The Great Escape

**macsen rufus** · 07-04-2008, 17:52

"Operation Checkmate" will go down as one of the most skilfully planned and daringly executed anti-insurgent actions ever undertaken by any government.

It certainly will, if all went as it's told here. But a niggle at the back of my mind was saying just what Sigurd's post mentioned - I'd rather believe it is true brilliance and a glaring example of Colombia's massive leap forwards, rather than a fraud to cover a pay-out. Either way, I'm glad some people are finally going home.... only 700 to go.

**Fragony** · 07-04-2008, 17:55

Hoax.

**Adrian II** · 07-04-2008, 18:27

Ingrid Betancourt is about the best thing $20 million can buy. I am looking forward to the book, it is bound to be a lot better than García Márquez' News of a Kidnapping.

I wouldn't be surprised if it is found to be a hoax. The U.S. has been secretly dealing with terrorists for many years, providing them with arms, money, training, all sorts of facilities.

**Crazed Rabbit** · 07-04-2008, 19:25

Yes, but those were terrorists we liked, terrorists who fought against FARC type terrorists.

The news of a payout is just from sour grapes, I suspect.

What, if anything, should be done now as a follow on? Press them to join talks from this position of weakness, or strike hard and fast?

Strike them hard and fast. They represent no-one but a drug cartel, no one with a legitimate grievance.

Why talk with them? They should only end up with their cause and organization completely destroyed. The route of force Uribe has taken has proved very successful. Talks would only give them time to breath and regroup.

CR

**Tribesman** · 07-04-2008, 20:02

The USA is well-known for not negotiating with terrorists.

Yes, but those were terrorists we liked, terrorists who fought against FARC type terrorists.

Yeah like the ones in Iran and Lebanon

BTW rabbit, crossing threads I know , but you do know that McCains good buddy was paying both the FARC and the AUC

**GeneralHankerchief** · 07-04-2008, 20:05

All right, Tribsey, I'll play your game. Well-known for not negotiating with leftist terrorists. Happy?

**Crazed Rabbit** · 07-04-2008, 20:09

No, tribesy's wrong.

We are known for not negotiating with terrorists, even if we have before. GH was talking about the perception of the US - what we are known for, and he was correct. General perception doesn't always jive completely with reality.

CR