Colombia: October 8, 2003

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FARC continues it's campaign of terror against mayors throughout the country. Two mayors in the southeast were killed today in and FARC still threatens mayors throughout the country, having killed thirty in the last three years. But the rebels are less able to use force because of increased army and police activity. Kidnappings are down by over a third from previous years and the illegal drug business, which the rebels protect, is being hurt. 

Public opinion has turned against the rebels, and this is a long time in the coming. The leftist rebels have, over the past two decades, slid into banditry and acting as mercenaries for the drug gangs.  The rebels still talk about social change, but there are perceived by most Colombians as a bunch of bandits. The loss of popular support has been crucial in the decline of rebel power and activities. 

 

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