And the FARC let a high-profile bargaining chip get away:
French-Colombian politician Ingrid Betancourt has hailed as a “miracle” her release from more than six years of captivity in the Colombian jungle.
Also released on Wednesday were three Americans and 11 members of the Colombian security forces, all said to be in relatively good health.
The Americans – military contractors Marc Gonsalves, Thomas Howes and Keith Stansell – have flown back to Texas, where they are expected to be reunited with their families and undergo medical tests.
Whatever claim the FARC once had to revolutionary credibility has long ago been shattered, as the group degenerated into little more than a well-armed criminal organization. My guess is that this is only the latest internal betrayal in an organization coming rapidly unwound.
I’m with you, Lex. I bet we’ll find that dollars beat doctrine on this one.
Did you catch the part about how the rescue crew posed as aid workers wearing Che Guevara shirts?
Someone on that team had a good sense of humor.
And we are waiting for the statement of congratulations on the successful rescue from President Chavez.
Still waiting.
I’m a little surprised they weren’t wearing Obama t-shirts…
I still don’t understand why it was apparently “normal” for a helicopter to swoop in and pick up hostages from a group of rebels who have no helicopters.
Has Chavez been giving them air support?