Today, the new President of Colombia will be sworn into office, Juan Miguel Santos.
With his new administration, there is hope for a fresh start towards peaceful relationships for the two neighboring countries, whose political differences are quite stark.
However, the vital need for peace stretches far beyond the borders of Venezuela and Colombia, to all of the Americas, and even to the entire world community.
First, let's examine what a hypothetical war which seems to be increasingly feared could do to world relations.
The U.
S.
would most likely back its ally Columbia financially and with arms, as would other industrialized nations such as Israel and Great Britain.
Venezuela would most likely receive the support of other leftist nations such as Ecuador, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Bolivia.
It might also receive support from its other "new" allies such as Russia and Iran.
Will this start some type of World War? Most likely not; however, it could greatly strain international cooperation and peace.
Obviously, a nation like the U.
S.
cannot be seen as a neutral player in the conflict with all the past and current involvement in the region.
Fortunately, some nations such as Brazil are really trying to make sure that a peace agreement is worked out between the two nations.
It will be interesting to see how these new "powers" start shaping international relations.
Colombia and Venezuela are not going to agree on most things in the government; however, that doesn't mean that some type of peace cannot still be worked out.
Chavez has shown to be very undemocratic and antagonistic in many ways; however, that doesn't justify a war that would have devastating effects which would move past the borders of Colombia and Venezuela.
Even Venezuela protecting Colombian rebel leader (which the Venezuelan government denies) is not a justification for a conflict that would cause much more destruction and cost many more lives than a few FARC members camped out in Venezuela would ever cause.
No one is expecting Chavez and Santos to become buddies; however, let's hope and pray that some type of agreement and understanding can be worked to out, to prevent a conflict which in the end would be devastating for everyone.
Peace usually doesn't come in the form of smiling faces and unity, but rather through compromise, conflict, and sacrifice.
Peace is usually costly, and it is never easy- but in the end, it is the path we need to work towards.
I like how the last President from Costa Rica Oscar Arias stated it, Peace is a never-ending process, the work of many decisions by many people in many countries.
It is an attitude, a way of life, a way of solving problems and resolving conflicts.
It cannot be forced on the smallest nation or enforced by the largest.
It cannot ignore our differences or overlook our common interests.
It requires us to work and live together.