism • Exclusive Web Content • Medical Marijuana News • Politics • The United State Of Weed

via the420times.com

MEDICAL MARIJUANA PRIMER WITH MICHAEL BACKES

Medical Marijuana Primer with Michael Backes from DANGEROUS MINDS on Vimeo.

A conversation with the brilliant Michael Backes, a Hollywood special effects consultant (films from Jurassic Park to Spider-Man 2) who also happens to be one of the world’s foremost experts on the subject of medical cannabis. If this is a topic that is of interest to you, you can be assured of finding what he says in this interview fascinating (or your money back!).