Previously posted on my Facebook page. Not updated.
NEWS. “Gustavo Petro wins the Colombian election, becoming the country’s first leftist president.” News adds: “The victory by the former rebel sets the third-largest nation in Latin America on a new path.” I don’t feel any weight on “Leftist” prez whatsoever. As 21st century strode in, we blurred the ism line no matter how media continually draw/s us to paradigm stereotypes. None of that figure in my head, not anymore.
China is capitalism with a bit of “Common Prosperity” modification in between. Russia shed its hardline apparatchik girth to sell its crude oil and natural gas a-la market economics of the West. And what about oil-rich Middle East? Or the vaunted Asian Tigers? Goodbye, cultural/religious exclusivity. Compromise, interface, rebranding work.
Patron Petro could be a Leftist revolutionary then. But the present time requires leadership acumen that goes left to right and center and wherever in practical agility per needed. Right here and right now. And this is Gustavo’s board: GDP growth rate is 6 percent, higher than the U.S. right now. But unemployment is 11.2 percent. And other pressing issues per heightened superpower benefactors’ “war” of narcissism. 🇨🇴🇨🇴🇨🇴
LET’s cut to the chase: Colombia is, no doubt, United States’ best bet in Latin/South America, especially following the recent lukewarm Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, hosted by President Biden.
Top leaders of the region snubbed Potus or simply were out. Mexico, Honduras, Bolivia, El Salvador, Cuba, and Nicaragua. Others sent “token” diplomatic representation. How Biden would work around these facts, and how Petro reacts and responds, are what interest me. Remember, Senor Gustavo campaigned on several promises that run counter to years of U.S.-Colombia relations.
Yet in the background, here are pertinent facts: Colombia is 4th top U.S. oil importer, dislodging Russia out of the Top 10 due to the obvious. Colombia is the only NATO member and top recipient of US aid in the region. Clearly, Colombia has long been one of Washington's closest allies in Latin America. Pre-2022 change of leadership, Bogota could be the best Washington buddy in the Americas. 🇨🇴🇨🇴🇨🇴
BESIDES what I mentioned below in the area of trade and security, Colombia and the United States had close dealings on the Venezuelan migrant crisis and the fight against the illegal drug trade. But would these still hold with Petro on Bogota’s steering wheel?
Consider that Petro seeks reestablishing Bogotá’s direct relationship with Caracas per the election runup. Take note as well that Petro has strongly criticized the U.S. policy in Latin America on narcos, which has focused on the eradication of crops and the extradition of cartel leaders. He instead wants to legalize medicinal marijuana and create more economic incentives so impoverished farmworkers don’t see the coca plant as their only choice for livelihood.
Petro, a former guerrilla fighter, also proposed reopening peace talks with the ELN rebel group as another step in “peacefully dismantling drug-trafficking.” But Washington has dismissed the ELN as a terrorist organization.
President Biden could probably explore “climate change,” which is a cornerstone of Petro's promised policies. But that’d be less priority in Petro’s agenda: He has to live up to the expectations of voters who shunned the traditional parties over worsening inequality and persistent violence. First things first.
For Biden to still hold on Bogota? Talk about the oil. Rest the security pitch. Talk economics. Oil. I am sure Gustavo Petro would love to talk more of that. 🇨🇴🇨🇴🇨🇴
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