Chaos in Venezuela Contributing to Resurgence of Colombia's Rastrojos?

Ongoing political and economic chaos in Venezuela may be aiding the resurgence of the Rastrojos, once one of Colombia's most powerful crime groups -- a worrying trend in light of the challenges that this development could pose to both countries' security. Using extensive field research and more than 100 interviews, a recent report from the Ideas for Peace Foundation (Fundación Ideas para la Paz - FIP), titled "Organized Crime and Armed Saboteurs in Times of Transition," outlines how the growing strength of smaller organized crime groups at the local level, including the Rastrojos, may further jeopardize Colombia's post-conflict transition.  More…