General Question About Colombia

[JunFan68]

I was talking to my fiance the other day and I mentioned Pablo Escobar because I had seen some sort of TV special on it.  She affirmed that most of the people in Colombia hated the violence, but liked Pablo because he helped the people by building parks, buildings, and many other things.  At his hey-day, Medellin was the most modern city in Colombia...soley due to Pablo.

It makes me wonder how Colombia would be different now if he was still alive versus the fragmented drug trade of today.  Do you think the 'old cartel' was better because it had a central control node? I wonder if the guerilla activity would be any different?

Just curious....

Mike

http://www.sparhard.com/colombia.htm

[Rudy]

... in response to General Question About Colombia, posted by JunFan68 on May 13, 2001

For a fascinating read on this subject, pick up "News of a Kidnapping", or "Noticias de un Secuestro", by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, the nobel-prize-winning novelist.  This piece of nonfiction follows several kidnappings by the Escobar gang, and Escobar's ultimate downfall.

I imagine there would be less guerilla activity if the old cartels existed.  The fragmentation of the drug industry has created a lot of good business opportunities for FARC and ELN.  The guerillas wouldn't have the income they do now from protection and extortion of the drug trade.

[Hamlet]

... in response to General Question About Colombia, posted by JunFan68 on May 13, 2001

I read a book review last week that gave high marks to a new book about the life of Pablo Escobar.  It is called "Killing Pablo" by Mark Bowden.

The book sounds good and I plan to read it.

[Traveler]

... in response to General Question About Colombia, posted by JunFan68 on May 13, 2001

even though this subject may be too "mature" for me, I would say that the U.S. would have invaded Colombia long ago if Pablo Escobar remained in power.  

Castro does a lot of good for his people as well, but he doesn't allow free expression.  People live in fear of the state and likewise they definitely feared Escobar.  

when the Medellin cartel folded the Cali cartel stepped up to the plate.  there is always someone to ready to their place.