Rethinking Peace
FMLN COMMANDER LEO CABRAL LEANED forward in his chair to make his final point. As a COMMANDERin his chair to LEOmake CABRALhis final point.LEANED As a member of the General Command's Political...
...These were quick responses to political events or unpopular actions by the state, such as the arrest of a union unpopular actions by the state, such as the arrest of a union leader or the bombing of a movement office...
...The action involved the same sortthe same sort of coordination among diverse forces which of coordination among diverse forces which hashas been occurring in the countryside, but seemed more been occurring in the countryside, but seemed more difficultdifficult to achieve in the city due to the compartmental- to achieve in the city due to the compartmentalized nature of urban work...
...consolidationconsolidation of a political project which can forge a of a political project which can forge a broad, multi-classbroad, multi-class alliance, as a forum for negotiating an alliance, as a forum for negotiating an end to the fighting andend to the fighting and as an initial step toward the forma- as an initial step toward the formation of a reconstruction government...
...Despite the strongstrong opposition of the Armed Forces, all 13 of El opposition of the Armed Forces, all 13 of El Salvador'sSalvador's political parties, ARENA included, flew to political parties, ARENA included, flew to MexicoMexico for a highly-publicized meeting with the rebel for a highly-publicized meeting with the rebel leadership.leadership...
...The FMLN has contingency plans for each, but they are both FMLN has contingency plans for each, but they are both "the"the insurrection...
...See "The Left or the Sandinistas entering Managua...
...Author's interview, October 1988...
...feed the insurrectionary project...
...ber party...
...might trigger such a response again...
...The tour was followedlowed by a series of interviews and articles from the by a series of interviews and articles from the usually tight-lippedusually tight-lipped FMLN leadership, including a major FMLN leadership, including a major VillalobosVillalobos piece in Foreign Policy which discusses a piece in Foreign Policy which discusses a negotiated negotiated solution.(8)A commonA common thread uniting these diverse writings and thread uniting these diverse writings and declarationsdeclarations is their pragmatism and, particularly when is their pragmatism and, particularly when comparedcompared to FMLN pronouncements of previous years, to FMLN pronouncements of previous years, their lacktheir lack of strident revolutionary rhetoric...
...What would a negotiatedWhat would a negotiated solution in El Salvador actu- solution in El Salvador actuallyally look like...
...Documentsments allegedly captured from the FMLN confirm these allegedly captured from the FMLN confirm these plans.3 plans.' There have been advances on all these fronts.Therehavebeenadvancesonallthesefronts.Thernost The most dramatic, according to both FMLN and military sources, dramatic, according to both FMLN and military sources, have occurred at the most clandestine level, which the have occurred at the most clandestine level, which the Armed Forces now recognize as their principal area of Armed Forces now recognize as their principal area of concern...
...Tens of thousands of potential support- at polling places...
...We're not just organizing for popular democracy...
...The down the regime-these are questions of form...
...We're not just organizing for now, duringnow, during the war, but also for after the war...
...According a rapidly escalating showdown with the state...
...Before, with our cadres, we waited for a year to see results...
...Resolving this contradictiondiction while using less experienced fighters and a decen- while using less experienced fighters and a decentralizedtralized command structure on urban terrain-as their command structure on urban terrain-as their strategystrategy requires-will be difficult indeed...
...spend...
...The past ten would not be such an unattractive option...
...Most have been small-scale, have played a major role...
...And the Convergence were not allowed to vote...
...In under a broad democratic government...
...While the insurgents hold differing analyses of thediffering analyses of the reform and restructuring sweep- reform and restructuring sweepinging the socialist world, all see it as positive...
...While the insurgents hold pact on the rebel leadership...
...The legal Left is in the midst of a thorough reappraisal...
...now train- ally escalating levels of military competence...
...This is an option unavailable to ARENA, a party This is an option unavailable to ARENA, a party which, since its founding, has existed for the specific which, since its founding, has existed for the specific purpose of ensuring thatpurpose of ensuring that such a compromise never come such a compromise never come to pass.to pass...
...But they may not...
...Ediciones Roque Dalton, 1989...
...Apparently hoping for a rifles) against aircraft...
...The FMLN is proposing an our own thinking...
...The rest of the work, in translation, appears in "The Coming Insurrection in El Salva- in translation, appears in "The Coming Insurrection in El Salva-dor," Latin American Perspectives (Summer 1989...
...dor," Latin American Perspectives (Summer 1989...
...One foreign academic ob- in the countryside...
...Trading their fatigues for business suits and Trading their fatigues for business suits and visitingvisiting many of the continent's democracies, the tour was many of the continent's democracies, the tour was a cleara clear attempt to situate the Salvadoran revolution closer attempt to situate the Salvadoran revolution closer to theto the mainstream of democratizacion which has swept mainstream of democratizaci6n which has swept long-standinglong-standing military regimes from power throughout military regimes from power throughout Latin America,Latin America, and which leftists of various stripes have and which leftists of various stripes have ridden to startling electoral victories...
...They write everything down...
...And the Convergence collectedcollected considerable evidence of outright fraud, which considerable evidence of outright fraud, which appearedappeared to have knocked it from third to fourth place, to have knocked it from third to fourth place, depriving itdepriving it of a seat on the Central Electoral Council...
...The colonel answersanswers his own question: "We cannot determine this his own question: "We cannot determine this withwith precision...
...In the past, joining the FMLN involved a long key...
...We thought the PDC would speak of unconstitutionality, but would search for aformula that would make them appear ity, but would search for aformula that would make them appear to be at least considering it to be at least considering it...
...under the right-wing ARENA government...
...Forperhaps the first time sincethe first time since the war began, Salvadorans felt peace the war began, Salvadorans felt peace toto be a real possibility and not merely a rhetorical posture...
...TT HE CITIES PRESENT A MUCH MORE COM- HE CITIES PRESENT A MUCH MORE COMplexplex social environment: a large middle class, the social environment: a large middle class, the powerfulpowerful presence of the bourgeoisie and the U.S...
...1. Author's interview, April 1989...
...Previous FMLN negotiating pro- overnight...
...Embassy in San Salvador has become, thisthis "maybe" is surely the bottom line...
...During JanuaryJanuary and February, the combination of the FMLN's and February, the combination of the FMLN's military offensive, its bold peace proposal, and the Left's military offensive, its bold peace proposal, and the Left's first electoral campaign since the aborted effort in first electoral campaign since the aborted effort in 1977-run by the Democratic Convergence, a coalition of 1977-run by the Democratic Convergence, a coalition of social democratic parties aligned with the FMLN-won social democratic parties aligned with the FMLN-won moremore political ground for the revolutionary movement political ground for the revolutionary movement thanthan its leaders had thought possible in the short term...
...footing...
...Fairly quickly, explosions at a local civil defense post...
...The next hardest thingnext hardest thing is explaining this to you journalists...
...The Convergencethe running...
...How and when the FMLN political project and when the FMLN political project can retake the spotlight will depend on its ability to can retake the spotlight will depend on its ability to demonstrate that the ARENA project is not viable...
...Emilio Ponce to the helm of the with the promotion of Col...
...Em- presence of the bourgeoisie and the U.S...
...Left can set the general direction but not all of the content...
...Some have even begun to establish para-diplomatic relations in anticipation of the establish para-diplomatic relations in anticipation of the taskstasks of post-war reconstruction...
...Inocente Orlando Montano, head of the case in point...
...He concludes, We first in El Salvador...
...XLIV, No...
...TheseThese problems are apparently weighing heavily on problems are apparently weighing heavily on the minds of union leaders...
...be a real possibility and not merely a rhetorical posture...
...Most have been small-scale, producing few casualties, since the bulk of the FMLN's producing few casualties, since the bulk of the FMLN's rural forces, from the militia to the permanent army, are rural forces, from the militia to the permanent army, are recruits with relatively little combat experience, who are recruits with relatively little combat experience, who are being given a gradual baptism of fire...
...The that we have to wait...
...With the electoral campaign in full swing no candidate With the electoral campaign in full swing no candidate couldcould afford to oppose the idea of peace...
...On January 24 this situation changed dramatically On January 24 this situation changed dramatically when the FMLNwhen the FMLN offered to participate in the presidential offered to participate in the presidential electionselections if they were postponed until September to pro- if they were postponed until September to providevide time to arrange security guarantees and register time to arrange security guarantees and register supporters...
...Laughing ruefully, one underground leader Laughing ruefully, one underground leader explained his task: "At bottom," he said, "we just have explained his task: "At bottom," he said, "we just have to break with all the isms...
...Instead of greaterthe opposite...
...The real issue is how to open our thinking...
...Washington's re- the rebels would participate...
...To this was added further intimidation ontimidation on election day by the army of ARENA cadre election day by the army of ARENA cadre at polling places...
...barrio that was heard throughout the city...
...At firstfirst we Salvadoran revolutionaries were also ideo- we Salvadoran revolutionaries were also ideologicallylogically rigid, of necessity, in order to survive...
...T 1-us MOVE TO IRREGULARIZE THE CONFLICT T HIS MOVE TO IRREGULARIZE THE CONFLICT is closely linked to the FMLN's notion of insurrec- is closely linked to the FMLN's notion of insurrection...
...The Christian alliance for peace began to emerge...
...In classic guerrilla strategy, a strategic counteroffensive classic guerrilla strategy, a strategic counteroffensive implies a shift to a more conventional modality involving implies a shift to a more conventional modality involving increased use of heavy weaponry...
...Under make their intimidating presence obvious...
...T HE JANUARY 24 PEACE PROPOSAL DID NOT HE JANUARY 24 PEACE PROPOSAL DID NOT arrivearrive as an isolated tactical maneuver...
...rebels to stop inflicting a pointless war on the nation...
...The FMLN proposes increased use of heavy weaponry...
...See interview with Commander Leo Cabral.] Contrast,Contrast, for example, the FMLN's 1986 assault on the for example, the FMLN's 1986 assault on the Third Brigade in San Miguel-a sophisticated and com- Third Brigade in San Miguel--a sophisticated and complex action which took months to plan and in which plex action which took months to plan and in which dozens of casualties were inflicted-with recent actions dozens of casualties were inflicted-with recent actions inin the capital, such as the bombing of the Esrado Mayor the capital, such as the bombing of the Estado Mayor (El Salvador's Pentagon), or the barracks of the First Bri- (El Salvador's Pentagon), or the barracks of the First Brigade...
...projectiles lobbed into a key Armed Forces compound...
...blamed their poor showing in part on the guerrillas...
...8. Joaquin Villalobos, "A Democratic Revolution for El 8. Joaquin Villalobos, "A Democratic Revolution for El Salvador," Foreign Policy, Spring 1989...
...Most of the journalists agreed and, unim- the barracks...
...This insurrection has already begun, and if the army doesn't realize it, that's already begun, and if the army doesn't realize it, that's their problem...
...of the support they enjoy...
...With the Januarythe January proposal, the FMLN met this long-standing proposal, the FMLN met this long-standing U.S...
...limited(*)limited reconcentration of rebel forcesreconcentration of rebel forces in the country- in the countryside,side, capable of striking strategic blows and preventing capable of striking strategic blows and preventing the Armedthe Armed Forces from concentrating troops in the cities, Forces from concentrating troops in the cities, whilewhile continuing the campaign of sabotage and harass- continuing the campaign of sabotage and harassmentment developed during the war of resistance...
...One such document is "Organizar El Plan Fuego: una ne- One such document is "Organizar El Plan Fuego: una ne-cesidad imperativa para avanzar hacia Ia victoria," identified as cesidad imperativa para avanzar hacia la victoria," identified as a synthesis of a meeting of the General Command in Morazdn, a synthesis of a meeting of the General Command in Morazin, JanuaryJanuary 1988...
...neighborhoods...
...The counteroffensive of Salvadoran society...
...But it may not...
...The The latterlatter are not combatants per se but are not combatants per se but supporters who accompany the military forces during supporters who accompany the military forces during attacks on towns, occupying barrios, passing out leaflets, attacks on towns, occupying barrios, passing out leaflets, putting up banners-challenging the control of the Armed putting up banners--challenging the control of the Armed Forces and adding a limited insurrectionary element to Forces and adding a limited insurrectionary element to the action...
...the debate alive...
...requires-will be difficult indeed...
...The fact that a good part of the election day fighting The fact that a good part of the election day fighting tooktook place in daylight is indicative of the success of place in daylight is indicative of the success of FMLNFMLN efforts to counter the threat of aerial attack-the efforts to counter the threat of aerial attack-the principal obstacle to the reconcentrationprincipal obstacle to the reconcentration of rebel forces in of rebel forces in thethe countryside...
...June 1988...
...volleys at invisible guerrillas...
...7)Somewhere deep within the hulking bunkerbunker the U.S...
...In scheme is both audacious and unorthodox...
...The proposal rewrote the Salvadoran political political landscapelandscape overnight...
...demonstrate that the ARENA project is not viable...
...In part this was a matter of priorities: According to rebel leaders,was a matter of priorities: According to rebel leaders, the the momentum of their actions had to give sufficient urgency momentum of their actions had to give sufficient urgency to the demand for a negotiatedto the demand for a negotiated solution before a coalition solution before a coalition could come together with peace as the common denomi- could come together with peace as the common denominator...
...is saddled with a highly unpredictable ally...
...But laterlater new conditions offered us the opportunity to new conditions offered us the opportunity to developdevelop our own thinking...
...In a new book on the historyon the history of the FMLN, General Command member of the FMLN, General Command member EduardoEduardo Sancho ("Ferman Cienfuegos") describes the Sancho ("Fermin Cienfuegos") describes the FMLN'sFMLN's proposed "Government of Broad Participa- proposed "Government of Broad Participation,"tion," which is the basis of the rebel negotiating stance, as which is the basis of the rebel negotiating stance, as being,being, 'from an ideological and economic point of view, "from an ideological and economic point of view, nothingnothing more than La program for] the development of more than [a program for] the development of capitalismcapitalism in El Salvador...
...One recentrecent interview is worth quoting at length...
...We is explaining this to you journalists...
...Sancho,Sancho, however, has always been considered the however, has always been considered the coolestcoolest head in the FMLN leadership by Washington head in the FMLN leadership by Washington analysts.analysts...
...that the troops had not even left the barracks...
...The GeneralGeneral Command announced early this year that urban Command announced early this year that urban commandos would no longer use homemade "carcommandos would no longer use homemade "car bomb" bomb" devicesdevices rigged to catapult explosives at military targets...
...presence of the Armed Forces again dominated the city...
...The problems faced by to work at cross purposes...
...Control of the capital is primarily the job of the state Control of the capital is primarily the job of the state security forces (including the Treasury Police, the National security forces (including the Treasury Police, the National Police, and the National Guard) whose work is coordinated with Police, and the National Guard) whose work is coordinated with thethe Armed Forces through the Defense Ministry...
...In fact, Salvadoran an insurrection is to say very little...
...Aratherhigh numberof FMLN documents turn up 1988...
...The hard-line naturenature of some of the military tactics the rebels have of some of the military tactics the rebels have adopted,adopted, such as sabotage, alienate the very middle such as sabotage, alienate the very middle sectorssectors the FMLN needs to reach...
...Yet from the perspective of a revolutionary movement intent on organizing more and more tionary movement intent on organizing more and more people into simple acts of insurrectionary violence, the people into simple acts of insurrectionary violence, the attack was a big success...
...Counterinsur- rather than setting the agenda...
...A battle two weeks beforeA battle two weeks before the elections in the capital's the elections in the capital's working-class barrio of San Ramon marked another step working-class barrio of San Ram6n marked another step forward for the rebels: the ability to move beyond hit-and- forward for the rebels: the ability to move beyond hit-and-run actionsrun actions and sustain combat for a longer period (in this and sustain combat for a longer period (in this case for two hours)case for two hours) on urban terrain...
...etta, April 1989...
...The term can lead to misunderstandings, recalling as tion...
...In the words of FMLN representative Ana Guadalupe Martinez, "Obviously we knew ARENA would Ana Guadalupe Martinez, "Obviously we knew ARENA would at first say no, since the polls gave them a virtual certainty of at first say no, since the polls gave them a virtual certainty of victory...
...That such a high level of violenceof violence occurred so spontaneously took the security occurred so spontaneously took the security forcesforces and the military somewhat aback.5 In an apparent and the military somewhat aback.s In an apparent shiftshift of tactics, there have been no further bombings of of tactics, there have been no further bombings of union offices sinceunion offices since the riot...
...If the rebels can increase the tempo of their military tives...
...In another example, one urban commando repression...
...Some have even begun to any other sector of the Left...
...At the as such by other social and political actors...
...now there will with reform" in El Salvador is over...
...We"We conceive of the strategic counteroffensive as a conceive of the strategic counteroffensive as a phase in the war, not an operation," says Commander phase in the war, not an operation," says Commander Francisco Jovel...
...Again,Again, this is a complex and subtle dynamic which is this is a complex and subtle dynamic which is easier to conceptualizeeasier to conceptualize than to implement...
...Debates Insurrection...
...4. The dynamiting of poles4...
...interview is worth quoting at length:' (0) TheThe Salvadoran revolution is taking place in the Salvadoran revolution is taking place in the context notcontext not only of a profound capitalist crisis, but also only of a profound capitalist crisis, but also a crisisa crisis of socialism of socialism...
...Once the the two lines...
...Essentially, the irregularization of revolutionaryrevolutionary forces begun in 1984 with the war of forces begun in 1984 with the war of resistance is now being accelerated and put on a more resistance is now being accelerated and put on a more offensive, insurrectionary footing...
...As in the past, evaluating the FMLN's effectiveness As in the past, evaluating the FMLN's effectiveness depends on a clear understanding of its objectives...
...Some union offices are nowSome union offices are now under virtual siege, their under virtual siege, their locals surrounded by sandbags and numerous police spies locals surrounded by sandbags and numerous police spies whowho make their intimidating presence obvious...
...The pursuit of negotiations and a multi-class alli- The pursuit of negotiations and a multi-class alliance can only develop to the degree that an insurrection- ance can only develop to the degree that an insurrectionary victory becomes a realistic possibility, and is per- ary victory becomes a realistic possibility, and is perceivedceived as such by other social and political actors...
...What we're doing," of post-war reconstruction...
...The depends on a clear understanding of its objectives...
...through the early afternoon...
...In fact, there is no apparent policy: The United States is now tailing is no apparent policy: The United States is now tailing ARENA,ARENA, rather than setting the agenda...
...Dogmatism, schematicism, to break with all the isms...
...Despite the afford to oppose the idea of peace...
...With a transitional government might then result...
...In theoryIn theory the numerous tiers of the movement should the numerous tiers of the movement should workwork in complementary fashion...
...The Christian Democrat-orientedDemocrat-oriented National Worker-Peasant Union National Worker-Peasant Union (UNOC)(UNOC) and the leftist National Union of Salvadoran and the leftist National Union of Salvadoran WorkersWorkers (UNTS) formed a coalition to support the (UNTS) formed a coalition to support the proposal-at the initiativeproposal-at the initiative of UNOC...
...And it was quickly endorsedendorsed by the Permanent Committee of the National by the Permanent Committee of the National DebateDebate for Peace-a forum of civic organizations called for Peace-a forum of civic organizations called together by Catholic Archbishoptogether by Catholic Archbishop Arturo Rivera y Damas Arturo Rivera y Damas toto search for ways to bring the conflict to an end...
...XLIV, No, 483-484 (Jan/Feb 1989...
...FromFrom Washington's point of view, a negotiated settle- Washington's point of view, a negotiated settlementment can only be evaluated in terms of the possible alter- can only be evaluated in terms of the possible alternatives,natives, and these are bleak indeed...
...The hardest thing is to tie lead weights to everyone's feet...
...OffOff the record, FMLN leaders are even blunter...
...military actions...
...In fact, Salvadoran revolutionariesrevolutionaries use the term in differing, even contradic- use the term in differing, even contradictory ways...
...All our urban actions," insisted an FMLN member who followed the discussions, "have to FMLN member who followed the discussions, "have to be chosen or discarded according to political, not military be chosen or discarded according to political, not military criteria, because they have an immediate impact on the criteria, because they have an immediate impact on the people and on public opinion...
...Emilio Ponce to the helm of the ArmedArmed Forces and in which numerous guardsmen, in- Forces and in which numerous guardsmen, includingcluding the commanding officer, were wounded...
...The change has shifted FMLN organizers into a higher The change has shifted FMLN organizers into a higher gear...
...ForFor the strategic counteroffensive the FMLN has the strategic counteroffensive the FMLN has totallytotally restructured its political and military forces, its restructured its political and military forces, its class alliancesclass alliances and even its vision of the post-war recon- and even its vision of the post-war reconstructionstruction of Salvadoran society...
...and firing blindly into the approaching dark...
...Rather, it was part of awas part of a package, a political offensive which included package, a political offensive which included aa number of other unprecedented steps...
...A rather high numberof FMLN documents turn up in enemy hands...
...It involvesinvolves the attempt to form what the Left refers to as the the attempt to form what the Left refers to as the frente amplio-afrenteamplio-a broad, broad, multi-class(multi-class coalition in favor of a)coalition in favor of a progressiveprogressive political platform in which the revolutionary political platform in which the revolutionary Left can set the general direction but not all of the content...
...According to one U.S...
...The FMLN appears to have anticipated this, and designed to have anticipated this, and designed its strategy accordingly...
...Militarily,Militarily, this is to a certain degree a matter of tactical this is to a certain degree a matter of tactical adjustment.adjustment...
...The FebruaryFebruary march called by the National Federation of Sal- march called by the National Federation of Sal-vadoranvadoran Workers (FENASTRAS) in response to the bomb- Workers (FENASTRAS) in response to the bombinging of FENASTRAS headquarters was one such case...
...increase in the use of homemade weapons...
...Whether this continues to develop in a gradual fashion that makes the country ungovernable a gradual fashion that makes the country ungovernable and brings the Armed Forces to the negotiating table, or and brings the Armed Forces to the negotiating table, or accelerates into a more spontaneous outburst which brings accelerates into a more spontaneous outburst which brings down the regime-these are questions of form...
...The main value left in union activity, noted one main value left in union activity, noted one seasonedseasoned observer, is that when it fails it pushes workers observer, is that when it fails it pushes workers beyondbeyond legal forms of struggle...
...Unplanned by the union leadership,Unplanned by the union leadership, the march developed the march developed intointo an outpouring of rage that saw groups of unionists an outpouring of rage that saw groups of unionists runningrunning up and down streets smashing windows, looting, up and down streets smashing windows, looting, overturningoverturning cars, and setting fires...
...Furthermore, there being given a gradual baptism of fire...
...This callsThis calls into question many of into question many of whatwhat we might call "scientific certainties," and opens we might call "scientific certainties," and opens the road tothe road to new kinds of revolutions in which, for ex- new kinds of revolutions in which, for example,ample, the notion of one-party societies is doomed...
...rigged to catapult explosives at military targets...
...483-484 (Jan/Feb 1989...
...Unpublished interview by Italian journalist Gianni Ber-ella, April 1989...
...Prior to January 1989, this was the least developed Prior to January 1989, this was the least developed component of the strategic counteroffensive...
...A formal announcement of sorts of this develop- concern...
...But when the smoke had died down and new hours...
...Authors' interview, February 1987...
...The FMLN is proposing an open,open, pluralist project, one which is rooted in our pluralist project, one which is rooted in our domestic and geopolitical reality...
...Doble caraDoble cara organizers evince more confidence and a organizers evince more confidence and a clearer vision of where their work is headed than perhaps clearer vision of where their work is headed than perhaps any other sector of the Left...
...The emer- of rural political organizing...
...Dogmatism, schematicism, vanguardism.vanguardism...
...T HE POLITICAL PROJECT OF THE COUNTER- T HE POLITICAL PROJECT OF THE COUNTER-offensive is perhaps the most complex area of all...
...For the FMLN's been repudiated by the people...
...people and on public opinion...
...with varying links to the FMLN...
...In another example, one urban commando spokespoke of following up on the spontaneous looting at a of following up on the spontaneous looting at a recent union march with a more organized "appropria- recent union march with a more organized "appropriation"tion" of consumer goods for redistribution in poorer of consumer goods for redistribution in poorer neighborhoods...
...In part this component of the strategic counteroffensive...
...There has also been a steady stream of less dramatic actions, has also been a steady stream of less dramatic actions, including constant economic sabotage, largely in the form including constant economic sabotage, largely in the form of dynamitingof dynamiting electrical and telephone poles, all of which electrical and telephone poles, all of which indicate a sophisticatedindicate a sophisticated intelligence and logistical capac- intelligence and logistical capac-ity.4 A Western observer with access to military intelli- ity.(4)A Western observer with access to military intelligence notes that thegence notes that the Armed Forces have so far been unable Armed Forces have so far been unable to penetrate the cell structure of the urban commandos, to penetrate the cell structure of the urban commandos, and have made only isolated arrests, which have not and have made only isolated arrests, which have not affectedaffected the guerrillas' ability to move forces and materiel the guerrillas' ability to move forces and materiel through the city...
...But at the same time they were responsible for many But at the same time they were responsible for many civiliancivilian casualties...
...AccordingAccording to an FMLN source, the repercussions of to an FMLN source, the repercussions of urbanurban military actions like these "generated a deep and military actions like these "generated a deep and veryvery controversial discussion inside the FMLN...
...See interview with tion that has risen in their place...
...SYNTHESIZING THE LINES OF INSURRECTION S and(YNTHESIZING)and negotiation into a cohesive whole will require negotiation into a(THE LINES OF INSURRECTION)cohesive whole will require real political creativity and wisdom from movement lead- real political creativity and wisdom from movement leaders,ers, wisdom which cannot be reduced to tactical direc- wisdom which cannot be reduced to tactical directives...
...The past ten years of El Salvador policyyears of El Salvador policy are at a dead end...
...These contraptions had been developed at considerable These contraptions had been developed at considerable effort, and had brought the FMLN closer to its goal of effort, and had brought the FMLN closer to its goal of being able to attack barracksbeing able to attack barracks and military installations at and military installations at will.will...
...This is an English translation of one section of Villalobos' "Perspectivasdevicto- translation of one section of Villalobos' "Perspectivas de victo-na y proyecto revolucionario," Esrudios Centroamericanos, ria y proyecto revolucionario," Estudios Centroamericanos, Vol...
...And this is what happened...
...As you can see, they didn't attack about a hundred masas...
...The security forces and militarytary have concentrated instead on arresting union leaders, have concentrated instead on arresting union leaders, picking them off one by one and avoiding frontal assaults picking them off one by one and avoiding frontal assaults thatthat might trigger such a response again...
...the base...
...The last been explaining its intricate twists and turns...
...As the chances of attaining immediate victories faded, As the chances of attaining immediate victories faded, thethe focus of organizing shifted from making economic focus of organizing shifted from making economic demands of employers to making increasingly radical po- demands of employers to making increasingly radical political demands of the state...
...There the commanding officer, were wounded...
...In fact, they could scrambling for explanations...
...offensive, insurrectionary footing...
...One foreign academic observerserver who is close to the rebels went so far as to allege, who is close to the rebels went so far as to allege, "There"There are really two FMLNs, an urban one and a rural are really two FMLNs, an urban one and a rural one.one...
...The degree of or- the Salvadoran social equation...
...The sabotage issue, for example, has been The sabotage issue, for example, has been addressedaddressed in part by new directives calling for an end to in part by new directives calling for an end to "generalized" urban sabotage and its replacement by "generalized" urban sabotage and its replacement by sabotagesabotage "with a clear class content...
...The FMLN proposes the opposite...
...Any answer must begin by examining look like...
...They involvedvolved nothing more than a few mortars or homemade nothing more than a few mortars or homemade projectiles lobbed into a key Armed Forces compound...
...The term can lead to misunderstandings, recalling as it often does classic scenes of the storming of the Bastille it often does classic scenes of the storming of the Bastille or the Sandinistas entering Managua...
...developed during the war of resistance...
...Even more importantly, it has an toward the center...
...In the past, joining the FMLN involved a long process of political education, literacy classes, and gradu- process of political education, literacy classes, and gradually escalating levels of military competence...
...All our urban actions," insisted an casualties...
...In fact, they could point to many factorspoint to many factors which indicate their vote tally was which indicate their vote tally was far from representativefar from representative of the support they enjoy...
...officials wield will keep Washington from a bloodybloody debacle...
...rise to power in the USSR...
...Agency take advantage of the resources of the U.S...
...Despite the fact even if under cover...
...In fact, there are at a dead end...
...For the FMLN the insurrection is the counteroffensive: the increasing in- insurrection is the counteroffensive: the increasing involvement of all kinds of people, with differing levels of volvement of all kinds of people, with differing levels of commitment, in all kinds of popular violence and chal- commitment, in all kinds of popular violence and challenging of authority...
...the military's evaluation of the insurgents...
...During more complicated on the political front...
...EVERTHELESS, THE URBAN MOVEMENT has Nhad difficulty in(EVERTHELESS,)had difficulty in achieving the kind of momentum in achieving the kind of(THE URBAN MOVEMENT has)momentum in evidenceevidence in the countryside...
...Embassybassy in the capital, and the traditional industrial and in the capital, and the traditional industrial and serviceservice sector surrounded by a growing informal sector sector surrounded by a growing informal sector with a multitude of survivalwith a multitude of survival activities and its own intricate activities and its own intricate social substrata...
...After a After a decade of brutal civil war, it will indeed be tragic if, as decade of brutal civil war, it will indeed be tragic if, as Villalobos suggests,Villalobos suggests, Washington "appears alone defend- Washington "appears alone defending the banner of ideological orthodoxy...
...Instead of indiscriminately blowing up electrical posts throughout the criminately blowing up electrical posts throughout the city,city, for example, the FMLN suggests it will focus on for example, the FMLN suggests it will focus on propertyproperty belonging to the upper class and the neighbor- belonging to the upper class and the neighborhoodshoods where military officers live, using sabotage in a where military officers live, using sabotage in a timelytimely manner as a specific political response to acts of manner as a specific political response to acts of repression...
...Inocente Orlando Montano, head of the army's Sixth Brigade based in that city, stood in front of army's Sixth Brigade based in that city, stood in front of the smoldering ruins of a gas station the morning after, the smoldering ruins of a gas station the morning after, telling reporters that the rebels had "failed completely...
...According to one U.S...
...a few months later, an elderly couplecouple living nearby were the only victims killed in the living nearby were the only victims killed in the FMLN's attackFMLN's attack on the headquarters of the First Brigade in on the headquarters of the First Brigade in the capital...
...It leadshand...
...Various categories of militia and self-defense organizations will defend the popular movement defense organizations will defend the popular movement fromfrom repression and develop an insurrectionary climate repression and develop an insurrectionary climate throughthrough highly irregular, grass-roots street violence...
...Only in the exceedingly unlikely event that the Only in the exceedingly unlikely event that the military balance is so altered that the FMLN's prospects military balance is so altered that the FMLN's prospects for victoryfor victory are virtually eliminated could the ultra-Right are virtually eliminated could the ultra-Right approach the issue of peace offensively, calling on the approach the issue of peace offensively, calling on the rebels to stop inflicting a pointless war on the nation...
...Various categories of militia and self- of the urban poor...
...Now aa leader has a few weeks to prove himself or he's back in leader has a few weeks to prove himself or he's back in the base...
...debacle...
...September to January was a period of transition from preparing for the strategic counteroffen- transition from preparing for the strategic counteroffen-sive tosive to actually entering it...
...Repression increased, and the unionsunions came to invest more and more effort in freeing came to invest more and more effort in freeing captured comrades or locating disappeared ones, placing captured comrades or locating disappeared ones, placing union work on an even more politicized,union work on an even more politicized, confrontational confrontational footing...
...The urban revolutionary movement reflects thisflects this complexity with a tactical and strategic com- complexity with a tactical and strategic complexity of its own, a diversity of organizational efforts plexity of its own, a diversity of organizational efforts with varying links to the FMLN...
...What is fundamen- domestic and geopolitical reality...
...3.3...
...Themembers...
...If the rebels can increase the tempo of their military attacks and sabotage, ARENA's political stock may sink attacks and sabotage, ARENA's political stock may sink like a stone...
...TTin the new period occurredHEin the new period occurred during the elections...
...military adviser, "The in enemy hands...
...Instead of greater centralization the FMLN centralization the FMLN is working towards greater local initiative...
...expansion through nuts-and-bolts organizing suffered...
...Last year, severalof a thorough reappraisal...
...According toto movement sources, this radicalization had serious movement sources, this radicalization had serious drawbacks...
...the country impossible to govern...
...The rest of the work, Vol...
...demand, and took the political offensive...
...Any answer must begin by examining whatwhat the FMLN wants, as it is the only major actor the FMLN wants, as it is the only major actor actuallyactually committed to such a settlement...
...The ConvergenceThe Convergence may become a center of gravity for the may become a center of gravity for the Left'sLeft's hoped-for broad front, but for the moment the hoped-for broad front, but for the moment the coalition is not a central actor in El Salvador's revolution- coalition is not a central actor in El Salvador's revolutionaryary drama...
...tory ways...
...Tens of thousands of potential supportersers who registered after the Convergence announced its who registered after the Convergence announced its participationparticipation in November never received voting cards in November never received voting cards andand were not allowed to vote...
...Embassy in San Salvador has become, the U.S...
...One holding some towns for several hours...
...S S Rethinking Peace Rethinking Peace I. Author's interview, April 1989...
...In practice the various elementselements have often been out of sync, and even seemed at have often been out of sync, and even seemed at timestimes to work at cross purposes...
...Last year, several key organiz- key organizersers of the mass movement of the I 970s quietly returned of the mass movement of the 1970s quietly returned from exile to share their experiencefrom exile to share their experience with the new genera- with the new generation that has risen in their place...
...If calculated correctly, the pole is knocked over but the fallen half remains attached to the base, making repair the most fallen half remains attached to the base, making repair the most difficult...
...Yet its leaders had thought possible in the short term...
...fighting is very small indeed...
...In the words of FMLN representative its strategy accordingly...
...The hard-line than to implement...
...The masas themselves, sup- attack was a big success...
...For the last decade the FMLN has been day...
...Military actions are now linked more closely to imme- Military actions are now linked more closely to immediate political objectives, implying a pronounced short- diate political objectives, implying a pronounced shortening of what guerrilla strategists refer to as "tactical ening of what guerrilla strategists refer to as "tactical time...
...strategy in an urban setting exist in the military field...
...Carlos Ramos, writing in La OpiniOn (Los Angeles...
...now traininging covers basic military skills quickly and people can covers basic military skills quickly and people can participate without "integrating" into any FMLN mem- participate without "integrating" into any FMLN member party...
...Our societysociety is very complex is very complex...
...The tour was fol- ridden to startling electoral victories...
...Apparently hoping for a deterrentdeterrent effect on the pilots, the FMLN has produced effect on the pilots, the FMLN has produced severalseveral new videos about its "popular armament" anti- new videos about its "popular armament" anti-aircraft capability, and leaders have made frequent allu- aircraft capability, and leaders have made frequent allusions tosions to the subject in interviews...
...The attack on the southern city of Usulutdn last October is a attack on the southern city of Usulutin last October is a case in point...
...everything down...
...basis...
...Noted one top-leveltop-level FMLN commander, "At the least the restruc- FMLN commander, "At the least the restructuring is necessary, because if the socialist project is not turing is necessary, because if the socialist project is not reformed it will die...
...Bullets zipped by the soldiers lying flat on their Bullets zipped by the soldiers lying flat on their stomachs,stomachs, pretending not to hear the orders from their pretending not to hear the orders from their commandercommander and firing blindly into the approaching dark...
...Said one underground leader, "Our meetings used to last for days-now they take an hour and a half...
...The FMLN will certainly not be defeatedcertainly not be defeated in the near or even medium term, in the near or even medium term, aa fact acknowledged by the Embassy itself...
...Hownegotiations...
...The emergencegence of destacamentos insurreccionales in diverse of destacamentos insurreccionales in diverse geographicgeographic locations, and the development of local guer- locations, and the development of local guerrilla forcesrilla forces that keep the Armed Forces on edge in San that keep the Armed Forces on edge in San Vicente,Vicente, Usulutan and elsewhere, show that organizing Usulutin and elsewhere, show that organizing work is proceeding,work is proceeding, even if under cover...
...Given the combined level of under-under- and unemployment in El Salvador (estimated at and unemployment in El Salvador (estimated at aroundaround 60% for some time now), union struggles in recent 60% for some time now), union struggles in recent yearsyears have won precious little bread and butter for have won precious little bread and butter for their members...
...As the unions became increasingly occupied drawbacks...
...This is an Efiglish Salvador," Foreign Policy, Spring 1989...
...See "The Left Debates Insurrection...
...What is fundamental is nottal is not its ideological definition, but whether or not its ideological definition, but whether or not it resolves El Salvador's problems it resolves El Salvador's problems...
...in the city is losing...
...Finally,nally, completely clandestine structures, including corn- completely clandestine structures, including commando cells, will carry out more specialized military ac- mando cells, will carry out more specialized military actionstions and run logistics and intelligence networks...
...Fi- highly irregular, grass-roots street violence...
...With ARENA monopolizing the state and the ChristianChristian Democratic Party unable to provide a reformist Democratic Party unable to provide a reformist alternative foralternative for its disillusioned rank-and-file, the FMLN its disillusioned rank-and-file, the FMLN facesfaces unprecedented opportunities for expanding its proj- unprecedented opportunities for expanding its projectect toward the center...
...military adviser, "The FMLN has great [radioj communications security, and terrible FMLN has great [radio] communications security, and terrible document security document security...
...For the last decade the FMLN has been primarilyprimarily a rural insurgency, and the strategic counterof- a rural insurgency, and the strategic counterof-fensivefensive is developing most rapidly in the campo...
...Even more importantly, it has an issue, peace, around which to assemble its allies...
...The FMLN, through its clandestine radios, has the capital...
...trical pole repair specialists, and the FMLN keeps them busy...
...But it may not...
...A Novem- than among soldiers targeted by the attack...
...For the United States,For the United States, however, a negotiated solution however, a negotiated solution would not be such an unattractive option...
...In particular,particular, the economic catastrophe which followed the the economic catastrophe which followed the SandinistaSandinista victory in nearby Nicaragua-described by victory in nearby Nicaragua-described by one cadre as "an experience which has been, at best, one cadre as "an experience which has been, at best, painful"--seemspainful"-seems to have had a profoundly sobering im- to have had a profoundly sobering impact on the rebel leadership...
...Recent actions have been, in effect, rehearsals for in- Recent actions have been, in effect, rehearsals for insurrection, or rather, mini-insurrections in and of them- surrection, or rather, mini-insurrections in and of themselves, in which lightly-armed or even unarmed masas selves, in which lightly-armed or even unarmed masas have played a major role...
...One of the most startling sights at the unprecedented One of the most startling sights at the unprecedented February meetingFebruary meeting between the FMLN and El Salvador's between the FMLN and El Salvador's politicalpolitical parties in Mexico was Schafik Handal, the gen- parties in Mexico was Schafik Hindal, the generaleral secretary of the Salvadoran Communist Party and secretary of the Salvadoran Communist Party and FMLNFMLN commander, quietly chatting over lunch with commander, quietly chatting over lunch with Hugo Barrera, one of El Salvador's most prominent Hugo Barrera, one of El Salvador's most prominent industrialists.industrialists...
...But this was accompa- our January [peace] proposal...
...5.5...
...Dohie cara rural support...
...Rather, it as an isolated tactical maneuver...
...Urban commandos and militia and militia carried out the actual assault, with support from regular carried out the actual assault, with support from regular forces fromforces from the nearby volcano...
...WhenWhen the dismal returns began to arrive (the coalition the dismal returns began to arrive (the coalition won only 3.8% of the vote), distraught Convergence lead- won only 3.8% of the vote), distraught Convergence leadersers blamed their poor showing in part on the guerrillas...
...l980s...
...took a good deal of the steam out of the FMLN proposal...
...See interview with Hector Recinos.] H6ctor Recinos.] One veteran organizer, concerned that his young com- One veteran organizer, concerned that his young comrades were sticking their necks out so far they would be rades were sticking their necks out so far they would be their choppedchopped off, noted in March, "My main task right now is off, noted in March, "My main task right now is to tie lead weights to everyone's feet...
...While the rebels have not won the war, they believe they have fundamentally al- won the war, they believe they have fundamentally alteredtered the Salvadoran social equation...
...For the FMLN's assessment of these events,assessment of these events, see interview with Francisco see interview with Francisco Jovel,] Jovel,] ITI T WAS NO SURPRISE THAT THE FMLN SHOWED WAS NO SURPRISE THAT THE FMLN SHOWED more strength in the countryside than in the capital on more strength in the countryside than in the capital on electionelection day...
...Essentially, the irregularization of previous strategy...
...For over a month, the Christian Democrats For over a month, the Christian Democrats andand ARENA kept the proposal alive, as each vied to ARENA kept the proposal alive, as each vied to saddlesaddle the other with responsibility for killing it.6 the other with responsibility for killing it.(6) ARENA's first-round electoral victory on March 19 ARENA's first-round electoral victory on March 19 took a good deal of the steam out of the FMLN proposal...
...Before, to last for days--now they take an hour and a half...
...For perhaps U.S...
...telling reporters that the rebels had "failed completely...
...Figures on the actual number of downed aircraft are difficult to verify, but number of downed aircraft are difficult to verify, but whether becausewhether because of a propaganda campaign, real capabil- of a propaganda campaign, real capability, or some combination, helicopters are reportedly arriv- ity, or some combination, helicopters are reportedly arrivinging late, if at all, to some battles...
...DespiteDespite the efforts of certain leaders who proposed a the efforts of certain leaders who proposed a returnreturn to more traditional union pursuits, allowing other to more traditional union pursuits, allowing other groupsgroups to fill the void in the streets, by early 1989 some to fill the void in the streets, by early 1989 some laborlabor marches were turning into full-fledged riots...
...Thus recent statements by JoaquIn Villalobos, Thus recent statements by Joaqufn Villalobos, oftenoften viewed as the most militant hard-liner in the FMLN viewed as the most militant hard-liner in the FMLN GeneralGeneral Command, are perhaps more provocative...
...The first action in the terrain of political ideas and options The first action in the terrain of political ideas and options waswas our January [peacel proposal...
...Doble cara groupsgroups may have excellent relations with the local mili- may have excellent relations with the local military,tary, take advantage of the resources of the U.S...
...A do-or-die mentality that saw insurrection around the A do-or-die mentality that saw insurrection around the corner encouraged unions to throw all their resources into corner encouraged unions to throw all their resources into a rapidly escalating showdown with the state...
...The urban revolutionary movement re- social substrata...
...their high-speed guns against the hills behind the barrio...
...maybe" is surely the bottom line...
...The hardest thing is to explain to our own militantsto explain to our own militants that we have to wait...
...The idea of new elections was relegated to the back burner The idea of new elections was relegated to the back burner and the ball passedand the ball passed to ARENA, which will certainly test to ARENA, which will certainly test its strength and options before seriously considering real its strength and options before seriously considering real negotiations...
...One Command, are perhaps more provocative...
...reformed it will die...
...Helicopters arrived, unleashing a furious barrage from Helicopters arrived, unleashing a furious barrage from their high-speed guns against the hills behind the barrio...
...A formal announcement of sorts of this development was the daylight attack on the National Guard head- ment was the daylight attack on the National Guard headquarters last November 1, which was timed to coincide quarters last November 1, which was timed to coincide with the promotion of Cot...
...What we're doing," explained one top organizer,explained one top organizer, "is test runs-for a govern- "is test runs-for a governmentment of broad participation, or for an insurrection...
...The dynamiting of poles has become surprisingly refined...
...a few months later, an elderly in a nearby clinic...
...Authors' interview, February 1987...
...Our alliance is no longer sufficient...
...In ARENA, WashingtonWashington is saddled with a highly unpredictable ally...
...committed to such a settlement...
...Juan Orlando Zepeda wrote an internal army paper Juan Orlando Zepeda wrote an internal army paper summarizingsummarizing the military's evaluation of the insurgents...
...Whether this continues to develop in lenging of authority...
...The theory of the The theory of the worker-peasantworker-peasant alliance is no longer sufficient...
...In the record, FMLN leaders are even blunter...
...It leads a vast, multifaceted and committed move- a vast, multifaceted and committed movement...
...The current restructuring, however, does not represent a sharp break with ing, however, does not represent a sharp break with previous strategy...
...drama...
...has become surprisingly refined...
...Repression increased, and the litical demands of the state...
...The degree of organization that the popular sectors have achieved, they ganization that the popular sectors have achieved, they reason,reason, would enable the poor to successfully press for would enable the poor to successfully press for their intereststheir interests under a broad democratic government...
...PerhapsPerhaps a clever application of the sizeable sticks and a clever application of the sizeable sticks and carrotscarrots U.S...
...One electionelection day action in the northeastern province of San day action in the northeastern province of San MiguelMiguel reportedly continued for some 12 hours, begin- reportedly continued for some 12 hours, beginning at night and continuingning at night and continuing through the early afternoon...
...The masas themselves, supported only by a handful of fighters, had occupied part of ported only by a handful of fighters, had occupied part of the town and carried out acts of propaganda and sabotage...
...See interview with Commander Leo Cabral.I time...
...TheThe more radical unions became isolated from more more radical unions became isolated from more centrist ones, who were their potential allies even though centrist ones, who were their potential allies even though manymany were originally set up by the U.S.-sponsored were originally set up by the U.S.-sponsored AmericanAmerican Institute for Free Labor Development (AIFLD) Institute for Free Labor Development (AIFLD) oror by the Christian Democrats...
...In place of conventional arms the FMLN proposes a qualitative and conventional arms the FMLN proposes a qualitative and quantitativequantitative increase in the use of homemade weapons...
...public discourse...
...Juan Orlando Zepeda, "Estrategia global revolucion- 7. Col...
...Look,""Look," he said sharply, "We're not talking about he said sharply, "We're not talking about the taking of the Winter Palace...
...ARENA said no, the PDC, without saying no, did not say yes, and ARENA said no, the PDC, without saying no, did not say yes, and this facilitated the electoralthis facilitated the electoral game the other parties played, which game the other parties played, which gavegave us the space to make another procedural proposal to keep us the space to make another procedural proposal to keep the debate alive...
...Most importantly, the initial outlines of a future plural- Most importantly, the initial outlines of a future pluralistist alliance for peace began to emerge...
...Nevertheless, their sum total of 35,642 votes left Nevertheless, their sum total of 35,642 votes left themthem scrambling for explanations...
...Given the combined level of unions are illustrative...
...Furthermore, there is now a greater diversity of forces participating, ranging is now a greater diversity of forces participating, ranging from highly trained special forces to destacamentos in- from highly trained special forces to destacamentos in-surreccionales.surreccionales...
...As one Salvadoran journalist noted, per- As one Salvadoran journalist noted, perhaps for the first time a real haps for the first time a real SalvadoranSalvadorancommunistcommunist was was sitting down with a real sitting down with a real SalvadoranSalvadorancapitalist...
...by the Christian Democrats...
...While the rebels have not existing correlation of forces...
...be counterinsurgency...
...9. Fermhn Cienfuegos, Veredas de la audacia (San Salvador: 9. Fermin Cienfuegos, Veredas de la audacia(San Salvador: Ediciones Roque Dalton, 1989...
...The last pointpoint was "the insurrection," which can mean such was "the insurrection," which can mean such differentdifferent things that to say a movement is working toward things that to say a movement is working toward an insurrection is to say very little...
...Becausecause either of these alternatives will require participation either of these alternatives will require participation andand popular democracy...
...The The one in the countryside is winning the war...
...ConvergenceConvergence leaders steadfastly insisted that their ob- leaders steadfastly insisted that their objective was notjective was not to get large numbers of votes but to use the to get large numbers of votes but to use the electionselections as a forum pressing for a negotiated end to the as a forum pressing for a negotiated end to the war.war...
...The action involved on urban terrain...
...Dur- (HE BIGGEST TEST OF STRENGTH THUS FAR)BIGGEST (TEST)(OF)(STRENGTH)during the elections.(THUS)(FAR)Duringing the close of the campaign FMLN forces brought the the close of the campaign FMLN forces brought the country to a screeching halt with electrical sabotage and country to a screeching halt with electrical sabotage and aa traffic stoppage, then launched a major offensive on traffic stoppage, then launched a major offensive on electionelection day itself with combat throughout the country...
...The government now has highly trained units of electrical pole repair specialists, and the FMLN keeps them busy...
...At the scene, frightened residents hid their families, while At the scene, frightened residents hid their families, while dozens of Armed Forces troops cautiously peered around dozens of Armed Forces troops cautiously peered around walls and let loose randomwalls and let loose random volleys at invisible guerrillas...
...With ARENA monopolizing the state and the ment...
...As other urban insurgencies,urban insurgencies, from the Tupamaros to the Irish Re- from the Tupamaros to the Irish Republicanpublican Army, have discovered, the margin for error in Army, have discovered, the margin for error in citycity fighting is very small indeed...
...capitalist...
...Resolving this contra- the FMLN needs to reach...
...But only the Left's political skill and maturity like a stone...
...He concludes, "We first have to develophave to develop our minimal program, then later look for our minimal program, then later look for basesbases to construct socialism, and even later on the bases to construct socialism, and even later on the bases forfor communism-which we think will develop in this communism-which we think will develop in this countrycountry around the year 3000...
...through the city...
...And there was the colonel the next day, bragging in front And there was the colonel the next day, bragging in front of the pressof the press that the troops had not even left the barracks...
...legal forms of struggle...
...There were just a few guerrillas," he explained, "and "There were just a few guerrillas," he explained, "and about a hundred masas...
...Yet fraud alone canYet fraud alone can not account for the poor showing not account for the poor showing of the Convergence.of the Convergence...
...That such a high level cars, and setting fires...
...That'sThat's what comes of having a bunch of what comes of having a bunch of collegecollege graduates running around in the woods...
...But only the Left's political skill and maturity will determine whether such a situation can be used to will determine whether such a situation can be used to construct a broad consensus for a popular solution to the construct a broad consensus for a popular solution to the conflict.conflict...
...their problem...
...Washington's responsesponse had been to insist that the rebels would not be had been to insist that the rebels would not be allowedallowed to "shoot their way into power," and that a to "shoot their way into power," and that a settlementsettlement could only be reached through elections from could only be reached through elections from whichwhich a transitional government might then result...
...TheThe FMLN claims to have hit the army in 54 separate FMLN claims to have hit the army in 54 separate locations,locations, holding some towns for several hours...
...in the narrow sense of a "final offensive...
...Be- of broad participation, or for an insurrection...
...T HIS UNDERLINES ONE OF THE CENTRAL T HIS UNDERLINES ONE OF THE CENTRAL hypotheses of FMLN strategy: the two lines of in- hypotheses of FMLN strategy: the two lines of insurrection and negotiated solution are intimately con- surrection and negotiated solution are intimately connected.nected...
...Now with our cadres, we waited for a year to see results...
...The notion, however, should counteroffensive...
...To this was added further in- Marxist-Leninists...
...6. The FMLN appears6...
...Spinning lights from a Red Cross ambulancelance lit the city scene and a helicopter circled well lit the city scene and a helicopter circled well overhead.overhead...
...7. Col...
...One of these was number of other unprecedented steps...
...These were quick responses to political events or gade...
...Said one underground leader, "Our meetings used gear...
...nator...
...The(The plan for the Gov- plan for the Governmenternment of Broad Participation, it should be noted, was of Broad Participation, it should be noted, was firstfirst proposed by the FMLN in 1983, three years before proposed by the FMLN in 1983, three years before Gorbachev'sGorbachev's rise to power in the USSR...
...The search for ways to bring the conflict to an end...
...Armed Forces through the Defense Ministry...
...The current restructur- concentrations in 1981...
...They write graduates running around in the woods...
...TheThe short-term issue may have been settled, but the short-term issue may have been settled, but the larger problems inherent in staging military actions on larger problems inherent in staging military actions on crowded urban terrain will probably continue...
...FMLNFMLN saboteurs have perfected the art of blowing them up: too saboteurs have perfected the art of blowing them up: too smallsmall a charge does not topple them, while too large a charge a charge does not topple them, while too large a charge completelycompletely detaches the upper portion, facilitating clean-up and detaches the upper portion, facilitating clean-up and repair...
...a significant base of support beyond the FMLN...
...One of these was lastlast fall's Latin American tour by commanders JoaquIn fall's Latin American tour by commanders Joaquin VillalobosVillalobos and Salvador Sanchez Ceren ("Leonel and Salvador Sinchez Cer6n ("Leonel Gonzalez"),Gonzalez"), the leaders of the two largest organizations the leaders of the two largest organizations of the FMLN.of the FMLN...
...Under these conditionsthese conditions it is virtually impossible to do the actual it is virtually impossible to do the actual unionunion work-organizing workers on the job-that gives work--organizing workers on the job-that gives the movement its vitality...
...The colonel for launching a general offensive...
...But they may not...
...As the unions became increasingly occupied withwith political confrontation, their ability to maintain political confrontation, their ability to maintain expansion through nuts-and-bolts organizing suffered...
...The government now has highly trained Units of elec- difficult...
...Instead of retreating a handful of journalists...
...The legal Left is in the midst the minds of union leaders...
...But there are indicators that the growing capacityBut there are indicators that the growing capacity and and diversity of the rural forcesdiversity of the rural forces is indeed closely linked to the is indeed closely linked to the developmentdevelopment of rural political organizing...
...Somehow, in areas where there is little overt Somehow, in areas where there is little overt radicalradical organizing, the guerrillas are getting boots, organizing, the guerrillas are getting boots, ammunition,ammunition, food, and information on a regular and food, and information on a regular and reliablereliable basis...
...It is evident that, unless conditions It is evident that, unless conditions change dramatically,change dramatically, Ungo and Zamora will be unable to Ungo and Zamora will be unable to mobilizemobilize a significant base of support beyond the FMLN...
...of a seat on the Central Electoral Council...
...The problems faced by thethe unions are illustrative...
...The newThe new scheme is both audacious and unorthodox...
...The shooting and rocketing continued for nearly three The shooting and rocketing continued for nearly three hours...
...the town and carried out acts of propaganda and sabotage...
...Agency forfor International Development (U.S.AID), and use a International Development (U.S.AID), and use a moderatemoderate public discourse...
...solution will fail to gel...
...The counteroffensive has threehas three essential components: essential components: * increasing(*)increasing urban actions,(urban actions, from street marches and even)from street marches and even riots to raidsriots to raids by urban commandos, which may or may not by urban commandos, which may or may not resultresult in spontaneous insurrection, but are geared to in spontaneous insurrection, but are geared to makingmaking the country impossible to govern...
...As you can see, they didn't attack anything strategic, like our barracks, they just committed anything strategic, like our barracks, they just committed vandalism...
...Most of the journalists agreed and, unimpressed by a burned gas station, did not bother to file a pressed by a burned gas station, did not bother to file a story on the event...
...We thought the PDC would speak of unconstitutional- victory...
...Instead of indis- "with a clear class content...
...The NationalNational Debate, which brings together 59 different or- Debate, which brings together 59 different organizationsganizations ranging from the most radical unions to ranging from the most radical unions to "communitarian," religious, and pro-PDC groups, is the "communitarian," religious, and pro-PDC groups, is the broadest formationbroadest formation in the entire patchwork of Salvadoran in the entire patchwork of Salvadoran politics.politics...
...of FENASTRAS headquarters was one such case...
...Once the peacepeace proposal had been definitively rejected, leaders of proposal had been definitively rejected, leaders of radicalradical labor unions and the UNTS publicly denounced labor unions and the UNTS publicly denounced the Convergencethe Convergence for not pulling out of the elections and for not pulling out of the elections and called on their supporters not to vote (placing their organi- called on their supporters not to vote (placing their organizationszations to the left of the FMLN, which denounced the to the left of the FMLN, which denounced the vote, but supported the Convergence's decision to stay in vote, but supported the Convergence's decision to stay in the running...
...The controversial discussion inside the FMLN...
...We areare accumulating forces that we cannot yet afford to accumulating forces that we cannot yet afford to spend...
...Urban commandosized nature of urban work...
...In this view, the current balance of power, while not opti- this view, the current balance of power, while not optimum, providesmum, provides an adequate basis for moving the struggle an adequate basis for moving the struggle to another, less violent terrain...
...The assault began with explosions at a local civil defense post...
...Figures on the actual the subject in interviews...
...Stroking his mustache, the colonel added vandalism...
...The Convergence warned that rebel military warned that rebel military actionsactions would keep potential supporters from the polls...
...DueDue to intimidation by the Armed Forces and ARENA, to intimidation by the Armed Forces and ARENA, thethe Convergence campaign was largely limited to urban Convergence campaign was largely limited to urban areas.areas...
...ItIt is also possible that the FMLN's plans for an insur- is also possible that the FMLN's plans for an insurrectionaryrectionary solution will fail to gel...
...the war, but also for after the war...
...In place of is working towards greater local initiative...
...Balancing the lines of insurrection and negotiation is Balancing the lines of insurrection and negotiation is eveneven more complicated on the political front...
...the movement its vitality...
...officials wield will keep Washington from a U.S...
...At the notion of one-party societies is doomed...
...In a new book of strident revolutionary rhetoric...
...7 Somewhere deep within the hulking precision...
...As urban cadre explain it, the revolutionary movement As urban cadre explain it, the revolutionary movement intends to develop the urban struggle on several levels: A intends to develop the urban struggle on several levels: A legal but increasingly militant popular movement ranging legal but increasingly militant popular movement ranging from unions to slumdwellers' associations, from human from unions to slumdwellers' associations, from human rights and religious groups to student and youth organiza- rights and religious groups to student and youth organizations, will provide expression to the most urgent demands tions, will provide expression to the most urgent demands of the urban poor...
...The paperThe paper concludes by asking, "To what degree do the concludes by asking, "To what degree do the subversivessubversives have sufficient quantitative and qualitative have sufficient quantitative and qualitative strengthstrength for launching a general offensive...
...As a COMMANDERin his chair to LEOmake CABRALhis final point.LEANED As a member of the General Command's Political Commis- member of the General Command's Political Commission, he played a major role in formulating the rebels' sion, he played a major role in formulating the rebels' strategy over the last decade, and for two long days he had strategy over the last decade, and for two long days he had been explaining its intricate twists and turns...
...would keep potential supporters from the polls...
...demand, and took the political offensive...
...Docu- and run logistics and intelligence networks...
...around the year 3000...
...And this is what happened...
...FMLN leaders see the Salvadoran insurrection not as FMLN leaders see the Salvadoran insurrection not as a date but a process, which they also refer to as "civic a date but a process, which they also refer to as "civic rebellion" or "social explosion...
...Previous FMLN negotiating proposalsposals had demanded the formation of a transitional had demanded the formation of a transitional governmentgovernment to guarantee the impartiality of elections to guarantee the impartiality of elections beforebefore the rebels would participate...
...day itself with combat throughout the country...
...The day prior to the elections, soldiers from the The day prior to the elections, soldiers from the FirstFirst Brigade even plastered the capital's central polling Brigade even plastered the capital's central polling placeplace with posters featuring photos of Guillermo Ungo with posters featuring photos of Guillermo Ungo and Rub6nand Ruben Zamora, the two Convergence leaders, juxta- Zamora, the two Convergence leaders, juxtaposedposed with one of FMLN Commander JoaquIn Villalo- with one of FMLN Commander Joaquin Villalo-bos,bos, and ordering the population not to vote for "subver- and ordering the population not to vote for "subversivesive Marxist-Leninists...
...Instead of retreating back up the volcanoback up the volcano behind the barrio, the FMLN corn bat- behind the barrio, the FMLN combatants stayed and fought.ants stayed and fought...
...This breadth, and the backing of the Archbishop, This breadth, and the backing of the Archbishop, give the Nationalgive the National Debate considerable political credibil- Debate considerable political credibility,ity, which stands to increase if the country polarizes which stands to increase if the country polarizes furtherfurther under the right-wing ARENA government...
...In January we launched it...
...The restructuring of FMLN forces for the strategic The restructuring of FMLN forces for the strategic counteroffensive has been as thorough as that for the counteroffensive has been as thorough as that for the transition from guerrilla concentrations to the war of re- transition from guerrilla concentrations to the war of resistance in 1984, and the shift from urban insurrection to sistance in 1984, and the shift from urban insurrection to guerrillaguerrilla concentrations in 1981...
...It began shortly fighting was not so clear...
...But when the smoke had died down and new FMLN actions failed to materialize elsewhere in the city, FMLN actions failed to materialize elsewhere in the city, voters began to leave the safety of their homes, and the voters began to leave the safety of their homes, and the presence of the Armed Forces again dominated the city...
...In earlyIn early 1989, the FMLN announced it had entered the 1989, the FMLN announced it had entered the "strategic"strategic counteroffensive...
...In ARENA, fact acknowledged by the Embassy itself...
...Carlos Ramos, writing in La Opinion (Los Angeles...
...Developing homemade anti-aircraft weaponryweaponry has long been an FMLN priority, along with has long been an FMLN priority, along with the skills necessary to use conventional weaponry al- the skills necessary to use conventional weaponry already in its possession (such as M-60 machine guns and ready in its possession (such as M-60 machine guns and FALFAL rifles) against aircraft...
...Author's interview, October 1988...
...The proposal rewrote the Salvadoransupporters...
...A Novem-ber assault on theber assault on the Estado Mayor led to numerous civilian EstadoMayor led to numerous civilian casualtiescasualties in a nearby clinic...
...late, if at all, to some battles...
...But rigid, of necessity, in order to survive...
...The emphasisThe emphasis on decentralized initiative and homemade on decentralized initiative and homemade weaponry,weaponry, however creative the FMLN believes it to be, however creative the FMLN believes it to be, has resulted in greaterhas resulted in greater casualties among civilian bystand- casualties among civilian bystandersers than among soldiers targeted by the attack...
...insurrection...
...The FMLN will and these are bleak indeed...
...The FMLN, through its clandestine radios, has warned civilianswarned civilians to stay away from military installations to stay away from military installations "which"which at any moment can be a target of the people's at any moment can be a target of the people's war,"war," but few Salvadorans have the resources to pack up but few Salvadorans have the resources to pack up on short notice and move to a safer location...
...September to January was a period of Francisco Jovel...
...The capital'sThe capital's population, tensed for major assaults by the population, tensed for major assaults by the FMLN, turned out to vote, with Embassy and Armed FMLN, turned out to vote, with Embassy and Armed Forces spokesmen crowing that once again terrorist plans Forces spokesmen crowing that once again terrorist plans to stop citizens from exercising their democratic rights to stop citizens from exercising their democratic rights hadhad been repudiated by the people...
...InsteadInstead of greater emphasis on its permanent forces, the of greater emphasis on its permanent forces, the kid on the corner with a Molotov cocktail has become the kid on the corner with a Molotov cocktail has become the key...
...SS IMILAR(IMILAR)PROBLEMS OF COORDINATION(PROBLEMS OF COORDINATION AND)AND strategy in an urban setting exist in the military field...
...It began shortly before dawn with an assault on a civil defense post in a before dawn with an assault on a civil defense post in a working-classworking-class barrio that was heard throughout the city...
...Yet byby election day the cohesion had been lost, and a lesson election day the cohesion had been lost, and a lesson waswas given in how not given in how not to balanceto balance the two lines...
...Counterinsur-gencygency with reform" in El Salvador is over...
...And it was quickly of UNOC...
...Despite the fact that FMLN combatants are now dispersed throughout the that FMLN combatants are now dispersed throughout the country, the rhythm of rebel operations has been steadily country, the rhythm of rebel operations has been steadily increasing.increasing...
...The marches were turning into full-fledged riots...
...The FMLN is in many ways playing from a strong The FMLN is in many ways playing from a strong hand...
...As other crowded urban terrain will probably continue...
...At the same time, should a broad consensus for a negotiated same time, should a broad consensus for a negotiated settlementsettlement acquire actual political form and be frustrated acquire actual political form and be frustrated byby the Armed Forces and ARENA, that very frustration the Armed Forces and ARENA, that very frustration willwill feed the insurrectionary project...
...In El Salvador, to carry out In El Salvador, to carry out an agrarian reform,an agrarian reform, parallel with the development of a parallel with the development of a pluralist democracypluralist democracy which benefits the majority, is to which benefits the majority, is to makemake revolution...
...revolution...
...If calculated correctly, the pole is knocked over but the repair...
...to another, less violent terrain...
...Spinning lights from a Red Cross ambu- forward...
...For the FMLN the rebellion" or "social explosion...
...In January we launched it actually entering it...
...issue, peace, around which to assemble its allies...
...But this was accompanied bynied by military actions...
...As dusk came, a group of reporters As dusk came, a group of reporters andand residents huddled together, pinned against a wall, residents huddled together, pinned against a wall, whilewhile a First Brigade officer vainly shouted at his men to a First Brigade officer vainly shouted at his men to movemove forward...
...The sophisticationphistication of doble cara organizing, and the ambiguous of doble cara organizing, and the ambiguous nature of the "doublenature of the "double face," make it difficult for observ- face," make it difficult for observers to read the extent of FMLNers to read the extent of FMLN rural support...
...Fairly quickly, reinforcementsreinforcements from the army's First Brigade arrived, from the army's First Brigade arrived, along withalong with a handful of journalists...
...Developing homemade anti-aircraft countryside...
...on short notice and move to a safer location...
...The so- is developing most rapidly in the campo...
...InIn the crucial capital city, however, the outcome of the crucial capital city, however, the outcome of election-dayelection-day fighting was not so clear...
...Juan Orlando Zepeda, "Estrategia global revolucion-aria y su aplicaciOn en El Salvador,'' internal Armed Forces aria y su aplicaci6n en El Salvador," internal Armed Forces document,document, June 1988...
...The notion, however, should not be viewednot be viewed in the narrow sense of a "final offensive...
...In practice the various in complementary fashion...
...The oneone in the city is losing...
...now there will justjust be counterinsurgency...
...They in- leader or the bombing of a movement office...
...tion of a reconstruction government...
...The assault began with the nearby volcano...
...It offensive is perhaps the most complex area of all...
...BeforeBefore leaving his post as head of intelligence last June, leaving his post as head of intelligence last June, Col.Col...
...ing the banner of ideological orthodoxy...
...Yet from the perspective of a revolu- story on the event...
...TheThe peace issue belongs to the FMLN for one simple peace issue belongs to the FMLN for one simple reason: It is seeking a settlement on the basis of the reason: It is seeking a settlement on the basis of the existing correlation of forces...
...the action...
...The one in the countryside is winning the war...
...Stroking his mustache, the colonel added that for several hours the masas had gone through the that for several hours the masas had gone through the town, handing out leaflets, painting slogans on walls, and town, handing out leaflets, painting slogans on walls, and blowing up two electrical posts in addition to the gas blowing up two electrical posts in addition to the gas station.2 The rebels were losing their punch, the colonel station.(2)The rebels were losing their punch, the colonel argued, since in their previous assault they had attacked argued, since in their previous assault they had attacked the barracks...
...Noted one the socialist world, all see it as positive...
...But they are considered more important than larger at- But they are considered more important than larger attacks carried out in a political vacuum, because they tacks carried out in a political vacuum, because they demonstrate the viability of insurrection to a population demonstrate the viability of insurrection to a population that has hardly forgotten the mass murder of the early that has hardly forgotten the mass murder of the early 1980s...
...Unpublished interview by italian journalist Gianni Ber- 10...
...The real issue is how to open our thinking...
...The security forces and mili- the riot...
...This insurrection has the taking of the Winter Palace...
Vol. 23 • September 1989 • No. 3
