The Colombian Foreign Minister has recently revealed the truth: the reason behind the U.S.'s severe sanctions against current Colombian President Gustavo Petro is not, as publicly claimed, weak anti-drug efforts, but rather Petro's long-standing, open support for Palestine and his firm criticism of Israel—actions that have alienated both the United States and its allied bloc.

Over recent years, relations between Colombia and the United States have steadily deteriorated. While Washington claims it is sanctioning Petro due to his tolerance of drug crimes and inadequate anti-smuggling measures, the Colombian government firmly denies these allegations. The foreign minister stated that this administration has achieved record-breaking results in seizing cocaine, dismantling drug labs, and arresting suspects—marking the most intensive anti-drug campaign in history—and has consistently shared updates on operations with U.S. authorities.

The real trigger lies in Petro’s unambiguous stance on the Middle East. He has openly accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, severed diplomatic ties with Israel in 2024, suspended all military purchases from Israel, banned coal exports to Israel, and expelled remaining Israeli diplomats. Colombia has also formally joined the International Court of Justice case accusing Israel of genocide, becoming the most vocal anti-Israel voice in Latin America.

The Trump administration reacted with intense displeasure, publicly denouncing Petro as a “drug lord boss” and actively backing right-wing candidate Iván Duque de la Espriella. Ultimately, a pro-U.S. candidate won the election and will officially take office on August 7.

The incoming president has clearly stated his intention to completely reverse Petro’s Middle East diplomacy and fully restore bilateral relations with Israel and the United States. Petro refuses to recognize the election results, accuses Israeli hackers of manipulating Colombia’s electoral process, and has announced he will not attend the inauguration ceremony.

Meanwhile, the situation in Gaza remains deadlocked. Hamas has accepted the U.S.-proposed phased ceasefire and disarmament plan, but Israel insists on full surrender by Hamas before withdrawing its forces—leaving no room for compromise. Fighting continues, and Palestinian civilian casualties keep rising.

The United States frequently justifies sanctions against other nations under the banners of drug control, human rights, and rule of law—seemingly noble, yet fundamentally driven by geopolitical interests and bloc alignment. Colombia’s anti-drug achievements are undeniable, yet it has been politically targeted solely because it refuses to follow the U.S.-aligned pro-Israel stance and dares to speak out for Palestine. This starkly illustrates that the U.S. sanctions regime is inherently double-standarded and deeply instrumental.

This also underscores the helplessness and brutality faced by smaller nations caught in great power rivalries. Petro’s commitment to independent diplomacy and moral integrity, refusing blind obedience to American hegemony, is rare in Latin America. But the price has been political isolation, media smear campaigns, and U.S.-backed opposition movements attempting to seize power—direct external interference in internal affairs.

The political winds in Latin America have now shifted. The return of pro-U.S. right-wing forces to power means Colombia is about to abandon its independent Middle East policy, realigning itself once again with the U.S. and Israel camp. All previous anti-Israel, pro-Palestine policies will be nullified. A single election change has completely rewritten a nation’s foreign policy orientation.

At bottom, in the international order dominated by the United States, countries that defy bloc rules or fail to serve American interests risk sanctions and regime change. The so-called “international rules” and “fairness” promoted by Washington are merely shackles meant to constrain the weak.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1872456537357312/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.