jane bridwell josiah gilliam asami kunimoto adriana santamaría
TRANSCRIPT
Historical Context
Samper and narco-traffickers
Colombia as failed state
“Tough on drugs” message in both 1996 elections
Formation of Plan Colombia
Original 1998 version more focused on peace process
U.S. pushed for military involvement and a broader strategy
1999 final version 1999 final version – Plan for Peace, Prosperity, and Strengthening of the State: $7.5 billion six-year strategy combat narco-terrorism, spur economic recovery, strengthen democratic institutions and respect for human rights, and provide humanitarian assistance to internally displaced persons
U.S. Involvement
Defined as: fight the illicit drug trade, to increase the rule of law, to protect human rights, to expand economic development, to institute judicial reform, and to foster peace
Clinton pledged $1.6 billion in 2000
Colombian Operation
Plan Patriota, a Colombian military campaign Demobilization of the
AUC and FARC War on drugs
A Presidential Program Against Illicit Crops
Alternative Development to provide a legal alternative to the eradicated crops
Neo-liberal reforms involved in the FTA
U.S. Operations
U.S. aid to Colombia: US$ 6,495 million (1998-2008)
Fumigation and military training The participation of private
armies and security companies: DynCorp, Triple Canopy, and Blackwater USA
The U.S. Agency for International Development Programs to modernize
the criminal justice system, promote human rights, strengthen local government, and increase transparency
Mutual Operation
Aerial eradication of coca and poppy crops Reduction of coca and
opium puppy cultivation
The possible environmental and health effects of the use of fumigant
The Air Bridge Denial (ABD) program A joint U.S.- Colombian
aerial interdiction Destruction of
aircrafts and seizure of cocaine
Objectives
United States perspective
Prevent the flow of illegal drugs into the United States
Help Colombia promote peace and economic development regional security in the Andes
Colombian perspective
Promote peace and economic development, and increase security
Addressing drug trafficking as key aspect
Change in Objectives
Under President Uribe…Tougher approach to the
illegally armed groups (IAG)
NO negotiation with any of the armed groups
New laws Increased security forces power
Guerrillas = drug traffickers & terrorists
Plan Patriota
Change in Objectives
U.S. policy has also changed…
From a strictly counternarcotics focus to support for Colombia’s fight against IAGs
Funds for a unified campaign against drug trafficking and terrorist organizations
Plan Colombia’s Uncertain Future
Research study: U.S. aid to Colombia increases = paramilitary attacks in areas with Army bases
Approx. $7 billion: has not exactly been well-spent
Decline in anti-narcotic operations
High drug demand in the U.S. makes it difficult to eradicate production at home…and NO impact on coca production
Plan Colombia’s Uncertain Future
Improved security, but it has not reduced drug production in the region
Balloon effect
No mention of Plan Colombia in President Obama's 2011 budget proposal to Congress
Proposed cuts of $55.5M
Institutions strengthened: funding cuts foreseeable
Shift in U.S. policy
Venezuela’s Recent Reactions
Venezuela has expressed concerns with the breadth of cooperation between the United States and Colombia
Cross-border raid to kill FARC commander in 2008 increased tensions
The United States has repeatedly said that their role is only to support the Colombian troops’ domestic goals
However, documents were released the detailed the potential use of 7 different Colombian military bases
Chavez’s Remarks
Chaves spoke out harshly against the raid and intensified rhetoric.
“Let’s prepare for war and help the people prepare themselves for war, because it’s everyone’s responsibility.”
He frames debate in terms of United States aggression
Involvement of UNESUR
The major powers in UNESUR have shared concerns over Plan Colombia
The Presidents of both Argentina and Brazil released a joint statement expressing their extreme displeasure.
Additionally, they regard heightened American presence in military bases in Colombia to be a challenge to the sovereignty of Latin American states