Military crisis in South America

Re “Anxiety in the Andes,” editorial, March 16

The editorial correctly calls on the Organization of American States to play a larger role in the recent crisis among the Andean nations. The U.S. is right to defer to the OAS and focus its efforts on promoting a free-trade agreement with Colombia. Only through open trade can such countries improve economic prosperity and enjoy continued declining support for leftist guerrillas and their drug-trading partners. A greater concern lies with poorer countries such as Bolivia and Ecuador, where poverty leads citizens to support populist leaders. Those countries’ leaders are nationalizing industries and rewriting constitutions, so far with little benefit to citizens. Only improved economic growth will prevent further instability in the region.

Katja S. Newman

Manhattan Beach

Colombia’s moves to crush the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, rebels has not only created a regional crisis, it has had devastating consequences for the country’s indigenous peoples. In light of the recent hostage deals, Colombia’s army has been bombing areas of the Amazon inhabited by Nukak Indians, among the last nomadic hunter-gatherers anywhere in the Amazon. Much of the Nukak’s land has been taken over by the FARC, and many Indians have fled because of the violence that followed. It is tragic that the Nukak have become what others might call “collateral damage” in a war that has absolutely nothing to do with them.

Stephen Corry

Director

Survival International

London