Why did Panama grant political asylum to an ex-director of Colombian security agency DAS who stands accused of illegally wiretapping government critics? We only need to look at who benefits from this: former President Alvaro Uribe.

With the death of their old guard, the FARC have undoubtedly been pushed back. The military defeats have a serious impact among its members, but while problems persist and no real platform for peace exists, the FARC's actions may become more extreme.

The end of Alvaro Uriberapi's presidency was mired in scandal, with investigations into corruption and the wiretapping of opponents. The outgoing leader succeeded in diverting Colombia's attention towards Chavez with his accusations about guerrillas in Venezuela.

The collective outpouring of hatred seen in Colombia against Ingrid Betancourt is far more chilling than the former FARC hostage's attempt to claim damages from the Colombian government for the six years she spent in guerrilla captivity.