None of these deaths were reported in the news media. DynCorp also operates in Bolivia and Peru, in conflict zones where indigenous coca growers feel U.S. drug operations encroach on their cultural use of coca and their economic livelihood. In Peru these areas also face renewed activity of Shining Path guerillas. This is counter-narcotics. The U.S. is also concerned about Colombia's more than 30-year long guerilla insurgency.
Critics say that Plan Colombia is an expansion of Washington's involvement in counter-insurgency.
A hint of other U.S. policy aims is visible to anyone taking a commercial flight from Houston to Bogot . Amongst the U.S. passengers, the embassy types, the businessmen and older ex-military types are easily recognizable. But those who stand out most are the young gringos with cocker-spaniel hairdos wearing blue jeans and sweatshirts with oil company logos inscribed on them. Increasing oil supplies is at the heart of Bush administration energy policy. And both U.S. presidential candidates during the 2000 elections had ties to major oil investments in Colombia.