COURSE CORRECTION IN COLOMBIA

New Team Should Pursue The War With Fresh Energy

Sudden changes in the top ranks of the government of Colombia have
generated concern about disarray and confusion in a key U.S. ally in
region. Fortunately, such fears are greatly exaggerated. Since his
inauguration 15 months ago, President Alvaro Uribe has shown that he
is an able and energetic chief executive, fully prepared to make a
mid-course correction when changes are required -- and that is the
case with the recent round of departures.

A Job Well Done

The most important was Martha Lucia Ramirez, the first female minister
of defense in Colombia's history, who helped to transform the
president's aggressive anti-guerrilla strategy into an effective
campaign against the narco-terrorists. Differences with the uniformed
commanders of the armed forces, who were unaccustomed to taking orders
from a woman, eventually undermined her effectiveness, but she
deserves thanks for a job well done.

Justice and Interior Minister Fernando Londo also worked hard for
Mr. Uribe, but his abrasive style made him a contentious figure.
Replacing him with Sabas Pretelt de la Vega, head of the national
retailers' federation, should make for a more-collegial cabinet.
Wisely, the president also moved quickly to name a close associate,
Jorge Alberto Uribe Echavarria (no relation), to head the defense
ministry and replaced Environment Minister Cecilia Rodriguez with
Sandra Sanchez, who has performed ably as director of the U.S.-backed
Plan Colombia's campaign against illegal drugs.

There were changes in the uniformed services as well. The resignation
of Gen. Jorge Enrique Mora, commander of the armed forces, removes a
veteran soldier who has served with distinction for 42 years, but it
clears the slate at the top of the ministry and will make it easier to
pursue the war with less bickering.

President Uribe also named Gen. Jorge Daniel Castro to replace another
general who was obliged to resign as head of the National Police
following a corruption scandal. To reinforce the president's anti-
corruption message, Gen. Castro pledged on Thursday to act
aggressively in cleaning up the force.

No More Changes

Instead of allowing the changes to tumble out in a series of sudden
announcements, Mr. Uribe should have seized the opportunity to
disclose them all at one time and explain clearly why they were
necessary. This would have avoided the appearance of disarray and
uncertainty. But now that he has said no more changes are forthcoming,
Mr. Uribe and his new team should be able to continue ridding the
country of terrorists with renewed energy and dedication.