Title: Colombia — History and Culture
Headings: Colombia — History and Culture
Colombia — History and Culture
History
Culture

Content: This style of administration lasted for 16 years and had mixed success in implementing far-reaching social and economic reforms, which were hampered by interference from guerrilla groups. The period from 1970 to 1990 saw the emergence of violent and powerful drug cartels, particularly the Medellin Cali which influenced the politics, economy and society in Colombia. At the center of this was Pablo Escobar who made a fortune in cocaine trafficking, to the extent of financing terrorist organizations to destabilize the country when the government threatened to sign an extradition treaty with the US. It culminated in the bombing of the Supreme Court, resulting in the death of several judges and the assassination of a major political leader. Escobar was eventually tracked down and killed, leaving behind warring factions, but the end of an era of violence that saw the murder of tens of thousands innocent victims. In 1991, a new constitution was ratified which prohibited the extradition of Colombian nationals until the provision was repealed in 1996. Previously, the cartels had campaigned violently against extradition which further influenced Colombian politics. By 1996, about a third of the senate was under mafia control, a circumstance uncovered by the 8000 justice case. Despite reforms, Colombia continues to be plagued by illegal factions and drug trade violence, which President Andre Pastrana attempted to reduce between 1999 and 2002. The administration of Alvaro Uribe, assisted by the United States, applied military pressure to illegal groups, which led to a gradual decrease in violence and growth in tourism, although the rural and jungle areas remain dangerous with reports of human rights violations.