Colombia's Crossroads: Security or Strife?

Colombia stands at a critical point. The country's future could go in a good or bad direction. Juan Carlos Pinzon, a key political figure, has strong views on this. He believes Colombia should focus on its own problems rather than getting involved in other countries' issues. Pinzon served as defense minister and ambassador to the U. S. He knows a lot about Colombia's security challenges. He argues that the current government's policies have made things worse. Coca production is at an all-time high. So are illegal mining and extortion. This is a big problem for Colombia.Pinzon is worried about Venezuela too. He thinks the situation there could spill over into Colombia. Many Venezuelans have already moved to Colombia. But Pinzon's bigger concern is the criminal groups. They could cause more trouble if Venezuela's situation gets worse. He compares Colombia's situation to Venezuela's. He warns that if things continue as they are, Colombia could end up like Venezuela. That's a future no one wants. Pinzon also talks about the U. S. relationship. He thinks it's important for Colombia to work with the U. S. But he makes it clear: no foreign troops on Colombian soil. He wants cooperation, not occupation. Pinzon's message is clear. Colombia needs to focus on security. It needs to restore order at home. Only then can it think about its role in the region.