Despite Colombia being one of the world's top six countries with spring water supplies, providing its people with drinking water may become the biggest challenge of the 21st century.

When discussing Colombian security, it should be noted that we face more than one threat/conflict keeping us from realizing a more peaceful society. Our very social ethics are also at fault. It may be wise to expand horizons by looking beyond our traditional sources for peace and security strategies. We can learn a lot from the Japanese, for example, about community cohesiveness and respect.

Though there are similarities and differences between the two men, I liken Osama bin Laden's assassination with Pablo Escobar's in 1993. Both were the most wanted men in the world. Both were considered narco-terrorists. Both were a threat to U.S. interest. The U.S. also benefited at certain times from these men. There was a long man-hunt for both men. Both were assassinated by and/or with U.S. help.

The current Colombian administration is denying the kidnap, torture, and murder of thousands of citizens. In an interview this past Wednesday, 23 March, Defense Minister Rodrigo Rivera spoke with certainty about what he called a definitive reduction of violence and delinquency. This so-called “certainty” is worrisome considering there is nothing to be certain about regarding the topic since there are so many disappeared persons in Colombia.