MODERATE MORALES

Let us hope that the United States eschews belligerence toward the new
Bolivian president, Evo Morales -- despite Mr. Morales's strong
language about George W. Bush, whom he has called a "terrorist," in a
Hugo Chavez bit of demagoguery. U.S. criticism of Mr. Morales has made
him more, not less, popular in his country.

We should also go easy on the drug-war rhetoric. The fact is that
America, as the buyer, is primarily to blame for the Andean cocaine
industry -- not the poor farmers who grow coca in Bolivia and its neighbors.

President Morales wants U.S. aid, and we must engage Bolivia if we
want its help in combating the cocaine industry and a stake in its
natural-gas industry. Both countries need to lower the volume and
engage in enlightened self-interest.