Today our host Cody Weddle speaks with journalist and political analyst John Restrepo about the Colombian peace process whose 35th round is just coming to a close. With reference to the recent clash between the guerrillas of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), and the Colombian government that left 11 soldiers and 2 guerrillas dead, Restrepo says that although lamentable, it was really no surprise. He recalls that Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos had remarked at the first of the talks that there would be dialogue as the conflict continued. The discussion turns to the social, political and cultural impacts of the long conflict and to the interests of certain groups in either seeking peace or fostering continued war. Those who have most profited from the war –top military authorities, ex President Álvaro Uribe, the arms industry and the security industry— have no interest in peace, says our guest. They are anxious to get their hands on more United States dollars to keep the war going. The recent clash can surely be overcome if the forces seeking peace continue to gain strength, says Restrepo, pointing to examples in Ireland and other countries where there have been many ups and downs before signing a final peace agreement.
