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Great Article: Colombia deserves U.S. support

Posted on Fri, Jun. 08, 2007

Colombia deserves U.S. support

By PETER DESHAZO

President Alvaro Uribe of Colombia is visiting Washington again this week -- to urge U.S. support for a bilateral trade agreement and for continued U.S. aid to his country. His efforts should not be necessary because support for Colombia is in the national interest of the United States.
Colombia has been the largest recipient of U.S. aid in Latin America since the Clinton administration provided a special assistance package to support democracy and to counter the threat posed to that country by illegal drugs -- which fueled the insurgent groups, paramilitaries, and criminal gangs.

Progress has been impressive. Colombia's armed forces and police have rolled back the power of the insurgents and paramilitaries, establishing a permanent government presence in every municipality of Colombia for the first time. The security situation is much better: Homicides, kidnappings, terrorist attacks, massacres and forced displacements have fallen sharply. The steep rise in coca and opium poppy cultivation that took place during the 1990s was halted and then reversed, keeping billions of dollars out of the hands of criminals and illegal armed groups.

'Justice and Peace' law

Following negotiations with paramilitary leaders and by means of a ''Justice and Peace'' law, the Uribe government achieved the demobilization of some 30,000 paramilitaries. Under this law, demobilized fighters are liable to criminal prosecution for crimes and drug trafficking and are subject to asset forfeiture. Talks aimed at disbanding the insurgent ELN group are underway.

The improved security environment in Colombia has fueled strong economic growth. Last year Colombia signed a trade promotion agreement with the U.S. that will benefit both countries. Economic growth creates more jobs in the

legitimate economy, undercutting the lure of the drug sector.

Both the Clinton and Bush administrations understood that stability in Colombia is a key factor in regional security, with profound implications for the United States. But bipartisan support for Colombia is melting. Critics of the Uribe government in Congress have held up approval of the bilateral trade agreement, focusing on the issue of labor rights in Colombia, which they claim are inadequate and on the unsolved murders of Colombian trade union members.

Uribe critics also call into question continued U.S. assistance to Colombia, pointing to human rights problems and past ties between important pro-Uribe political figures and paramilitary groups.

There is no question that serious human rights problems remain in Colombia, but the situation has steadily improved. While most violations are perpetrated by illegally armed groups, government security forces were still responsible for multiple extrajudicial killings during 2006. The government of Colombia must continue to give highest-priority attention to human rights, but the U.S. must also recognize the clearly positive trend in recent years.

Colombia's hard-pressed judicial system has been further challenged by the paramilitary demobilization process. There is much concern that demobilized ''paras'' could turn to crime and drug trafficking, putting pressure on the Uribe government to effectively monitor their activities. But demobilization has taken thousands of fighters off the books and resulted in lower levels of violence.

It should be no surprise to anybody familiar with Colombian history that ties have existed between the paramilitaries and the armed forces and political class. Since taking office in 2002, however, President Uribe made it clear that he would not tolerate collusion between paramilitaries and the armed forces and has taken steps to cashier those who disobeyed. The demobilization of paramilitaries has generated a flood of information regarding their illegal activities, including ties to politicians, and Colombia's independent attorney general is following up with legal action against them. Revelations of ties between some pro-Uribe politicians and paramilitaries, rather than a black mark against the President, instead demonstrate that Uribe is serious about countering the threat posed by the ``paras.''

Trade good for the U.S., too

Finally, rejection of the trade agreement with Colombia will not improve the situation of workers in that country or strengthen democracy, but instead will limit Colombia's attractiveness for needed investment and set back economic growth. It would also drive a wedge between the United States and one of its best friends in Latin America and send a profoundly negative signal to the rest of the Americas of U.S. disinterest in the region, lending credence to those such as Hugo Chávez who preach an anti-U.S. message.

Colombia deserves U.S. support, and it is in the national interest of the United States to provide it.

Peter DeShazo is director of the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. He was formerly deputy assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere affairs.

http://www.miamiherald.com/851/story/132541.html

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© 2007 Miami Herald Media Company. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.miamiherald.com

By Simon on Jun 9, 2007, 15:51 in Politics & the war.

Simon says on Jun 9, 2007, 16:41:

"Revelations of ties between some pro-Uribe politicians and paramilitaries, rather than a black mark against the President, instead demonstrate that Uribe is serious about countering the threat posed by the ``paras.''"

Excellent point! This is what the 'anti-Uribistas' on here have trouble understanding.

"DON'T FOK WITH COLOMBIA!!"-----Simon

0 funny, 0 helpful.

fecherklyn says on Jun 9, 2007, 17:44:

A also applaud this article but I am afraid it's mesage is doomed to be lost in a morass of self-righteous indignation from would-be "do-gooders" that appear to have difficulty in looking beyond their navels.

These harsh comments are not only directed at the new administration in the USA; I also condemn the Europeans (from where I come) who are no better and seem to believe the Chavez style socialism is akin to the centre-left socialism they are so comfortable with.

Do I believe Uribe and his policies are perfect? NO. Do I agree with everything Bush stands for? Hell NO. But I have appreciated the support Bush has shown for what Uribe is trying to achieve and fear the new Democrat eagerness to vilify Colombia's recent efforts has a semblance to the hunter who shot himself in the foot.

Despite myself I have sympathy for Uribe. It seems he cannot do right in the eyes in this world opinion who see no evil....except in others. Does corruption and self-interest exist only in Colombia? I know it doesn't....it is simply better concealed in the "developped" nations where the gulf between rich and poor is not so life threatening.

