Forget about Afghanistan, Iraq, Israel or Gaza.
Don't be surprised if Colombia and Venezuela are at war with each other in the foreseeable future.
Colombia, in the far northwest of South America, has been conducting a pernicious war with rebels (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia FARC) war quite a few years. With US aid, the government in Bogota slowly appears to be turning the tables on the revolutionaries. However, things went pearshape, when Colombian forces struck at a FARC base in its southern neighbour, Ecuador, 1 mile across the border. A leader of the revolutionaries was killed.
Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez has ordered the closure of his embassy in Colombia's capital Bogota, stating that any Colombian incursion into Venezuela like the one into Ecuador would mean war. Conversely, Ecuador has recalled its envoy from Bogota, meaning that relations are not wholly severed.
Mr Chavez has ordered tanks and troops to the Colombian border, whilst deploring the killing of the leader, referring to him as a good revoluationary. Previously, the president negotiated the release of hostages held by FARC.
The Venezuelan president has struck me previously as being a bit hot under the collar. The Colombian incursion into Ecuador is not acceptable, and the government in Quito has denounced it, and lodged a formal protest with Bogota. If anyone had a cause for going to war, it would be Ecuador, but they (as the injured party) have not wholly cut off ties. Seems it's time for a cold shower in Caracas.
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Yes, I find it wholly bizarre in the face of Chevez negotiating the release of those interned by the FARC to then to throw a tantrum. How is one "a good revolutionary"? Seems Chevez is covering his arse here. Doesn't want the FARC on his back door and he's parked Venezuala into a deliberate corner.
ReplyDeleteYes I had actually heard about this recently....it's always something....June
ReplyDeleteGreat..now they will be asking the US to send troops over there.
ReplyDeletePam
And folks think gas prices and coffee are high now! I do hope all concerned will proceed with caution. - Barbara
ReplyDeleteI'm actually a little surprised things haven't gotten worse between these two countries before now.
ReplyDeleteLori
South America is a big mess right now, and I'm hoping Chavez comes out of it with the short end of the stick (but no loss of life). Many people I know here have boycotted Venezula-owned Citgo petroleum because of Chavez. I can't say I'm upheld the personal embargo, as I'm more or less surrounded by Citgo's, but I try when I can.
ReplyDeleteDan
http://journals.aol.com/slapinions/Slap-Inionscom
When will people realize fighting is not the answer. Wishful thinking I guess on my part. Situations everywhere are just getting worse by the day.
ReplyDeleteLisa
Do you hvae the addresses for the rulers of these countries? I would like to send them all a copy of "A New Earth" or "Non-Violent Communication" they could really use the help.
ReplyDelete~Rosemary