In 1995, our FF. AA. and the Ecuadorian people filled with glory with the victory in the Cenepa conflict, which raised the self-esteem of the nation and opened the door to the dignified closing of the border.
I was a privileged witness of the events, which I will tell in more detail when I write my memories, of everything the country experienced. I unconditionally followed President Sixto Durán-Ballén in the political leadership of the war. We realized that wars are not won only by weapons, but by an invisible concept called “national power”, which fulfills what the book The Little Prince says: “What is important is always invisible to the eyes”.
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National power presupposes some FF. AA. and the police completely loyal to the civilian government. At the same time, a civilian government that fully respects the institutionality and professionalism of these forces. Both events took place in 1995. I am a witness to the absolute submissiveness and loyalty of the FF. AA. political power in the political decisions of the war. And political power in which we respected the tactical decisions of the army.
It was this national power, not yet established in the present conflict, that made us win the war.
The second element is that FF. AA. and the Police are respected by their people, and yet some FF. AA. and police associated with their city. That also happened.
National power presupposes the identification of the people with their government. The president masterfully achieved this and it is summed up in the sentence “Not a step back”. This also presupposes the identification of all political forces with the Government’s cause.
We achieved what seemed impossible: the president invited all former presidents and former vice presidents to the palace, where they aired all their differences and expressed their unreserved support for the country’s goals.
The media were invited to the palace. We explained the need to comply with the communication guidelines of the Joint Command. Our press was impeccable, while the Peruvian press criticized its government.
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A private company stepped in with economic and logistical support that helped FF. AA. and the Police, who were not contaminated, would further raise the already high morale. This high morale is essential for national power and FF. AA. The Peruvians didn’t have it.
The National Security Council made a statement in its permanent session. The legislative and judicial functions were informed almost daily about all events, and the dialogue with the presidents of other functions was constant. Political parties also joined the state.
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It was this national power, not yet established in the present conflict, that gave us the victory and made us win the war.
If we want to understand when it doesn’t exist, let’s look at US military power against Vietnam: infinitely superior. But there was no national power, no people
The USA did not want war, it was not identified with political power, and the soldiers had low morale, because they did not know why they were there. The result was the loss of that war despite the difference in strength.
If today Ecuador does not generate that national power, if we are not able to achieve it, this war will be difficult to win. (OR)
Source: Eluniverso
Mario Twitchell is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his insightful and thought-provoking writing on a wide range of topics including general and opinion. He currently works as a writer at 247 news agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
