Back to the Future in South America?
Published in El Nacional
(Dominican Republic) on 20 November, 2009
by Editorial (link to original)
Toward the end of last century, Latin America was an active theater of the Cold War, with successive eruptions of armed conflict between countries and civilians, coups and even genocide. However, with the fall of the Berlin Wall 20 years ago, the imperial powers started withdrawing their puppets in Central and South America, and democracy gradually rose up in these lands formerly ruled by repressive, remote-controlled regimes.
Now, just when the continent seemed to be completely free of coups and imported wars, the rotting of the democratic government of Honduras occurred and the specter of war between Colombia and Venezuela has reappeared. The leadership of Latin America, which failed in the face of the Honduran crisis, should work tirelessly to prevent foreign interests from igniting the region once more, this time on the Colombian-Venezuelan border.
In addition to bellicose language, which the governments of both nations have used, Colombia claims that the Venezuelan army blew up two bridges, an action justified by Caracas under the allegation that they served to support the illicit trade of drugs and other goods. We must not lose sight of the fact that this conflict, which is still being fought in the political and diplomatic spheres, stems from the announcement that the U.S. will install a chain of military bases in Colombia, which Venezuela considers a grave military threat.
An undesirable war between Colombia and Venezuela will affect the whole continent with significant harm to its economies, and increased security threats to Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile, Peru and Bolivia - even the Caribbean will feel repercussions from such a conflict. It is not irrational to fear that, if such a military conflict in South America unfolds, more than a few desks in Washington would scramble to assert control over the political environment within the continent.
Therefore, it is urgent that the grasslands of Colombia and Venezuela be irrigated with the water of peace and reconciliation before outside interests, in an already battered America, light the match of war.
Now, just when the continent seemed to be completely free of coups and imported wars, the rotting of the democratic government of Honduras occurred and the specter of war between Colombia and Venezuela has reappeared. The leadership of Latin America, which failed in the face of the Honduran crisis, should work tirelessly to prevent foreign interests from igniting the region once more, this time on the Colombian-Venezuelan border.
In addition to bellicose language, which the governments of both nations have used, Colombia claims that the Venezuelan army blew up two bridges, an action justified by Caracas under the allegation that they served to support the illicit trade of drugs and other goods. We must not lose sight of the fact that this conflict, which is still being fought in the political and diplomatic spheres, stems from the announcement that the U.S. will install a chain of military bases in Colombia, which Venezuela considers a grave military threat.
An undesirable war between Colombia and Venezuela will affect the whole continent with significant harm to its economies, and increased security threats to Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile, Peru and Bolivia - even the Caribbean will feel repercussions from such a conflict. It is not irrational to fear that, if such a military conflict in South America unfolds, more than a few desks in Washington would scramble to assert control over the political environment within the continent.
Therefore, it is urgent that the grasslands of Colombia and Venezuela be irrigated with the water of peace and reconciliation before outside interests, in an already battered America, light the match of war.
Which translation do you consider most accurate??
1.
Urge, pues, regar con agua de paz y concertación las praderas de Colombia y Venezuela, antes que intereses ajenos a esta América siempre agredida, enciendan el fósforo de la guerra.
Translated By Alexander Castillo
Edited by Catherine Harrington
Therefore, it is urgent that the grasslands of Colombia and Venezuela be irrigated with the water of peace and reconciliation before outside interests, in an already battered America, light the match of war.
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2.
Urge, pues, regar con agua de paz y concertación las praderas de Colombia y Venezuela, antes que intereses ajenos a esta América siempre agredida, enciendan el fósforo de la guerra.
Translated By Patrick Blakemore
Edited by Robin Silberman
Therefore it is urgent to irrigate the lands of Colombia and Venezuela with the waters of peace and harmony before foreign interests, perpetually assaulted by America, light the match of war.