COLOMBIA BLEEDS

Don't be fooled by the situation in the South American nation of Colombia.
The rebel movement there that has caused so much death and destruction may
have legitimate grievances and may have the trappings of leftist ideology.
But these characters, known as the FARC, could be more accurately described
these days as drug traffickers and kidnappers for hire. They might want to
overthrow the government of Colombia, but in the meantime they are in it
for the money.

Furthermore, the FARC guerrillas initiated the latest round of bloodshed
after the government had given them de facto autonomy in one region of the
nation. Now the guerrillas are on a killing and kidnapping spree and have
demanded that every mayor in the country resign or face assassination.

If this were a group dedicated to improving the lives of the impoverished,
of kicking out a corrupt and wicked regime, then the rebels could gain
sympathy. But it is not. This is a war between an imperfect government that
has been unsuccessful at bettering the lives of its citizens but at least
is trying, and a group that is interested in perpetuating war for the sake
of profits.

Members of Congress need to be able to make this distinction soon as they
consider whether the United States should increase support for the
Colombian government's struggle. Currently, the United States gives
Colombia a hefty aid package, but much of that money is restricted to
combating drug trafficking and cannot be used directly in the war against
the rebels.

That aid should now be increased, and the restrictions on it should be
lifted so the government can deal more effectively with the rebels.

Perhaps such a move will signal to the rebels that their business venture
will no longer be profitable and that the best choice for them would be to
return to the negotiating table.