Colombia: Momentum Builds Toward Rebel Talks

Peace talks between the Colombian government and the National Liberation Army, Colombia's second-largest leftist rebel group, once again appear possible. A former Colombian senator has claimed that Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos will announce the talks within days, though the government has not confirmed any upcoming talks. The rebels have also reportedly named negotiators for eventual discussions.

Opening militant talks separate from the ongoing ones with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, ahead of presidential elections in May 2014 may be politically risky for Santos. Despite these complications, progress in the FARC negotiations and Santos' political popularity make such peace discussions possible.