For first time in decades, U.S. says Colombia is falling short in drug war

BOGOTÁ, Colombia — The United States has decertified Colombia as a drug control partner for the first time since 1997. In a memorandum to Congress , President Donald Trump accused Bogotá of "failing demonstrably to meet its drug control obligations."

Despite the rebuke, the White House stopped short of imposing sanctions, granting Colombia a "national interest waiver" that preserves U.S. aid and security cooperation.

The move ends months of anxiety in Colombia — where soaring cocaine production has stoked fears of sweeping U.S. sanctions — but nevertheless deals a symbolic blow to a country that has historically been one of Washington's closest allies in the region.

"What this does is send a message to Colombia about Washington's dissatisfaction with current coca crop policy and the t