Colombia, Foreign policy / CAF's "The Andean Surprise"

"Paradox" is the term most often applied to Colombia.  To be sure, as can be seen in the international press, the country is marked by a violent, internal conflict, to a great extent fueled by the drug trade.   Less visible, yet highly significant, are the country’s tremendous assets -- its civilian, constitutional tradition, a record of sound economic management and performance, and educational, cultural, and scientific prowess.