As leftist guerrillas from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) begin peace talks in Norway, this film examines the last major attempt to reach a peace deal a dozen years ago. At that time, two thirds of the world's coca—the raw material used to produce cocaine—was cultivated in areas controlled by the Marxist guerrilla army. The rebels from the FARC earned hundreds of millions of pounds each year from the illicit business in drugs. In the 1980s, cartels in the Colombian cities of Cali and Medellin dominated the cocaine trade. After they were dismantled, the guerrillas claimed a share of their income. With increased funds, the rebels now control 40% of the territory of Colombia. But cocaine income hasn't only armed Marxist guerrillas. It also equipped an illegal force of right-wing paramilitaries who want to bring about what the Colombian army has proved incapable of achieving: the defeat of the guerrillas. "The Cocaine War" is an ideological struggle over the destiny of Colombia, pitting FARC guerrillas with right-wing paramilitaries and government troops In a rare interview, Carlos Castana, the then leader of the largest paramilitary group, explains why his movement was born. Funded by wealthy landowners involved in the processing and trafficking of cocaine, the paramilitaries drive those suspected of aiding the guerrillas off their land. Murder is used systematically to terrorize farmers. The United States, the major consumer of cocaine, described the situation as "an emergency" and increased aid to the Colombian military. A staggering £800 million will be spent to arm the Colombian army and police. But the U.S.-trained forces will not combat the paramilitaries. While it is officially a "war on drugs," in practice, it is war against communist guerrillas. The film was described by Time Out (22.3.00) as "an informative documentary," which gives a "balanced account of a turbulent situation." Can one learn lessons from the film in order to ensure that this year's attempt at peace does not fail?