So come on USA; think this through. If you want to really reduce drug traffic, do something about the consumer demand. After all, you have nearly eliminated cigarette smoking. Ok, one can debate if Plan Colombia has really been efficient in reducing drug production but unless you (and Europe) do something on the demand side there will always be someone to replace Colombia.

To reduce aid to Colombia based ONLY upon the economic performance of drug production in that country and its "human rights" achievements as measured by the agendas of perfectionist NGO's is self-defeating. You will always get the same answer. What is needed is a realist appreciation of the "good" rather than the "bad". USA Democratic party, do you really want to pave the way for Bolivarian Revolution in Colombia. There are already enough people in Colombia who are impatient for improved social conditions and are tired of the effort Uribe is asking. Don't be the last straw on the camel's back.

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goin_south says on Jun 9, 2007, 18:27:

I am wondering whether the point about 'bipartisan sentiments... ...against Colombia' for now, is not simply POSTURING from both parties, as the next elections are approaching. And, then after the elections are decided, if whoever/whichever is in, the sentiment and favor towards Colombia will shift again to where it has been recently - before this past 6 or 8 months.

Now, I would think Obama would be 'outside the box' on this issue of Colombia, but Obama himself is outside the box; he won't be the next president, not even the candidate.

There was another article, similar to this one posted, within the last two weeks. Maybe someone can remember what the title was, and on what page.

Voy para del Sur

Why Not Colombia?..........Stay Tuned, for more.... utterly worthless, self-indulgent gobbets of nonsense.

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Sr Tertius says on Jun 10, 2007, 09:29:

"Revelations of ties between some pro-Uribe politicians and paramilitaries, rather than a black mark against the President, instead demonstrate that Uribe is serious about countering the threat posed by the ``paras.''

Would be a good point... were it true.

I'm getting tired on commenting on US editorialists who can't get their facts straight.

"When the finger points to the moon, the fool looks at the finger" (Chinese proverb)

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goin_south says on Jun 10, 2007, 10:58:

Are there really any such thing as FACTS? In the world of politics, Sr Tertius?
I think mostly, it's an illusion,
worst than most of the rest of life.

Voy para del Sur

Why Not Colombia?..........Stay Tuned, for more.... utterly worthless, self-indulgent gobbets of nonsense.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

griffbos says on Jun 10, 2007, 11:31:

it is not trouble understanding is is wondering how high upit goes and if Uribe himself was invloved with the paras, his VP has been named as one who was yet he stands in doing so further adding fuel to the fire

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griffbos says on Jun 10, 2007, 11:49:

okay this article is IMHO a bunch of BS, Plan Colombia has been a total failure in curbing Coca growing and drugs coming from Colombia into the USA.it in fact has put more money into the hands of the Para and Farc and cartels dealing in drugs in Colombia. I disgaree the FTA will have any benifit for most Colombian, it will clearly benifit the rich. Wile thing sahve improved for Cities like Medellin and Bogota this writer has choosen to as Uribe and his government a blind eye to the pacific coast region of Colombia were the Para and arc stil operate to this day. the article atempts to paint a rosey picture but what I find most offensive by it the attitude of the writer that some how the USA owes Colombia more aid and the FTA. I support the USA continued AID to Colombia with a change on how the spend the money but I at this time oppose the FTA like many in Colombia do, currently Colombia has special trade status with the USA which allows Colombia to import certain products duty free in to the USA, the agreement does not give the same to the USA importing into Colombi. I support this status being extended. at some point down the road a FTA can be revisited. as for the war on drugs it is not a war that will ever be won under current the sitution and funding.

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Simon says on Jun 10, 2007, 12:08:

"I'm getting tired on commenting on US editorialists who can't get their facts straight."

Yeah, and I'm sure you're more privy to inside information than well-connected US editorialists.

"DON'T FOK WITH COLOMBIA!!"-----Simon

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Sr Tertius says on Jun 10, 2007, 14:27:

"I'm sure you're more privy to inside information" Actually, maybe, but that's not the point. I don't need any "inside information," I simply follow national news, unlike the US editorialists that copy-paste Uribe's press releases. The only thing they may be "well-connected" to is the Casa de Narino PR office.

In case you care to follow, look up Clara Lopez's reports in Semana, then Uribe's reaction to the reports, then the investigation conducted by Senator Petro, then the second reaction by Uribe, and then-when the evidence was overwhelming-Uribe taking credit for all the investigations he attempted to block. If you don't follow the news, I can see how easily you may end up believing that this was Uribe's plan all along. But it wasn't.

"When the finger points to the moon, the fool looks at the finger" (Chinese proverb)

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griffbos says on Jun 10, 2007, 19:05:

it seems the spin doctors are at work first the former US Ambassador to the UN and now a former US State Dept insider writing articles with with untruthes to mislead people to support Plan Colombia and the FTA, know I understand more how Bush pulled off lying to the american people about Iraq , Just reading this and the other article written my two insider hacks says it all they have been paid well to write and submitt these articles even thou they have a number of lies in them.

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JMCana says on Jun 12, 2007, 09:52:

Penn's fingerprints Read all the over-flowering articles about Uribe's Colombia, especially those in the Miami Herald, then compare them to past work of Mark Penn, the ceo of Burson-Marsteller who Colombia has hired to change their image. Also note great similarities in what Candolezza Rice and John Negroponte wrote.

Colombia has made good strides in some areas and they need to be commended for that. However, that does not mean the work is done. That does not mean there are not other areas to improve.

The Democrats have given a pretty clear idea of what they want to see to continue contributing money to Colombia. I do not see their demands as adverse for Colombian citizens or impossible to meet. It is now up to Uribe to decide if they want to meet those objectives and get the money or to rest on past accomplishments.

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