The FARC's epic fail is good news for peace

[naaman fletcher]

The FARC's failure to deliver two of the hostages they planned to release Sunday demonstrates the guerrillas' severe logistical problems, seriously discredits mediator Piedad Cordoba, and may bring meaningful peace talks closer.

About a week ago I started writing a column on how peace talks could take another few years given the conditions set by the government and the FARC's unwillingness to accept these conditions (releasing all hostages, ceasing terrorist activities, etc.). I never finished that column, because I didn't see the rush and had other priorities. The FARC still didn't seem weak enough to compromise.

But after the FARC's epic fail on Sunday, those peace talks may well have come a lot closer.

Following the guerrillas' announcement of the planned releases, the government responded swiftly and prudently. At no time did the government or the armed forces appear to commit any acts that could prevent the releases.

http://colombiareports.com/opinion/from-the-editor/14325-the-farcs-epic-fail.html