Thoughts on the Latest FARC-Columbia-Venezuela Conflict

If you’ve been reading the news lately, I’m sure you’ve heard about the latest chapter in “Bolivarism” – or Venezuela’s continual interference in Latin America affairs beyond its borders. I’ve inserted a link below to an informative commentary about the FARC and it’s role in Colombia and Venezuela’s conflict.

One thing to keep in mind here is that it’s constantly difficult to believe Chavez (or his allies). He’s called Columbia things like ‘cowardly’ and ‘terroristic’ after last week’s killing of FARC commander Raul Reyes, assembled tanks and troops along the Columbian border for ‘defensive’ purposes, and then – in front of an international audience at the OAS Summit – claimed to be seeking peace (http://loveforlife.com.au/node/4273).

Ironically, no current Latin American leader has done more to fan the flames of violence and division than he has. To give a few examples, he has 1) insulted his neighboring president threatened and its government, 2) continued to amass weapons when no perceivable threat to his country exists, and 3) politically (at least) supported an organization that exists through kidnapping, extortion, and drug trafficking.

Any nation that supports the FARC – or (what amount to the same in this situation) aligns itself with Venezuela against Columbia – backs a group whose goal is to overthrow a democratically elected government by force. (It is interesting to note that 83% of the people who live in Columbia supports its government’s actions –see below!) If you think George W.’s bad, consider that by condemning Columbian president Uribe, Chavez and Correa basically assert that this ‘narco-terrorist’ organization’s right to exist is equally or more important than Columbia’s right to combat its enemies. Apparently because they all espouse socialist principles, Chavez, Correa, and the FARC will use every opportunity to pressure those that don’t. This is no surprise, however, given that Chavez tried to change his country’s constitution in order to bestow near-absolute power on himself in its last election.

It’s possible that – as Correa’s asserted – Uribe’s government knew that Ecuador was negotiating a hostage-exchange deal with the FARC when they attacked Reyes. However, it doesn’t necessarily follow that the assault occurred to derail this effort. Instead, Columbia may simply have attacked their enemy when they had the chance, rather than wait for the results of an unfinished hostage-exchange negotiated by another country. From what I understand, Columbian military operations against the FARC are common.

Perhaps Columbia struck the FARC in Ecuador, without notifying that country’s government, because they didn’t trust them! If this information had been passed to the guerillas, the operation would have been compromised.

I think it’s possible that Venezuela, Ecuador, and FARC have a kind of alliance. This, at least, would explain both nations’ vehement reactions to this event. If this were somehow proven, it would reveal, as well, who are the real ‘liars’!

And let’s not even talk about France’s role in this whole thing: Ingrid Betancourt and a floundering Sarkosky’s wish to revel in the glory of her release.

http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/ci_8503515