After the festivities subside and the Colombian military and FARC battle it out in ongoing skirmishes, the security and policy changes by this event will likely solidify policy decisions towards either a posture of negotiation with weakened terrorists, or a more likely position of increased military responses towards the FARC. With over 700 innocent captives still being held by the FARC, it is unlikely that such a military operation that was seen last night will be successfully used a second time without a significant reengineering of the strategy to maintain an unchallenged operation in the future. Politically, Uribe has been able to avoid much of the criticism of his government by becoming so successful in dealing with terrorism in his country. While he has made moves to centralize his authority and is trying to extend his presidency to a third term legally, albeit Ultra Vires the powers of the Colombian Constitution, the support he has gained and the successes he has achieved against internal threats in Colombia has produced a real opportunity for Colombia to achieve peace and prosperity after 40 years of war with the FARC.
Colombia in reality has created the only true victories of the last years of the War on Terror, and the previous War on Drugs that is likely the envy of any Bush to have served in the White House. With McCain actually being in Colombia during the events and Obama praising the activities of the Colombian military in rescuing the hostages, the way terrorism may be address in the future may take notes from Uribe's Colombia. Currently the US and NATO is mired in Afghanistan without an end in sight. Iraq and militants in the Middle East as a whole have not been successfully dealt with and often spring up after it is assumed that they have been defeated. Drug traffickers in Mexico, spurred on by money and control of the country are currently taking a page from the FARC, attacking Mexico's leaders and security officials in an effort to place the country and its citizens in fear. Negotiations, while bringing some progress to the situation in Colombia in the past are being heavily criticized in Israel this week as two pilots who are assumed dead are being exchanged for Hizbollah members in Israeli jails, one being a criminal who killed a police officer, a father and his daughter who had her head smashed against rocks in order to end her life. Actively pursuing the FARC has undoubtedly lead to progress towards freeing hostages and bringing peace to Colombia. Globally, unless negotiations in other regions lead to significant gains in the next while, it is likely that Uribe may become the face of successful anti-terrorism in the near future.
And what of Ingrid Betancourt? She may still run for president or simply become the world expert in hostage scenarios and the FARC, claiming she has earned her PhD in the FARC during her time in captivity. While being a compassionate person, it is likely that Ingrid will not have much sympathy for the FARC. Even if the causes of poverty and narcotics in Colombia have to be dealt with, Ingrid will likely acknowledge in her future work and possible presidential campaign that hostage taking, terror, violence and humiliation has no place in any political movement in Colombia or abroad. As for now, she is spending time with her now teenage children and family and recovering after 7 years as Colombia's most notable captive and representative of the soul of her country. For now, her and her daughter and supporters vow to work for the release of the others still sitting in FARC jails inside the Colombian jungle. She thanked Uribe personally last night in a press conference with him and may run again for President. But for nowWelcome Back Ingrid!
