Retired General Jorge Mora Rangel’s Death Reminds Us of Colombia’s Fragile Peace and the Costs of Compromise

The recent death of retired Colombian General Jorge Enrique Mora Rangel at age 80 is more than the passing of a military figure; it is a moment to reflect on the uneasy balance between national security and political compromise in Latin America—issues that resonate deeply with American interests today. General Mora Rangel served as commander of Colombia's Armed Forces during President Álvaro Uribe’s first term (2002-2006), overseeing a crucial period when Colombia launched its aggressive Plan Patriota offensive against FARC insurgents. This plan, funded partly through U.S. aid under Plan Colombia, marked a determined pushback against guerrilla forces threatening not...