You are exactly right. What a shame that our government is overlooking the incredible progress that Colombia (President Uribe) has made over the past five years. I agree entirely that the Democrats now see an opportunity to strike back at President Bush and Uribe is bearing the brunt of it. I wouldn’t overlook the influence NGOs play in this process as well. Finally, Uribe will be looking elsewhere to shore up his military in his effort to end the internal conflict, and posture himself for Venezuela, should the US turn its back on him. Your term “shortsightness” is putting it nicely.

Thanks for the article. You’ve done your homework.