Sainted or Stockholmed?
Highlighted Story: “Ingrid Betancourt: Sainted or Stockholmed?”
By John R. Thomson & Dorotea Laserna*
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Since July 2, when Colombia’s armed forces so spectacularly freed Ingrid Betancourt and 14 male hostages from their oppressive jungle imprisonment, a political and press frenzy of adoration for the one time leftist Colombian presidential candidate has engulfed the world. Virtually everything, including how the hostages were freed from 50 armed FARC guerrillas by seven commandos without firing a shot, has been pushed aside by reporters seeking interviews and politicians wishing to bask in Ingrid’s reflected light. Does Ms. Betancourt deserve all the attention lavished upon her following six and a half years in undoubtedly uncomfortable confinement? If so, what about the nearly forgotten eleven Colombian soldiers who had been interned as long as ten years? Or the three American civilian trainers who endured more than five years’ under identical circumstances?
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Main News:
- Leading FARC member killed by the Colombian Army . Colombia pursues extradition of FARC member from Venezuela. Colombian Paramilitaries Plead Guilty to US Drug Charges.
- Fidel Castro Praises Brother for Silence on Russian Bombers.
- Venezuela and Iran strengthen ties.
- Mercosur delegates to assess in Caracas political banning. Mayor Lpez warns against great blow to democracy.
- Spain to use Venezuelan oil to secure reserves.
- Pdvsa to explore 12 hydrocarbons blocks in Bolivia.
- NEWS FLASH: Next Paraguayan Foreign Minister, Mr. Hamed with a diplomatic career in the Middle East, sees strong ties to Venezuela.
- NEWS FLASH: Ecuador says US troops must leave Manta air base. Ecuador ‘s Assembly to give Correa broader powers, modify term limits.
- Argentina ‘s Fernandez Popularity Falls to Record Low.
- Pinochet’s daughter seeks office in Chile politics.
- Mexicans vote no’ on oil reform in nonbinding referendum; turnout low.
- US Representative wants to meet with Chvez, Ral Castro.
- Brazil’s Petrobras launches first biofuel plant.
Click here to view the Americas Report (PDF)
Nancy Menges
Editor in Chief – “Americas Report”
Nicole M. Ferrand
Editor – “Americas Report”
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