FARC is a Dark Shadow of the Past

The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, also called FARC, is a radical and violent Marxist revolutionary organization. They are considered a terrorist group by most. Some people are more sympathetic but still do not like their use of kidnapping, violence, and illegal drugs to accomplish their goals. The group has faced growing criticism in recent years and suffered severe setbacks to their cause. Even radicals like Hugo Chavez
of Venezuela have openly expressed disagreement with FARC actions.

The organization was established in the 1960s as the military arm of the Colombian Communist Party. The group later became involved with the cocaine trade as a means of financing their operations. They have tried to remain tied to the Communist Party but have failed to make progress as a legitimate political voice.

FARC is the largest and oldest insurgent group in the Americas. According to the Colombian government, they have an estimated 6,000-10,000 members today. This is only half as many as they had ten years ago. Conservative President Alvaro Uribe of Colombia has fought hard to reduce their influence and intensified military operations to defeat them. Uribe's father was killed by the rebels in an attempted kidnapping in 1983. During the past few years, the strength of several key fronts was broken by the government’s military operations.

The group was present in around 15-20 percent of Colombia during 2005. Most are concentrated in the jungles and mountains of the southeastern parts of the country. The rebels are directed by a group of men led by Alfonso Cano and six others. They are organized like a military force with small militia cells. They claim to represent the rural poor in a struggle against the wealthy. This includes fighting against the use of natural resources and big multinational corporations. They say that this justifies efforts to seize power through an armed revolution. However, FARC funds itself through extortion, kidnapping and illegal drug trafficking. Many innocent people are hurt or killed by their actions.

The group says it is open to negotiated solutions but only under certain conditions. Unfortunately these conditions include withdrawal of government forces and the release of all jailed rebels. The Colombian government says that it cannot negotiate until the violence stops. Critics say that the group's methods have discredited its original goals and ideology. FARC attacks civilians and public servants, plants land mines on public roads, recruits young boys and girls, takes hostages for ransom and extortion, and destroys communities through conflict. It is estimated that 20-30%
of the guerrillas are children under 18 years of age. People who try to leave or escape the ranks can be punished with torture and death.

The current demands of the group include a demilitarized zone through the strategic region of Valle del Cauca. This region is an important route for transporting drugs to the coast. This demand has been rejected by the Colombian government. Five years ago, the government announced the pardon of 23 rebel prisoners to encourage negotiation. But FARC ignored the gesture. They also rejected a proposal to trade their hostages in exchange for guerrillas imprisoned by the government.

In 2008, fifteen hostages were rescued by Colombian agents disguised as rebels. Military intelligence had infiltrated the guerrilla ranks. The hostages rescued included Ingrid Betancourt (a former presidential candidate), three U.S. military contractors, and eleven Colombian police officers and soldiers. Other hostages have also escaped since then with the help of sympathetic captors, but FARC continues to fight. The rebels have clashed with government forces more than 500 times this year.

Come on amigos, put down the guns and come to the table. We can have a mojito and a cigar and settle our differences.

Forget the violence of the past. Let us work together to create a new and brighter future.