Colombia: Uribe lovefest continues

In the aftermath of Colombian president Alvaro Uribe’s reelection, news articles and editorials are showering him with praise. For instance, the Christian Science Monitor published an editorial today which considers Uribe (image) as an effective and reliable leader that “defies a Latin American trend toward leaders who promise to help the little guy, but don't.” (In other words, left-wing heads such as Hugo Chavez and Evo Morales). For that matter, Newsweek calls Uribe an “anti-Chavez” and points out his close relationship with George W. Bush. (It seems to me, however, the author goers too far by claiming that Colombians are pleased with this relationship. Based on personal observation, Bush is not very well-liked in the country even amongst elites). The Washington Post notes Uribe’s victory is a huge boost for U.S. relations with Latin America (as was shown with the Bush administration certifying Colombia to receive additional aid yesterday), though it also points out that Uribe is not necessarily a puppet of the U.S.

Will Uribe serve as the start for a right-wing counter against the “pink wave” of leftist leaders? Will he stave off scandal and controversy that has damaged other reelected heads of Latin America? Will he continue to focus primarily on security and counter-terrorism or move policy towards social issues a la Bachelet? Only time will tell.

colombia, politics, election, alvaro uribe