Next Week in the Hot Zone: Colombia

Starting next week in the Hot Zone, Kevin Sites covers Colombia.

Starting next week in the Hot Zone, Kevin Sites covers Colombia.

Plagued by four decades of war fueled and funded by the narcotics trade, Colombia has had to contend with right wing paramilitaries and left wing guerrillas. Millions of civilians have been caught in the crossfire and displaced by the conflict.

Now that paramilitaries are demobilizing around the country, the Colombian military may be able to focus on defeating well-armed guerrilla groups. Perhaps, this will create a chance for peace.

Mother and child in northeastern Colombia

Kevin travels to the northeast to interview ex-paramilitary fighters and gauges the impact they had on towns they controlled in the region.

He also talks to Colombian Indians who have been victims of both sides of the conflict. In a nation beset by the violence of the drug trade, these indigenous people are allowed to grow small patches of coca, a religious and cultural tradition.

Land mines are a significant problem in Colombia, one of the most heavily-mined nations on earth. Kevin looks at the work of an enterprising health center that aids landmine victims and talks with people whose have lost limbs but not hope.

And while the country is politically tense, with a May 28 presidential election approaching, there is also a vigorous cultural life here — including a group of musicians who turn guns into guitars.

We'll have these stories and more from Colombia, next week in the Hot Zone.

Email Story IM Story

RECOMMEND THIS STORY

Recommend It:

Not at All Somewhat Moderately Highly Very Highly

Average (Not Rated)

ALSO ON YAHOO!