Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Colombian vs. Brazilian foreign policy

Adam Isacson links to and also translates an article in Colombia's El Tiempo about the contrast between Colombian and Brazilian foreign policy. It hits the nail on the head. The argument is that Uribe (and VP Santos) based their policies on an alliance strictly with the Bush administration, whereas Lula proved he could work with both Democrats and Republicans. As a result, Lula has moved very quickly to establish good relations with Obama, while Santos "stamps his feet."

Colombia will lose its status as preferred partner, also for obvious reasons. Because its role was being exaggerated and because President [Álvaro] Uribe did away with the bipartisan relationship he inherited from [1998-2002 President Andrés] Pastrana and took the side of the Republicans, who lost the election. The result is that Uribe was decorated [with the Medal of Freedom, in January] by Bush, but Colombia is left without solid bipartisan bridges to defend the country’s interests.

I would add, however, that the Bush administration should also shoulder some of the blame. During the FTA debate, I wrote several posts about how the FTA was being framed not just as a policy proposal, but as the last bastion of civilization itself. That overblown "us versus them" national security rhetoric further pushed Democrats away because it did not allow for legitimate concerns to be aired. And, ultimately, it failed.

4 comments:

Defensores de Democracia 10:24 PM  

Alvaro Uribe and his followers are powerful Wizards and Magicians.

They are VICTORS IN A WAR .... in a war against Violence of Land Mines that kill and maim children, the FARC Killing Peasants in Poor villages with Gas Cylinders and destroying their houses.

In a war against Kidnapping and Extorsion and against Narcos.

The have exerted Shrewd Intelligent Resistance against Foreign Intrusion by not so intelligent neighbors ( friends of FARC : criminal murderers )

George W. Bush was not a failure in everything. His politics in Latin America may have been wise, controlled and restrained, and very successful, as corresponds to the most important Super Power. I am told that Bush also acted wisely and compassionately in Africa.

Mr Obama and Uribe have something in common :

They are wonderful followers of Niccolo Machiavelli, they act, they perform, they are strong without bragging off, they enjoy power, the do not sleep or degenerate in pleasures.

They are very controlled and professorial, they are restrained, they are shrewd and cerebral, they have suffered lots of abuse and have stayed impassive.

Wait until the Magic of Uribe and Followers, their Fairy Dust falls on Washington. Even Nancy Pelosi ( a Lady that I love and respect ) will be charmed.

Remember : They are VICTORS IN A WAR and the Colombian Population loves that.

Milenials.com

Vicente Duque

Anonymous,  11:03 PM  

Alvaro Uribe and his followers are powerful Wizards and Magicians.

Then why are they whining?

His politics in Latin America may have been wise, controlled and restrained, and very successful, as corresponds to the most important Super Power.

It was more like benign neglect; that and the fact that Brazilian diplomats outsmarted his routinely. For example, Brazil brought an action in the WTO on cotton subsidiesin the US not only on its own behalf, but also on behalf of African countries such as Mali and Burkina Faso. The WTO rule in Brazil's favor and confirmed that ruling upon subsequent appeals.

The Bush administration did nothing but piss and moan about this issue.

They are very controlled and professorial, they are restrained, they are shrewd and cerebral, they have suffered lots of abuse and have stayed impassive.

Uribe is impassive? Poppycock. COuntless times he has let his temper get the best of him and likened human rights organizations to terrorists or made allegations that they are in league with terrorists, statements that can very well cost lives in Colombia.

The reason why Santos is whining is because tough talk and acting muy macho is the only arrow that Uribe has in his quiver. The Brazilians have bested them in the diplomatic arena and rather than present better ideas, they can only be petulant.

Defensores de Democracia 7:02 PM  

The FARC and the Americans :

The FARC have been very real DEMONS and TERRORISTS. There is no doubt about that.

They have planted thousands of land mines that have killed hundreds of children or have left them crippled for life.

They have attacked many poor villages of poor and ignorant people, destroying the houses and human lives with gas cylinders that are ejected from some tubes or launchers.

When Uribe took possession as president of Colombia, they killed several very little girls in Bogota with their rockets.

There are thousands of actions of Mass Murder, Kidnapping in masse, Extorsion, Terrorist Bombs to kill Civilians, etc ...

I remember that they killed many very poor and illiterate black people that took refuge in a wooden church. They burnt the church.

They have killed several Americans in the most cold blooded form after having them captives for several months - They were nice evangelicals.

They have had three Americans kidnapped for many years. Finally liberated by the Colombian Army.

The Americans ( Including Mr Bush and Ms Condoleezza Rice ) helped a lot to overcome the danger. That will be remembered by the population.

Milenials.com

Vicente Duque

Anonymous,  10:45 PM  

It's hard to take someone seriously when they engage in a hagiography of Uribe and ignore his dark side.

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