LIVING DANGEROUSLY IN COLOMBIA

The death toll of Americans fighting terror and narco-trafficking in
Colombia has reached five since February 13. Approximately 150 U.S. troops
are still combing Colombia's countryside, looking for three Americans
kidnapped in February by the most brutal terrorist group in the Western
Hemisphere, known as the FARC. By involving Americans in such dangerous work
in Colombia, the administration is demonstrating it takes the problems there
seriously. But the troubles in Colombia may be escalating beyond the
priority level that Washington has assigned them. If further action isn't
taken, the Americans in that country may soon be involved in a mission
impossible.

Colombia's narcotics and terrorism cabals are currently spreading their
violent presence beyond the country's borders. They have been given safe
harbor in Venezuela, are involved in coca cultivation in Peru, are behind
some drug-related violence in Brazil and launch occasional forays into
Ecuador. Recently, this regional aspect of the Colombian problem has
developed a dangerous dynamic. Eyewitnesses claim the Venezuelan military
has picked and chosen which narco-terror group they are backing, and are
bombing the adversaries of their chosen in Colombian territory. Thus far,
the Colombian response has been subdued. But, if Venezuelan bombing
continues, the situation could erupt in conflict. Also, coca-activism,
whereby peasant farmers are demanding their right to harvest the drug crop,
is quickly gaining momentum in Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador. The United States
and other donor countries trying to help Colombia are now dealing with a
more urgent problem.

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

Colombia and its neighbors must do a better job of policing their borders to
keep the narco-terrorist danger contained. Since resources in these
countries are limited, effective 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. These joint exercises will also serve
to bolster the trust needed for fluid information and intelligence
exchanges. Also, the United States should help Colombia better coordinate
police and military activities. These strategies may seem elementary, but
they have yet to be implemented.

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. Much of the nation is
therefore a kind of no-man's land that provides the ideal habitat for
terrorists. The presence of the state must be judicious and balanced in
order to win the welcome and cooperation of the Colombian people.

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.