Colombia's President Launches New Security Efforts

The Colombian presidential election is a little more than a year away, and the pre-campaign season has already begun with the government announcement of new security missions to target criminal groups throughout the country. With his approval ratings sliding and criticism against his security policies rising, Colombian President and former Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos announced two 60-day campaigns to crack down on urban violence and illegal mining throughout the country. Designed as a political show of force, the agenda addresses some of the immediate challenges associated with Colombia's serious crime problem but will not solve the underlying drivers. Although Santos has not yet announced that he will run for re-election, the campaigns suggest he is attempting to bolster his credentials. But the temporary measures he is pushing will have fleeting effects.