Once the hearts and minds of the people have been won…

…the battle is effectively over for rebels in Colombia.

In March, three of seven key FARC Secretariat commanders died or were killed…

In May, FARC computers were seized by Colombian authorities in raids that revealed some of the group’s strategic information and connections to Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez and other political leaders inside and outside of Colombia.

A further blow to the organization began last year and has spread into this year with the defection of more than 3,000 FARC insurgents…

In March, FARC Commander Nelly Avila Moreno deserted the organization, telling authorities she had not spoken directly to the group’s high command in more than two years…

And in a stunning July 2 raid, Colombian army commandos literally took 15 hostages, who included French-Colombian politician Ingrid Betancourt and three Americans, from the hands of FARC terrorists without firing a shot. In the process, several terrorist-captors suddenly found themselves the captives.

It was a victory for the force more powerful than the guerillas.

On July 20, Colombians celebrated their independence day by marching in the millions in Colombian cities and in dozens of other major cities including New York, Washington and Paris to protest FARC kidnappings and the harsh treatment shown captives. The Free Country Foundation in Colombian capital Bogota, a public policy analysis group, estimates that almost 700 hostages still are held by the FARC in the far reaches of the South American country, according to the Washington Post.

At the White House July 22, President Bush said the success of the July 2 rescue mission underscores the progress the Colombian government has made in battling terrorism and the illegal drug trade. “This progress is also evident in the hearts and minds of the Colombian people…

The US did not look for recognition in this affair, in fact seemed to shy away from it.

The soldiers, trained and prepared for their mission, had come disguised as fellow revolutionaries decked out in Che Guevarra T-shirts. (At last, a constructive use for that oh-so-fashionable image!) American intelligence had been working with the Colombians for years to lay the groundwork for this moment, playing games with the kidnappers’ communications, winning their trust by posing as suppliers who could meet their requests for everything from weapons to cosmetics. Until the time came to convince them that other comrades were coming to take charge of the hostages.

As it should be. Do the good deeds, bow out gracefully.

After a long joint struggle, the US celebrates with Colombians the victory of the human spirit.