A Brief History of Plan Colombia

Today on Foreign Policy, Paul Wolfowitz and Michael O'Hanlon suggest a novel model by which the United States might actually measure "success" in the 10 year-old war in Afghanistan: look at Colombia. Rather than trying to foist the Iraq post-surge model on Afghanistan, they argue, America should focus on empowering the Afghan government so that it can contain the insurgency within its borders, just as Colombia has done over the past 10 years through the U.S.-backed counter-narcotics campaign known as Plan Colombia.

But a look back at the history of the program reveals that the success achieved in Colombia has been mixed, modest, and controversial. That might not be the grand outcome that the George W. Bush administration had in mind when it invaded Afghanistan in 2001. But, as Wolfowitz and O'Hanlon argue, applying the "Colombia standard" to Afghanistan may just be the most realistic goal that the United States can set at this point.

Above, a Colombian soldier walks in a field of coca plants as a plane sprays herbicide overhead.

Luis Acosta/AFP/Getty Images

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TTURAIDERS

5:20 AM ET

October 28, 2011

did it really work

Yeah, but the plan really work? They essentially carved out a chunk of Columbia and gave it to FARC. That's like saying Afghanistan can just tell the Taliban they gave the border regions of Pakistan if they'll just leave the rest of the country alone. What's the difference between that and giving up? The scary part is that this option will likely be presented as an answer to the current Mexican Civil War that has now killed nearly 50,000 in just a few years.

XMASTER4000

10:21 AM ET

That's false, by all accounts

Before Plan Colombia was implemented, the Colombian government barely controlled less than half it's own territory, and was losing ground, fast. After Uribe came to power he immediately focused on securing major population centers, breaking down the guerrilla's momentum and securing the country's communication lines, so often disrupted by guerrilla attacks.

After this phase was consolidated, Colombian military forces focused on consolidating themselves across previously abandoned minor population centers, from which guerrilla units based their usual operations and territorial control. This phase includes the "Consolidation" steps described in the article, mainly focused on bringing basic government presence to remote places.

Finally, in recent years Colombian military forces took to the task of entering and disrupting FARC's historical sanctuaries, deep in the Colombian jungle. This in an ongoing and long term operation, as guerrillas know their territory better and are deeply entrenched in some indigenous and peasant societies across the territory. However FARC as a unified military-political group, is doomed to failure, with zero political support from within the country and its own survival depending on drug trafficking. This means in the short term, the atomization of insurgent groups, being unable to coherently defend their territory against a committed, better equipped adversary, is the most likely outcome .

Seems like a success story to me.

CHARLESFRITH

8:03 AM ET

Reality Check

I worry about articles like this that ignore the DEA and CIA involvement in drug dealing is about poppy height deep. The issue is well documented with video testimony on Youtube from former agents though naturally you wont see it covered by corporate media apertures.

DOMINOES

11:58 AM ET

November 16, 2011

Colombia is safer

I think that is the best measure of whether or not the plan was a success. If you look at quality of life, it has improved too. Also, that first picture is one of the coolest pictures I have seen...would love to know what kind of camera was used...maybe the D800. All in all, I am glad for Colombia and its citizens.

DANISHKHAN001

7:23 AM ET

November 18, 2011

A brief story of plan colombia

I liked this aticle having an intresting subject.On foreign policy, Paul Wolfowitz and Michael O'Hanlon suggest a novel model by which the United States might actually measure "success" in the 10 year-old war in Afghanistan: look at Colombia.Well thanks for this great article.
California Dui Lawyers

JESSEK

9:04 AM ET

November 21, 2011

I hope all the soldiers come home safe

Whether you like the U.S' operations in Colombia or not, I'm sure everybody are worrying for the soldiers lives. I work as an In Vitro Fertilization expert, and some traumatic injured soldiers suffers from infertility. Sad stories, may they come home safe.

UPINSON

1:16 PM ET

November 25, 2011

good

Foreign Policy Magazine

Inside National Security

A Brief History of Plan Colombia

Is the U.S.-backed anti-drug war in Colombia really a success worth replicating in Afghanistan?

BY URI FRIEDMAN | OCTOBER 28, 2011

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