Analysis: How the Colombian Peace Deal Fell Apart

After years of civil war, amid sentiments that Colombian leaders failed in addressing rural concerns, a rebel movement emerged in 1964. “People around the world were stunned when Colombians voted down a peace deal that could have ended a 52-year battle between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, known as the FARC,” reports Alan Gomez for USA Today. “The main reservation for Colombian voters was the peace deal was far too lenient on the FARC guerrillas who have been kidnapping, murdering, extorting and terrorizing people in the rural parts of the country for five decades.” The agreement was finalized in August with the referendum scheduled. Analysts describe a social media campaign similar to the onslaught in the United Kingdom prior to the Brexit referendum that roused voter anger. Terms of the peace deal required FARC rebels to do community service rather than prison time and ensured a quota of legislative seats. Social-media speculations included suggestions that the government might take a turn toward communism or drug-trafficking. Opponents to the peace deal were more passionate than supporters. A ceasefire is in place, and leaders plan to continue peace negotiations. – YaleGlobal