Plan Colombia

... Plan of Death

Colombia is a country known for its majestic beauty, abundant biodiversity and extensive rainforests, which lead some people to coin the region the "lungs of the world." Adding to these visual splendors is what lies below the surface. In addition to its acclaimed gold, copper, and silver deposits, Colombia has one of the largest known oil reserves in our hemisphere and is among the top suppliers of oil to the United States. Belying what would appear to be paradise is Colombia's infamous designation as one of the most violent countries in the world. Many thanks to the ongoing research by Adam Isacson and the Center for International Policy. Please visit: www.ciponline.org to learn more about the effects of US foreign policy as it relates to human rights in Latin America and Asia.

This article was originally posted in 2001 and revised in 2006. A shorter version was published in the 2006 McGraw-Hill college textbook: "Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Latin American Issues."