Topic: National Liberation Army

How will FARC peace talks play out in rural Colombia?

Successful peace talks could mean the end of nearly five decades of fighting between the FARC and the Colombian government, when civilians and rural communities were often hit the hardest.

Cuban Missile Crisis: 5 ways leftist ideology lives on in Latin America

This week marks the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Missile Crisis, when the US and the Soviet Union were on the brink of nuclear war over the installation of Soviet missiles in Cuba.

Could Myanmar's economic reform bring business to war-torn ethnic regions?

Myanmar has passed a new foreign direct investment law. Now a cease-fire in the country's war-torn Karen state has some entrepreneurs hoping to attract foreign investment.

Briefing Colombia - FARC peace talks: 4 things you need to know

Colombia has ample experience holding peace talks – though over the past 50 years, it’s seen little peace. But in early September, President Juan Manuel Santos announced peace talks with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. Here are four things you need to know about the landmark peace process.

Will the Colombian government make peace with FARC rebels? (+video)

With the aim of ending five decades of war, Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos announced exploratory talks with leftist FARC rebels on Monday. A peace agreement would conclude a conflict that has killed tens of thousands over the years.  

Latin America Monitor Child drug traffickers: What can be done?

Between 5,000 and 14,000 children are recruited as soldiers in Colombia, writes a guest blogger, and the recruitment of minors by gangs is increasingly a problem across Latin America.

As sanctions ease on Myanmar, aid to refugees dries up (+video)

International donors are jumping at the chance to aid people inside Myanmar as sanctions ease. But refugees just outside the country are on the losing end.

Latin America Monitor Is it the end of paramilitarism in Colombia?

The last of Colombia's paramilitary leaders were captured in Venezuela, marking the end for a group that dominated Colombia's drug trade, writes guest blogger Jeremy McDermott.

Latin America Monitor Why Venezuela is key to quashing the FARC

Colombia is worried that FARC fighters are looking to acquire missiles in Venezuela, which would diminish Colombia's air-power advantage against the rebels.
12/13/2011 12:48 pm

Latin America Monitor Venezuela nabs Colombian cartel leader Maximiliano Bonilla, a.k.a. 'Valenciano'

On the eve of a meeting of the Venezuelan and Colombian presidents, police seized Maximiliano Bonilla and plan to extradite him to the US, where there is a $5 million reward for his capture.
11/29/2011 09:53 am

Latin America Monitor Ahead of Colombia's elections, violence stalks candidates

Forty-one candidates have been killed in the run-up to Colombia's elections on Sunday, highlighting the security issues that continue to undermine democracy in the country.
10/28/2011 10:32 am

Latin America Monitor Colombia's new security push

President Juan Manuel Santos announced a strategic shift in Colombia's struggle against guerrilla rebels and narco-paramilitaries, in part via improved cooperation between government agencies.
08/09/2011 09:58 am

Latin America Monitor Colombia's criminal networks consolidate around two forces

Two major criminal networks have been extending their reach throughout Colombia. In Mexico. pressure from security forces has had the opposite effect, causing the criminal underworld to fragment.
08/01/2011 04:42 pm

Latin America Monitor Is Ecuador becoming the 'UN of crime'?

The arrest of a suspected Russian mafioso in Ecuador highlights the increasing presence in the country of international organized crime, says guest blogger Elyssa Pachico.
07/11/2011 12:01 pm

Latin America Monitor ELN rebel group makes a comeback in Colombia

Colombia's ELN rebel group, often forgotten, is on the rise thanks to a belated involvement in the drug trade and alliances with both the FARC and new narco-paramilitary groups.
06/28/2011 11:42 am

Photos of the Day Photos of the Day 05/08

Colombia and Venezuela spar over FARC rebel charges

Venezuela recalled its ambassador after the outgoing Colombian government charged that its neighbor harbors FARC rebels. The charges could short-circuit a potential thaw in ties as president-elect Santos prepares to take office.
07/16/2010 02:21 pm

Colombia election: Juan Manual Santos win is a victory for tough security

Former defense minister Juan Manual Santos wins Colombia's elections Sunday, The new president promises to continue hard-line security policies against leftist rebels.
06/20/2010 08:17 pm

Venezuela vs. Colombia: Two leaders seek outside mediation

After bridge explosions, Venezuela's Hugo Chávez and Colombia's Alvaro Uribe agree on one thing: current conflict won't be resolved without outside mediation.
11/22/2009 12:00 am

Terrorism & Security Colombia: Uribe sees corruption in attack that freed rebel

Gustavo Anibal Giraldo, a Colombia ELN rebel leader who escaped prison guards Wednesday, is wanted for the murders of eight soldiers, a Catholic bishop, and the kidnapping of three Americans. Was there insider help?
10/09/2009 01:00 am

Burma (Myanmar) presses rebels in bid to eliminate armed opposition

The offensive is pushing thousands of refugees into Thailand. It appears to be a rebuke to Burma's neighbor, which has criticized the junta for its trial of democracy advocate Aung San Suu Kyi.
06/26/2009 01:00 am

FARC extortion rackets in Venezuela, say locals

In border states, Venezuelans say Colombian rebel groups extort monthly 'protection' money from businesses and ranchers.
06/13/2008 01:00 am

New push to free Ingrid from FARC rebels

A French humanitarian mission arrived in Colombia on Thursday to help free high-level hostage Ingrid Betancourt.
04/04/2008 01:00 am

Venezuelan FARC victims to Chávez: 'What about us?'

Many families of those kidnapped near the border with Colombia say President Hugo Chávez has neglected them in favor of high-profile Colombian victims.
02/15/2008 12:00 am

Global flash points: How to spot signs of peace

Monitor correspondents and experts suggest what to watch for in eight international conflicts.
01/03/2008 12:00 am