Colombia is my favorite country to visit in Latin America. Her people are extremely friendly and helpful to tourists learning Spanish. I've had lots of people on the street correct my pronunciation and offer friendly suggestions. It's also extremely affordable, lots of culture, architecture and natural beauty with delicious food to match.
Colombia's resurgence is largely due to the policies of president Alvaro Uribe. Colombia is still in a brutal civil war. Less than 10 years ago, the rebels had even reached the capital city Bogota. Uribe has stabilized the country and tourism has soared. Still, the country isn't perfect and has a lot of problems but it's going in the right direction.
Uribe is extremely popular and there were rumblings that he would seek a third term. But last week the highest court in Colombia, the Colombian Constitutional Court, struck down an amendment passed in the legislature that would have allowed him to run again.
Besides being the right move for building a more democratic tradition in the region (see Venezuela, Honduras, Brazil, etc.), it was the right move economically. Although he's done incredible things, Uribe seeking a third term would have created instability and uncertainty. As proof of this, the Colombian peso saw big gains after the ruling came down. Colombia is set for big growth and I think a lot of people have overlooked its potential. Tourism isn't anywhere near its peak and more Americans are starting to go. Colombia is an easy three-day weekend for American tourists and a gateway to the rest of South America. Bogota is only a few hours away from JFK whereas Brazil and Argentina require an overnight flight. Europeans and Latin American tourists are already taking advantage of the cheap Caribbean deals.
Again, the government still faces many challenges. The FARC, although severely weakened, is still causing instability in key agricultural regions. Parts of the country are still "no go" areas. Additionally, there is massive inequality and discrimination, which is becoming more and more crucial because the areas seeing the biggest growth are also home to disenfranchised groups. As a result, poverty and lack of educational opportunities are increasing crime and violence in the regions the government is most heavily invested in for tourism and industrial development. Uribe has made strides in this area, but there is still far to go.
Honestly, I have mixed feelings about his stepping down. I believe passionately in democracy but also recognize that, for nations on the cusp of crisis, stability can be more important. Example 1: the U.S. and F.D.R. during the Great Depression, recovery and WWII. For Colombia, building a strong democracy is more important, however, than keeping the same president. Although in a difficult period, Colombia isn't in crisis any more. For Colombia, to continue to go forward after Uribe would send an even more powerful message about the stability of the country than if he had continued in office.
At least, I hope. My reasons aren't totally selfless. To be honest, I just want to be back on the Fort in Cartagena drinking an Aguila, feeling the cool breeze and looking out onto the Caribe, without worrying about cannons.
What I'm reading:
The Basement Boys The making of modern immaturity, George F. Will, Newsweek.
Germany Is Tired of Paying Europe's Bills, Anne Applebaum, Slate.
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