Residents from Colombia and Venezuela turned out in large numbers last week to welcome the reopening of their shared border to vehicles. Two commercial trucks, covered with the respective flags of each country, crossed the border point, marking the end of seven years of closure.
Colombia and the leftist FARC rebels are in the midst of months of negotiations to end the struggle between the two sides. And as the negotiations wear on, some are beginning to consider what it might look like if FARC turns to politics, instead of violence. But in doing so, they must face history.
Formal talks between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) aim to end to the country's civil conflict. It is the first attempt to reach a deal in a decade and huge obstacles remain.
Gustavo Petro was a Colombian guerrilla for years. He was arrested and sent to jail. But now, after he and his group laid down their arms and he joined the political process, he's ascended to the mayorship of Colombia's capital and largest city — often a stepping stone to the country's presidency.
Bogota inaugurated a new mayor this past weekend. Gustavo Petro has an unusual pedigree. He's a former leftist guerrilla now in charge of Colombia's largest city.