FARC-ELN Alliance May Escalate Violence

Colombia's main rebel groups have announced a "political and military" alliance to oppose Colombian President Alvaro Uribe Velez. Rebel leaders also rejected any chance of peace talks until Uribe orders his army to stand down, and grants the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia and National Liberation Army vast new demilitarized zones. Since Uribe will not agree to these demands, violence will continue to escalate in Colombia — increasing pressure on Washington to send more military aid to Uribe.