U. S. and Colombia: A Rocky Road Ahead

The bond between the U. S. and Colombia, once strong, is now shaky. Colombian President Gustavo Petro and former U. S. President Donald Trump have been trading harsh words. Petro called Trump's policies harsh, comparing them to actions of the Nazis. He also criticized U. S. actions in the Caribbean, saying they hurt innocent people. Trouble started early in Trump's term. Petro refused to take back Colombian migrants deported from the U. S. Trump threatened economic sanctions. Petro backed down, but tensions kept growing. Trump accused Petro of being involved in drug trafficking. Petro, in return, called Trump's actions murder and crimes against humanity. Both leaders have different views on drugs. Trump believes strong military action is the way to stop drug trafficking. Petro thinks this approach is wrong and illegal. He has even stopped sharing intelligence with the U. S. until the strikes stop. Petro is known for his strong, leftist views. He has always challenged the conservative elite in Colombia. Like Trump, he is bold and committed to his beliefs. This makes their conflict even more intense. The ongoing fight is not just about words. It affects their cooperation in fighting drugs. Colombia is a key partner for the U. S. in this fight. The longer the conflict goes on, the harder it will be to fix their relationship.