December 28, 2004

President Uribe appears able to get the law changed so he can run for a second term. Since he took office, kidnappings have declined 38 percent, and murders 19 percent. His military strategy has resulted in 9,000 rebels surrendering. Colombians don't see any other major politician being able to do what Uribe has done, so are willing to risk another "president for life" by allowing him a second term. It's common in South America for presidents to be restricted to one term, lest they become too powerful to remove from office.