The BBC is reporting that Bolivia is suspending US DEA operations within that nation. This is great news for anyone that believes in national sovereignty, human rights and ending the war on drugs so the Western world can get on with more important matters like treating drug addiction instead of criminalizing it. Although Bolivia isn’t the most frighteningly dangerous country to ever step up to bat against the United States, it does symbolize a major shift in South America’s willingness to cooperate with outside influence and bullying and could lead to similar actions in other nations. Bolivian president Evo Morales believes that the DEA (and possibly CIA) were involved in attempting to stage a coup earlier this year which prompted his suspension of DEA activities.

It’s also important to note that coca leaves play an enormously important role in traditional Bolivian life with a scope entirely independent of the international drug trade. In fact, historical and scientific evidence suggests that Andean people were using coca leaves at least 3000 years ago, making it one of their oldest surviving sacred traditions. The leaves are chewed in traditional Bolivian culture, which gives a much less potent stimulant effect than the western manner of refining the drugs and snorting them. The use of coca leaves was also actively encouraged by the Spanish because, as a stimulant, it was effective in increasing the work output of the native peoples. To native Bolivian people, coca leaves represent both religious and cultural autonomy from western influence. One final note on the use of coca leaves in Bolivia–the effects of the drug help combat altitude sickness, making it an extremely useful drug for the habitants of mountainous regions of Andean nations.

Certainly, when used improperly, cocaine can cause devastating effects. But the United States have no right to interfere in the internal affairs of Bolivia or any other nation, and by doing so the US are telling the people of those nations that they have no rights as human beings and that their own ancient cultures are insignificant and wrong. It’s time to let Bolivia deal with the international drug trade on its own terms while allowing its indigenous peoples their sacred right to chew coca leaves.