To the Point
Uruguay Opts Out of the War on Drugs
Colorado and Washington have legalized marijuana. Now Uruguay in South America is the first nation to do so. Is the 50-year-old war on drugs a trillion-dollar failure?
By Warren Olney • • 52m ListenThe states of Colorado and Washington have legalized marijuana. Now tiny Uruguay—in South America—will be the first nation to go that route. Other countries are watching what Uruguay admits is "an experiment?" Is the 50-year-old War on Drugs a trillion-dollar failure? Also, a record winter storm threatens Syrian refugees in Lebanon, and the new film American Hustle — and some of what actually happened.
Banner image: People participate in the so-called "Last demonstration with illegal marijuana" in front of the Congress building in Montevideo, as Senate debates a government-sponsored bill establishing state regulation of the cultivation, distribution and consumption of marijuana, December 10, 2013. Photo: Andres Stapff/Reuters
In this episode
3 storiesRecord Winter Storm Threatens Syrian Refugees in Lebanon
The UN's High Commissioner for Refugees is " extremely concerned " about tens of thousands of Syrians still fleeing into Lebanon as the worst storm in decades hits the mountains and valleys. Yesterday, Josh Wood was in the Bekaa Valley. He writes for Al Jazeera America and the Global Post.
Read the story8 minUruguay Opts Out of the War on Drugs
Marijuana use has been legal in Uruguay since 1974. But now, that South American country of just three million people has caught the eye of the world as the first to permit and regulate cultivation and sale, establishing a legitimate marijuana business.
Read the story35 minCovering the Sting Operation behind 'American Hustle'
Many films carry the vague message, "based on a true story." A new film carries the equally vague but tantalizing, "some of this actually happened." American Hustle features an FBI operation with a fictitious Arab sheikh and a con man who persuades public officials to take bribes. Anybody who's read a review of the film knows that.
Read the story8 min
