ICYMI: The Failure of The Plan Colombiana

Beyond The Horizon

"Plan Colombia" was a United States foreign aid and military assistance program that aimed to address various issues in Colombia, primarily focusing on countering drug trafficking, promoting economic development, and improving security. The plan was initiated in the late 1990s and continued into the early 2000s. Here is a summary of its key elements:

1. Background: Plan Colombia emerged in response to Colombia's longstanding issues with drug production and trafficking, armed conflict involving guerrilla groups like the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), and human rights abuses. The United States became concerned about the impact of drug trade on its own citizens and the stability of Colombia.
2. Counter-Drug Efforts: A significant portion of Plan Colombia's funding was allocated to combat the production and distribution of illegal drugs, particularly cocaine and heroin. This involved eradicating coca and poppy crops, interdicting drug shipments, and supporting alternative livelihood programs for farmers involved in drug production.
3. Security Assistance: The plan also provided military and law enforcement aid to the Colombian government to help them combat insurgent groups like the FARC and the National Liberation Army (ELN). This assistance included training, equipment, and logistical support to strengthen the Colombian armed forces.
4. Human Rights Concerns: Plan Colombia faced criticism for alleged human rights abuses by Colombian security forces, including extrajudicial killings and displacement of civilians. Some critics argued that U.S. military assistance indirectly supported these abuses.
5. Economic and Social Development: A portion of the plan's funding was directed towards promoting economic and social development in Colombia. This included initiatives to strengthen democratic institutions, reduce poverty, and improve access to education and healthcare.
6. Successes and Controversies: Plan Colombia achieved some successes in reducing coca cultivation and drug-related violence. However, it was also criticized for not fully addressing the root causes of conflict and for being overly focused on military solutions.
7. Legacy: Plan Colombia had a lasting impact on Colombia's security and drug policy landscape. It evolved over time and influenced subsequent U.S. policies in the region. It also had implications for regional geopolitics and relations between the United States and Latin American countries.

After all that money and all that blood, more cocaine is now being produced than ever before. In this episode, we dive in!
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Colombian coca crops, used to make cocaine, at an all-time high last year, UN says | Fox News