Guatemala and drug legalization

On the campaign trail, Otto Perez Molina vowed to rule his country with an iron fist. The retired general said he would send troops into the streets to fight drug violence. Now — just two months after taking office — the 61-year-old Guatemalan president is the driving force behind a controversial proposal that has drawn criticism from U.S. officials and earned praise from people who were once among his staunchest critics. Last year’s law-and-order candidate wants to legalize drugs. Central American presidents are scheduled to debate the idea in Guatemala Saturday.