Web Letters: The Dark Side of Plan Colombia

This is a wonderful article. I hope the author or other investigative journalists will look deeper into the role of USAID and ARD in other countries.

The parent company of ARD, which was "overseeing" many hundreds of millions of dollars in USAID contracts to the benefit of--in this instance - genocidal paramilitaries linked to the right-wing government of Uribe, is called Tetra Tech. They describe themselves as follows: "Tetra Tech is a forward-thinking, progressive company that strives for the highest level of excellence." See here for the backgrounds of their board members.

Please expose the link between USAID, NED, and murderous security forces of right-wing governments like Calderon's in Mexico who kill their own people with impunity to the benefit of multinational corporations, mining, energy corporations etc.

marianne carmina

El Paso, TX

I appreciate Teo's story and all the details. One thing not mentioned was the environmental effects of African palms. However, the human rights issue is foremost. Every person needs to make sure their senator and congress person sees this before any debate or vote on Plan Colombia's next generation or on a free trade agreement.

Having hosted Enrique Petro and his lawyer in my home twice in different years, and having visited Palm Oil Plantations, I am thankful the issues have been vetted by The Nation. His story and the thousands I have heard first hand in Colombia that are like it, should give pause to anyone living in the United States, which sends such massive economic and military support to Colombia.

There are good things happening in Colombia from time to time and changes in government policy, but I am convinced that if it were not for the constant pressure from the churches and human rights groups in the US and Europe, none of those good things would happen.

Parrish Jones
Presbyterian Peace Fellowship and Mission Network for Colombia o

St. Augustine, FL

I hope that the politicians in Washington will understand that the “Plan Colombia” will work only if it goes beyond all its obstacles. Some issues have to be fixed, obviously, like more commitment from USAID and the Colombian authorities in checking the antecedents of their beneficiaries. Considering fewer beneficiaries but well known, would be better. Less support from the United States will let the victims of those paramilitaries down.

Carolina bernal

Bogotá , Colombia