Post-Guerrilla Colombia—A Silver Lining?

Along with the landmark “Operation Checkmate,” which helped release several American hostages and former Colombian congresswoman and presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt—the poster child of a six-year ordeal—the September military operation has also come to be viewed as one of the most efficient in Colombia’s history. That this evaluation is even possible is due in a large measure to confidential information provided by snitches inside the insurgency, who helped install a chip in Jojoy’s boots, which made it easy for smart bombs to track and kill him. Indeed, the success of these military operations has built the hopes of a prosperous, peaceful Colombia among its citizens and bolstered the self-esteem of the armed forces.

What’s more, the recent decision of Colombian inspector-general Alejandro Ordonez to ban Senator Piedad Cordoba from ever holding office again is considered, by some experts and the public eye, as yet another blow against the FARC in the realm of politics. Cordoba, 55, has been a controversial figure in Colombian politics due to her agitation for establishing peace talks with the FARC and her alleged close personal relationship with some of their leaders. While she denied supporting the FARC, Ordonez said he has evidence that she “tried to improve their strategy and reaching their objectives” and other activities as described on the computers recovered after the killing of another FARC leader, Raúl Reyes.
 
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