Colombia gave itself over to politics thru violence a long time ago and both the left and the right accept violence as a legitimate political tool.
You forgot to add "...fueled by the drug trade's avalanche of money."
As of now, the country has been taken over by the drug lords, who finance both left-wing guerrillas and right=wing paramilitary groups.
The AUC's former leader, Carlos Castaño was killed by HIS OWN BROTHER, Vicente, because he was willing to abandon the drug business and turn himself to the Colombian authorities.
Until the day the drug trade is completely and utterly eradicated, or legalized, my country's nightmare will be very much present, causing poverty, suffering and death.
-Colombia ping list-