Tightening the Screws: Restoring Security in Colombia
Abstract
With these words, the Bush Administration reaffirms Colombia's importance in its Latin American policy, and highlights the country's central position in the "wars" on drugs and terrorism. As the source for 80 percent of the cocaine imported into the U.S., and a nation in conflict with American-designated terrorist groups, Colombia represents a convergence of major American interests. Equally important, Colombia is a democracy-albeit weak-effecting orderly transitions of power throughout most of its history. Colombians returned to the polls in May 2002, electing as their president Alvaro Uribe Velez, a Liberal Party dissident whose "hard right" campaign promised to defeat the insurgent threat and restore government control of the country. Dr. Uribe is on the right course: His plan to restore security is an essential first step to ensure the state's continued viability. Colombians agree, electing Dr. Uribe with an "unprecedented" first-round majority (Sweig). Now Colombia needs to remain on course, with an effective military strategy that defeats internal threats, and social and economic programs that enhance prospects for long-term stability.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA441811
Entities
People
- Michael S. Stough
Organizations
- National War College