Álvaro Uribe became president of Colombia at a time of violence, instability, and economic stagnation. Motivated to get rid of the guerrillas who caused the death of his father, Uribe strengthened the military and forced the rebels out of Colombia’s towns. Most important, he gave Colombians the confidence that they could take their country back.

During his presidency, the economy grew, poverty decreased, and Uribe left office with the remarkable approval rating of 75 percent. At the root of this popularity is one simple fact: President Uribe made Colombia a safer place. It remains one of the most successful and stable countries in Latin America today.