In Colombia, Alvaro Uribe more popular than ever

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As he stood in the plaza of this remote coffee-growing town hoping for a glimpse of President Alvaro Uribe, cattle rancher Antonio Jaramillo said the reason for Uribe’s striking popularity was simple, writes Chris Kraul and Patrick J. Mcdonnell.

Before Uribe became president, life was chaotic because of armed groups that terrorized residents, Jaramillo said.

‘Now we have peace,’ he said. ‘That’s why we want him to stay for another election. If not, life will become difficult again.’

Last week’s spectacular army rescue of 15 hostages, including former presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt and three American defense contractors, boosted Uribe’s already stratospheric popularity. Several polls over the weekend put his approval rating at above 80%.

Read the rest of the L.A. Times report...

-- Deborah Bonello in Los Angeles