As widely predicted, tensions between the nations of Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela have calmed after a week of turmoil.
In the end the matter was resolved at a regional summit with Brazil playing a major role in calming tensions between its northern neighbours. Shaking hands with Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, Ecuador's Rafael Correa stated, "With the commitment of never attacking a brother country again and by asking forgiveness, we can consider this very serious incident resolved."
The outcome is positive in more ways than one: as well as defusing a potentially disastrous regional conflict, it shows the increasing solidarity and efficacy of a unified league of South American nations.
Colombia in particular can move forward with optimism after the latest events. The government appears to have succeeded in their aim of further weakening rebel group FARC and of placing on the agenda the contentious issue of cross-border rebel activity.
A risky gamble indeed to have gone into Ecuador's territory, but one which seems to have paid off particularly given the latest blow delivered to the FARC.
Just as the nations gathered at the peacemaking summit news emerged that another notorious rebel leader, Ivan Rios, had been killed at the hands of one of his former commanders. Pedro Pablo Montoya murdered his boss, a member of the rebel Secretariat, ostensibly to gain a $2.5 million bounty offered by the Colombian government.
Debate is currently underway in the country as to whether such a cold-blooded character should benefit from such a large and official reward. Critics would say it sends out a message that terror may be beaten with terror; more realistic observers would point out that in Colombia more than most places, the means justify the ends.
