When three American private contractors and Colombian presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt were rescued on July 2, 2008, after being held for more than five years by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the world was captivated by their personal narratives. But between the headlines a major story was lost: Who exactly are the FARC? How had a drug-funded revolutionary army managed to hold so many hostages for so long?

IPS’ Drug Policy Project and Washington Office on Latin America invite you to join us for a presentation and book signing with Victoria Bruce, Karin Hayes, and Jorge Enrique Botero, co-authors of Hostage Nation. Hostage Nation is a blistering journalistic exposé: an account of government negligence, corporate malfeasance, familial struggle, drugs, politics, murder, and a daring rescue operation in the Colombian jungle. With unprecedented access to the FARC’s hidden camps, exceptional research, and lucid and keen insight, the authors have produced a revelatory work of current history.

Copies will be available for sale at the event.

“This brave, deeply reported work makes a compelling argument for ending the drug wars that the United States continues to prosecute in Colombia, Mexico, and – for that matter – Afghanistan.” –Christian Science Monitor:

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