So the government forces pretended to be neutral humanitarian workers negotiating for release of the hostages. That pretty well finishes off the ability, the credibility, of humanitarian organizations to negotiate for release of hostages anywhere, at least without offering proof that they're who they say they are? Did these government forces masquerade under the name of an actual organization? With or without the cooperation of that organization? This would really take negotiating for hostages off the table (even if the negotiators actually represent the humanitarian organization). "No negotiations for hostages" has long been the mantra of hard line imperialists, especially U.S. and its minions. That planeload of soldiers the governments brought to the scene of the negotiations certainly doesn't help the credibility of future government negotiators. It's enough to make a body think it was all a big show to sabotage all future hostage negotiations. And how is it that a large insurgent organization, over 40 years on the job, could operate with such lax security as to let all those soldiers into the mix? And let the operation just fly out of its control? And only two armed guards? Obviously, they planned to release the hostages. No need for the elaborate military operation. A dozen soldiers in close quarters with the two FARC guards, totally in control, chose to “beat the shit” out of them? Wow! The possible explanations for doing this are legion, and they all make the U.S. and its ally look quite bad. What's the connection with Betancourt's next run for the presidency? It's been a big week for Americans going into other countries to do police work. Let's hear it for the 4th of July!