LITERATURE + LECTURES

The World Affairs Council of Houston presents Colombia's Transformation.

Featuring:
Álvaro Uribe (pictured)
Former President of Colombia

Álvaro Uribe became president of Colombia at a time of violence, instability, and economic stagnation. Drug lords ruled entire districts, kidnappings were a daily occurrence, and citizens lived in fear. Motivated to get rid of the guerrillas who caused the death of his father, Uribe strengthened the military and forced the rebels out of Colombia’s towns. He successfully demobilized the main paramilitary groups and defeated the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, the hated FARC. Most important, he gave Colombians the confidence that they could take their country back. Mass public protests signaled the end to the FARC and the beginning of a new Colombia, the bright star of Latin America.

During his presidency, the economy grew and poverty decreased and Uribe left office with the remarkable approval rating of 75%. At the root of this popularity is one simple fact: President Uribe made Colombia a safer place. It remains one of the most successful and stable countries in Latin America today.