Kevin Howlett argues that while peace can only be achieved through negotiation, Colombians shouldn’t be castigated for wanting their president to shock and awe the guerrillas. Whether Colombians believe in peace or not, it is not they, but only the FARC, who can stop this nihilist war. The blame lies at the feet of the FARC (yes, and other actors too), not their victims. Read more…
News Review
No car day is pointless populism
Once upon a time a previous Bogota mayor won, through a referendum, the right to call an annual “no car day” in the city. The idea was to encourage people to stop and think about the effect their daily commute had on the environment. No bad thing.
Current mayor, Gustavo Petro, today held the second no car day of the year. And he wants another one before he finishes his mandate in December.
FARC peace accords signed by 22 February
Peace with the FARC guerrillas must be signed by 22 February to be put to a referendum on 25 October; the day of Colombia’s local and regional elections.
Colombia’s Constitutional Court has ruled that President Santos must present any peace agreement with the Marxist rebels to Congress no later than 24 February, and that the public must be told in advance of this date.
Colombia’s search for peace, two years on
Colombia’s peace talks with the FARC guerrillas began exactly two years ago. Partial agreement has been reached on half the agenda. No previous attempt to end the 50 year war has come this far. But scepticism remains and opposition to the talks is hardening.
Yes, President Santos won reelection this summer on a peace ticket, but despite the progress and the hype, in reality we are far from knowing whether he can deliver.
Peace, equality and education
The holy trinity. That’s what Colombia’s President Santos is promising in his second four year term.
Peace, equality (or more precisely, equity) and education; the three pillars of the new administration. Read more…
Who will save Bogota?
The race to succeed Gustavo Petro as Mayor of Bogota is already under way, as 3 “big beasts” line up ahead of October 2015 election.
If Colombia’s top weekly publication Semana is to be believed, those throwing their hats in the ring are Clara Lopez, Rafael Pardo and Pacho Santos. Read more…
Why Starbucks in Colombia is a good thing
Don’t get me wrong. I wouldn’t be seen dead drinking Starbucks coffee. But ignore the small-minded souls who protest its arrival; Starbucks is a good thing for Colombia.
Colombia elects president amid climate of fear and loathing
32 million Colombians must choose today between fear and hatred.
If turn out is over 50% it will be a minor miracle.
There is even talk that if right-winger Oscar Ivan Zuluaga loses by a tight margin, his political patron ex-president Alvaro Uribe will contest the result.