COIN, Colombian Style

In, ahem, a variety of areas - I've been an advocate for years of looking to Colombia to see what works. From Riverine to COIN - there is a lot in that nation that is being done right.

The 50-year-old Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), once considered the best-funded insurgency in the world, is at its smallest and most vulnerable state in decades, due in part to a CIA covert action program that has helped Colombian forces kill at least two dozen rebel leaders, according to interviews with more than 30 former and current U.S. and Colombian officials.

The secret assistance, which also includes substantial eavesdropping help from the National Security Agency, is funded through a multibillion-dollar black budget. It is not a part of the public $9 billion package of mostly U.S. military aid called Plan Colombia, which began in 2000.

You need to read the whole thing - it is that good of an overview.

... and yes; because we are talking about Colombia, I don't want to let anyone down as you try to get ready for New Year's Eve.

You know one of Salamander's Truisms ... the ideal female body shape can be found in abundance in only one place - Colombia!

Of course ... (this isn't unsafe for work, per se ... but if you have harpies morale-sponges nearby - you may want to be subtle)