Colombia Braces for Potential US Decertification in Drug War, as Trump‘s Return Looms
Bogotá, Colombia – Colombia is anxiously awaiting a potential shift in US policy regarding drug trafficking, a move that could significantly impact the diplomatic relationship between the two nations and the current administration of President gustavo Petro. The possibility of being placed on a list of countries “non-cooperating” in the fight against narcotics hangs heavy, particularly as the specter of a second Donald Trump presidency grows.
The situation has prompted discussion amongst key figures familiar with US policy in the region. Juan Cruz,a former Trump administration official and current senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies,recently spoke with WEEK magazine,offering a stark assessment of the likely outcome. Cruz served as a guarantor in Colombia’s certification process in 2017 and 2018, providing him with unique insight into the inner workings of US drug policy.
According to Cruz, the conditions currently point strongly towards decertification. “It is difficult to see a scenario in which the opposite could happen,” he stated, adding that he is unaware of anyone within the current US administration prepared to advocate for Colombia’s continued certification.
This potential decertification comes at a critical juncture, coinciding with debates surrounding the eradication of illicit crops. Former Colombian President Iván Duque has even proposed reinstating aerial fumigation as a potential countermeasure, a controversial tactic previously employed by the US-backed Colombian government.
The looming possibility of a Trump return to the White House adds another layer of complexity. Cruz’s analysis focuses heavily on potential scenarios under a second Trump term, suggesting a perhaps more rigid and less forgiving approach to international drug policy.
The situation underscores the delicate balance Colombia faces in navigating its relationship with the US, particularly as it pursues its own evolving strategies in the fight against drug trafficking. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Colombia can avoid a damaging decertification and maintain vital US support.
Keywords: Colombia, united States, Drug Trafficking, Decertification, Gustavo Petro, Donald Trump, juan Cruz, Eradication, Aerial Fumigation, International Relations, CSIS, Semana.com
