Strange,is it not,that the liberal press,[including NEWSWEAK],is sitting on a letter penned to a FARC go-between [Colombian senator Cordoba,who is under investigation by the Colombian AG for her FARC sympathies], while she was in Caracas visiting Hugo Chavez,by Nancy Pelosi[D-Ca] ,who did two things on Dec.11,2007.
First,entreat Reyes[FARC foreign ''minister''] and Marquez [FARC/Chavez liason],to stall any negotiations for a release of the hostages until Obama had become president. Second,in order to further this request and to add veracity to her letter,Pelosi offers to send radical leftwinged congressman Jim McGovern of Massachusetts to meet with the FARC leaders [who refer to McGovern and another man named ''Tucker''as ''the Gringos'' in internal communcations between Marquez,Reyes[who was later captured by Colombian forces], and Cordoba where ''Pelosi''is specifically mentioned thanks to the seizure of a laptop computer at the time of Reyes capture]. This letter is now in the hands of the US State Dept. As it stands,Pelosi,and Mc Govern as both are American elected officials,are guilty of a violation of the Logan Act and as such,appear to be prime candidates for a House ethics hearing which will never occur anyway as this house is under Democrat control. It now appears that Pelosi was trying to concoct an ''October Surprise''of her own,with a recognized terrorist organization.
www.instapundit.com July 08,2008:''A FARC/Obama Connection?''
The Wall St. Journal July 07,2008:''FARCs ''Human Rights''Friends''.
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‘A Devastating Blow’
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There's been a good deal of speculation about the timing of the operation, with some commentators dubbing it "suspiciously convenient" for both domestic and international political reasons. Given the corruption scandal Uribe's dealing with in Colombia, what do you make of those accusations?
You would be naïve to think politics isn't a factor. On the other hand, my sense is that Uribe was really waiting for the best opportunity for the strike. The FARC has suffered a lot of blows and has showed signs of becoming weaker, so this seemed to be a good time. If there were political considerations in terms of problems he's facing on corruption and questions from the Supreme Court decision against him, yes, that may have played into it, but I don't think it's the primary reason.
What about suggestions that John McCain's presence in Colombia affected the timing of the operation?
Again, if it had any connection, it was secondary to the Colombians' plan. I also think that in contrast to the Reagan case, if John McCain was expecting to get a boost from this, well, he doesn't gain very much electorally or politically. It certainly doesn't hurt him, but if it were coordinated for political effect, I'm not sure it was a good use of political resources.
Was the White House involved?
The White House was obviously concerned about the three Americans hostages held there over five years. Certainly, there was a lot of support in terms of intelligence, but I don't think this was a decision made at the White House. We can all imagine if it didn't work, what the costs would have been for both the United States and the Colombians.
How does this affect the political dynamic, both within Columbia and in the region?
It enhances Uribe's standing in the region. He's someone who has been seen as tied to the United States. This action was greeted by congratulations by other Latin American leaders. To some extent, his approach has been vindicated. He didn't want to give in, didn't want to make concessions, and he was able to achieve results without making them. There's nothing that helps one's image more than a success like this, and he's been praised by even his harshest critics in the human rights community.
But you don't think it will last?
No, I don't think that will last. I think these other political and institutional problems [will come back]. His bid for a third term, which would require another constitutional amendment, feed concerns about his authoritarian impulses. He could easily have lots of criticism and challenges if he fights to stay in power and fights the Supreme Court, so this goodwill could evaporate pretty quickly.
Do you think Ingrid Betancourt will get back into Colombian politics?
She fortunately seems to be in good health, and she said in the press conference that she is interested in getting back into Colombian politics. Her image has certainly been enhanced by this ordeal and she's shown tremendous courage and endurance. I'm not sure she'll run in the next election, but I could easily see her being a very influential and effective political leader in Colombia.
© 2008
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