Chavez Asks FARC to Lay Down Arms

Submitted by fyl on 12 June, 2008 - 08:39.

No, that is not a misprint. Hugo Chavez has said that the time for armed struggle is over. This Real News Network video analyzes the situation.


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Strange

Submitted by 1st Capt. Ron on 12 June, 2008 - 09:40.

I read about this in the news a day or two ago. It struck me as a litlte strange. Since I really do not trust Chavez, I am waiting for the next shoe to drop.

1st Capt. Ron (Title by Miskito Alan)

Pues

Submitted by fyl on 12 June, 2008 - 09:47.

Well, that is what the video is about—the why of the issue.

ok

Submitted by 1st Capt. Ron on 12 June, 2008 - 10:18.

You caught me. I did not watch the video before making my first comment, but I have now. Still, I really do not see Chavez as a peace maker. I could be wrong as this would give him more political power in the area, but as the video mentioned he is already a very popular ally with other South American countries except Colombia. Why would he want Colombia, a strong US ally, to have peace? I don't buy it.

This is what we know from the last few months:

FARC is tied to drug trafficing: A laptop was siezed linking Chavez to support of FARC: At that time, Chavez was more inclined to go to war then make peace:

I am no expert in the area, but it sounds to me like Chavez does not want to become the next Daniel Ortega.

1st Capt. Ron (Title by Miskito Alan)

Some thoughts

Submitted by fyl on 12 June, 2008 - 10:51.

Actually, I do see Chavez as a peacemaker. I base that on reading a lot about what he has (and hasn't) done. His reinforcement of the Venezuela/Colombia border after Colombia invaded Equador was clearly defensive, not offensive and made sense.

Chavez needs Colombia as they are a huge trading partner, particularly for food items. They also have a land border of over 2000 km. Not having a hostile relationship on a border about 2/3 the size of that between the U.S. and Mexico seems pretty important.

The laptop story is the victim of spin in two places. First, there is no conformation of the data found and second, the press coverage (at least U.S.-based) seemed to avoid the nature of Chavez's relationship. It was Chavez that had been negotiating with Raul Reyes for the release of hostages—a negotiation that resulted in a successful release.

While I don't know what, if anything, Chavez gave to FARC to get the hostages released, I just need to remember that I learned the term quid pro quo during the Iran Contra hearings.

Further, look at Chavez historically. He attempted a military coup in 1992, went to jail for it and came back to be democratically elected. This, along with FARC's falling support (as covered in the video) would suggest it is reasonable that he would tell FARC to lay down your arms (and then go to the ballot box).

As much as Chavez has, well, a big mouth, and the U.S. loves to paint him as a bad guy, there are a lot of things going for him. If you can accept that Latin America should get to control their own destiny rather than be a subsidiary of the U.S., I don't think you will find his actions out of line.

He is a bad guy...but

Submitted by ATZ on 12 June, 2008 - 12:59.

that is not the point. Most people in power are in one way or another. Some worse that others. It is in his best interest (and that of his country) to make peace with Colombia. That doesn't mean he must espouse all they are or be friends with their allies.... like the USA or Chile or any number of countries who think he is off his rocker.. Nor does it make him a peacemaker...he is just doing what is good for his country. Which is OK too.

If this means he gets that point, bravo for him. His country is is tough shape and this can mean a bit (or a lot) of a turn and the people of Venezuela will notice that and reward him for it. Everyone wins, including the US and the other LA and EU countries who have problems with him. He would be a better asset to LA with a bit more finesse to go with his bombast. maybe he figured that out too. If so, double good for him. Let's hope so. May be less complicated than some may think it is.....or maybe not, but since none of us really know, just watch and wait a bit an see.ATZ

maybe

Submitted by 1st Capt. Ron on 12 June, 2008 - 12:18.

You might be onto something. I know the US foriegn policy is overbearing and I do think the US needs to mind it's own business more then they do. If I knew more about FARC and the history between Venezuela and Colombia I could give you a good debate, but I simply do not know enough. I do know a little about Chavez though, and this is where my distrust of him extends from.

1st Capt. Ron (Title by Miskito Alan)