Uribe is set to jet off this week to Caracas where he will meet the Venezuelan leader. Not unlike Romulus and
Remus, the two “brothers” will face each other with the
cloud of antagonism hanging widely over them.
Yet, the
neighboring leaders are probably not preparing themselves for an
eye-for-an-eye kind of battle. Instead, following a principle more
along the lines of “do unto others, as you would have them do
unto you,” they will most likely smile at each other’s
sight, warmly shake hands, and speak about collaboration rather than
conflict.
History
has not been kind to the relationship of the two leaders who have
crucified each other so publicly and indiscreetly. There has been
name-calling, finger-pointing, and even some threats of war.
But, as
if higher powers had decided to rain on the fight, and open the skies
for the relationship’s resurrection to finally happen, the
world has changed so dramatically that the two fighting brothers have
now no other option but to repent and forgive.
From the
grim economic prospects, to the global popularity of Barack Obama,
the international context is not anymore what it used to be when
Uribe and Chávez were constantly fighting.
Colombian
economic growth has stalled significantly, and the sustained low
prices of oil have threatened one of Venezuela’s most important
economic pillars. The two nations, being incredibly important
economic partners, must necessarily collaborate on that front if they
want to mitigate the drastic effects of the global economic crisis.
The same
is true in other fronts, from the environment to border security.
Venezuela and Colombia share so many of the same challenges, that it
seems as if the leaders of both nations have finally come to the
realization that the solution to those challenges can solely come
from collaborative work between the two governments.
Furthermore,
the global popularity of Barack Obama, has made the anti-American
rhetoric of Chavez less appealing. Suddenly, the main ideological and
foreign policy difference between the two leaders, seems less
important than the need for regional stability and prosperity.
Thus, as we celebrate
Easter, let’s hope that Chavez and Uribe can make a sacrifice,
mend previous harms, and resurrect a relationship that both nations
need so unquestionably.
Author Felipe Estefan is Colombian and studies media and international relations in New York