Living dangerously in Colombia

<a href=washingtontimes.com<Washington Times- EDITORIAL • April 16, 2003

     The death toll of Americans fighting terror and narco-trafficking in Colombia has reached five since February 13, after a State Department coca-duster flown by an American was shot down last week. About 150 U.S. troops are still combing Colombia, looking for three Americans kidnapped in February by the most brutal terrorist group in the Western Hemisphere, the FARC.

     Colombia's narcotics and terrorism cabals are spreading violence beyond Columbia. They have been given sanctuary in Venezuela, are involved in coca cultivation in Peru, are behind some drug-related violence in Brazil and launch forays into Ecuador. This regional aspect of the Colombian problem has developed a dangerous dynamic. Eyewitnesses claim the Venezuelan military has selected which narco-terror group they are backing, and are bombing their adversaries in Colombia. Thus far, the Colombian response has been subdued. But, if such bombing continues, the situation could erupt in conflict.

     Washington has taken some key steps toward meeting the challenge. Since July 2000, the United States has given Colombia almost $2 billion to combat drug trafficking and terrorism. Last year Washington approved a trade pact for Colombia and its neighbors. But, the region also needs the United States to help coordinate a regional approach to mitigate the transnational threat.

     Colombia and its neighbors must do a better job of policing their borders to contain the narco-terrorist danger. Since resources in these countries are limited, cooperation is essential. And here, Brazil, which has warm ties with Venezuela, must intervene to convince the government of President Hugo Chavez to stop harboring terrorists.

     The United States should share its extensive customs, interdiction and border patrol expertise by holding joint training sessions with authorities from Colombia and surrounding nations. The donor countries helping Colombia must also provide the funds and know-how to bolster the country's rural development. Colombian authorities only control about 60 percent of the country. Therefore, much of the nation is a kind of no-man's land that provides the ideal habitat for terrorists.

     Before the violence in Colombia claims more American lives and causes greater regional instability, the administration should become more active in seeking solutions. Colombia's problems can't be eradicated overnight. But, with U.S. help, they can be steadily reduced.