Colombia And The United States: War, Terrorism and Destabilization

(Paperback)

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Exploring in detail the misdirected and devastating impact that millions of dollars of annual U.S. military aid continues to have on the war-torn people of Colombia, this concise book offers a brief history of the country as well as an analysis of the complex forces driving Colombia's decades-old guerrilla war. Ultimately, Murillo argues that the conflict in Colombia is not about drugs, nor guerrillas, nor terrorism', but about the unwillingness of the country's elite to open up spaces for democratic participation in economic, social and political areas.'

Reviews

For U.S. readers accustomed to the distorted and incomplete imagery projected by the American mainstream media about Colombia, this book will be a revelation. Murillo's first hand experience and extensive research give us an insightful analysis of the complex and tragic Colombian realityof social and economic inequalities that grow amidst and armed conflict that has lasted more than forty years; of government policies confronting this reality; of the impact of U.S. policies in Colombian internal affairs; of the growing of U.S. military presence in the country. For the Colombian reader, ignorant of the dangers of the policies of national security and antiterrorism, promoted by Presidents Alvaro Uribe and George W. Bush, this book will also be enlightening.Clara Nieto, author ofMasters of War: Latin AmericaandU.S. Aggression from the Cuban Revolution through the Clinton Years

Murillo's work gives voice to those who are rarely heard from when explaining the complexities of Colombia-US relations. Through his years of research and interviews, Murillo allows us to learn about the conflict through the eyes of indigenous Colombians, trade union leaders, afro-Colombians, farmers and others, all of whomthose most affected by the 50-year civil warlayer this book with rich narratives. Deepa Fernandes,Free Speech Radio News

Author Bio

MARIO ALFONSO MURILLO is a professor at the School of Communication at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, and teaches media studies courses at New York University. A veteran radio journalist, he has reported extensively about Colombia and Latin America, producing award-winning programs and documentaries for the Pacifica Radio Network and National Public Radio. He is author of Islands of Resistance: Puerto Rico, Vieques, and U.S. Policy (2001). He lives in New York City.