This report provides an overview of recent political developments in Colombia. It reviews the administration of President Uribe (2002-2010), continuing into the election of President Juan Manuel Santos and his first months in office. The report then provides background on the longstanding conflict with internal armed groups that has marked Colombia’s modern development, examining the roots of the conflict and its major actors as well as their present status. The report considers ongoing challenges such as human rights, demobilization and displacement, drug trends, and Colombia’s regional relations. It outlines the National Consolidation Plan which updates Plan Colombia with a whole-of-government approach to eliminate the insurgency, and it describes the U.S.-Colombia Defense Cooperation Agreement. The report raises some of the major policy issues that the U.S. Congress has had, and will continue to pursue, in relation to U.S.-Colombia policy, such as the pending U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement.

This report provides background on Colombia's armed conflict and describes its key players. It briefly analyzes prior negotiations with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the lessons learned from those efforts that apply to the current talks. It examines what has transpired in the talks that have now lasted for more than a year and a half, considers some of the constraints that could limit the success of the peace talks, and looks at the prospects for the current negotiations.

This report briefly discusses Plan Colombia, a bilateral cooperation program aimed at improving Colombia's security and strengthening its democratic development.

This report describes how Colombia's drug policies have evolved in light of Colombia's peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and its changing counter-narcotics policy. The final peace agreement addresses important issues, such as illicit crop cultivation--a major source of FARC income--and rural development.

Interview with Colombian-born oral surgeon Pedro F. Franco as part of the DFW Metroplex Immigrants Oral History Project. The interview includes Franco's personal experiences about childhood in Cali, Colombia, attending college and dental school in Bogota, playing on the college soccer team, and working for a new constitution in Colombia. Additionally, Franco discusses family background, his father being kidnapped by a guerrilla group, his residency in the guerrilla-dominated portion of Colombia, educational experiences in Chicago, returning to Colombia, his decision to come to Dallas after being threatened by guerrillas, the impact of his father and mother shaping his values and work ethic, dealing with American stereotypes of Colombia, the apathy of the new generation in America, the legalization of narcotics, his expectations upon coming to America, his thoughts on the importance of philanthropy, and the importance of immigrants in making American great.

This report discusses global water issues and offers a variety of proposals for countering the degradation of freshwater ecosystems for the benefit of public health and the environment.

The Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA) extends special duty treatment to certain U.S. imports from Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru that meet domestic content and other requirements. The purpose of ATPA is to promote economic growth in the Andean region and to encourage a shift away from dependence on illegal drugs by supporting legitimate economic activities. This report outlines the various aspects of the ATPA, including significant dates and modifications.

This report provides an overview of the structure of the Pacific Alliance, events leading up to its creation, and the economic significance of the Member countries.