Pubdate: Tue, 02 Jul 2002 Source: Anniston Star (AL) Copyright: 2002 Consolidated Publishing Contact: http://www.annistonstar.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/923 COLOMBIA BLEEDS Don't be fooled by the situation in the South American nation of Colombia. The rebel movement there that has caused so much death and destruction may have legitimate grievances and may have the trappings of leftist ideology. But these characters, known as the FARC, could be more accurately described these days as drug traffickers and kidnappers for hire. They might want to overthrow the government of Colombia, but in the meantime they are in it for the money. Furthermore, the FARC guerrillas initiated the latest round of bloodshed after the government had given them de facto autonomy in one region of the nation. Now the guerrillas are on a killing and kidnapping spree and have demanded that every mayor in the country resign or face assassination. If this were a group dedicated to improving the lives of the impoverished, of kicking out a corrupt and wicked regime, then the rebels could gain sympathy. But it is not. This is a war between an imperfect government that has been unsuccessful at bettering the lives of its citizens but at least is trying, and a group that is interested in perpetuating war for the sake of profits. Members of Congress need to be able to make this distinction soon as they consider whether the United States should increase support for the Colombian government's struggle. Currently, the United States gives Colombia a hefty aid package, but much of that money is restricted to combating drug trafficking and cannot be used directly in the war against the rebels. That aid should now be increased, and the restrictions on it should be lifted so the government can deal more effectively with the rebels. Perhaps such a move will signal to the rebels that their business venture will no longer be profitable and that the best choice for them would be to return to the negotiating table. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom