Trying to make both sides happy is an emotion-based decision-the basic flaw with win-win negotiating.

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The aim, according to Luis Fernando Ramirez, the defence minister, is more modest: to convince the guerrillas that they can never win militarily, and so should start negotiating in earnest.

ECONOMIST: Colombia calls for arms from Uncle Sam | The

And now that they're on a roll, will they sign at the negotiating table less than they can win by fighting?

CNN: Ground offensive could threaten peace process