Gustavo Petro
Colombia and Venezuela reopen shared border after years of closure
Residents from Colombia and Venezuela turned out in large numbers last week to welcome the reopening of their shared border to vehicles. Two commercial trucks, covered with the respective flags of each country, crossed the border point, marking the end of seven years of closure.
Colombia’s FARC rebels face history in considering return to politics
Colombia and the leftist FARC rebels are in the midst of months of negotiations to end the struggle between the two sides. And as the negotiations wear on, some are beginning to consider what it might look like if FARC turns to politics, instead of violence. But in doing so, they must face history.
Bogota’s new mayor proof that disarmament can work for rebel groups
Gustavo Petro was a Colombian guerrilla for years. He was arrested and sent to jail. But now, after he and his group laid down their arms and he joined the political process, he’s ascended to the mayorship of Colombia’s capital and largest city — often a stepping stone to the country’s presidency.
