Colombia still has problems despite their 2016 "peace" deal with communist rebels.
In addition to the land mines still littering the countryside, Colombia isn't getting the peace dividend it expected from the 2016 peace deal with the major communist insurgency group that had plagued the country for many decades:
In 2017 FARC demobilized, as agreed. The demobilization did not bring peace because the demobilized FARC members then formed nearly three dozen new gangs that engaged in a variety of criminal activities including robbery, drug dealing, kidnapping for ransom and multiple other forms of violent mischief. These crimes are rarely punished because the gangs either bribe, intimidate or murder judges presiding over these cases.
And corruption plays a role. Hey, if you weren't allowed to beat them, why not join them?
I had my doubts about the process. I wasn't happy with the deal our government was apparently pushing Colombia to accept which welcomed FARC into the political process.
The idea that a deal should save an enemy being defeated is insane:
If you want peace, you need someone to win. Make sure the good guys are the victor. In the war and in the post-war. A Participation Ribbon is not good enough.
That path turns victory into a ceasefire until the enemy can return, perhaps on different battlefields.
And two years ago I noted the new battlefield:
Colombia votes for "bad luck" by choosing a "former" Marxist to lead them.
Colombia didn't win in 2016. But it's taken time to make it apparent.
The initial article takes a lengthy side trip into Venezuela as well. Obviously we'll aim for another Participation Ribbon that the Best and Brightest will celebrate as Smart Diplomacy.®
NOTE: TDR Winter War of 2022 coverage continues here.
NOTE: I'm adding updates on the Last Hamas War in this post.NOTE: You may also read my posts on Substack, at The Dignified Rant: Evolved. Go ahead and subscribe to it.
