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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What occurs as a consequence of the Priscos' execution?

2. What is the major underlying problem that disturbs the government's ability to control drug trafficking and guerrilla warfare?

3. What does everyone call the man who seems to lead the kidnapping?

4. In front of whom does Villamizar feel safe enough to drink?

5. To what game does Diana compare the negotiations?

Short Essay Questions

1. Francisco Santos makes a mini-cassette to prove that he remains alive. Describe his character on the videotape and how it shows what Santos believes in.

2. The abductions are very well planned. Choose two abductions and describe in detail how the kidnappings occurred successfully.

3. The President is called on for help during these abductions. President Gaviria does not feel he can give what the families and kidnappers are asking for. What is being asked of President Gaviria, and why is he resistant to give in to these demands?

4. During Maruja's and Beatriz' imprisonment, there is a time when the sub machine guns are available to the women. However, they both decide without a word that they will not use it to escape. Why would the women decide not to try and escape despite this opportunity?

5. The hostages are imprisoned, but on occasions, there are exceptions to the rules. What acts show some sympathy from the kidnappers? How does this make the hostages feel?

6. Maruja and Pacho, the last of the hostages, are released. Describe the public's reaction to their release.

7. When Beatriz is first imprisoned, the radio announces she is a physical therapist, but the guards think she is a psychotherapist. They refuse to let her write for fear that she is composing a way to make them all go mad. What does this say about the guards?

8. Describe the attempt to rescue Diana Turbay and its consequences.

9. Describe Pacho as he tries to escape and what he feels when he fails.

10. Why do drug traffickers not like the New Liberation Party? How does New Liberation feel about drug trafficking?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Colombia's drug trafficking has a large following. Explain the appeals and why it has so many willing followers.

Essay Topic 2

One of the biggest issues of compromising with narcoterrorists when they take hostages is the long term effect. President Gaviria works hard to fight narcoterrorism without having to negotiate with hostage abductors. Nonetheless, he is pressured to pass Decree 303. Escobar turns himself in, but there are many other drug cartels in Colombia. Research narcoterrorism in Colombia from the 1980s to late 1990s. Consider President Gaviria's term and write about whether he succeeds in bringing down narcoterrorism. If he is successful, how does he do it? If he is not, who is?

Essay Topic 3

Father Herreros speaks with Escobar, and even though he knows his history as much as the rest of the public, the Father says about Escobar, "Deep down all men are good, although some circumstances can make them evil." Write an essay on whether you agree or disagree and why.

(see the answer keys)

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