For the first time in four years, Mexico’s Zapatista (EZLN) rebels left the strongholds of Chiapas state to begin a nationwide tour in an attempt to refocus Mexican attention on the plight of its indigenous Indians. Led by the renowned Subcommandante Marcos (see photo in previous column), who has recently abandoned his military title in exchange for the civilian and diplomatic title of “Delegate Zero,” the Zapatistas are aiming to influence the Mexican elections that are scheduled for July 2006. The Zapatistas first gained the world’s attention on January 1, 1994, when they staged various attacks throughout southern Mexico, protesting abuses against Mexico’s native indigenous people . After a successful counterinsurgency campaign by the Mexican military, a ceasefire was announced. The Zapatistas returned to their jungle strongholds in southern Mexico where they have maintained a de facto state with few clashes between government forces and the EZLN (WAR Report).
With the election of President Vincente Fox in 2000, the Zapatistas, at least for a brief time, believed the new administration would champion indigenous rights and provide the constitutional amendments that the EZLN was fighting for. However, the Fox administration has been plagued with deficiencies and from its outset has been unable to reach alliances with the PRI, which controlled the Mexican Congress. Fox provided the EZLN with minor victories, closing military bases near Zapatista territory and freeing jailed rebel sympathizers; however, this was the extent of the reforms initiated by the Fox administration. The Zapatistas have remained outside national and international attention, until this past week, when they began a nationwide campaign that has regained the attention of the domestic and foreign media.
However, it remains unclear what exactly the Zapatistas hope to accomplish with their tour, having been quite vocal in dismissing reports that they would seek elected office in the near-term. Holding large gatherings in which the hammer and sickle flag is prominently displayed, the Zapatistas continue to expound their beliefs in a socialist agenda and are vociferous in denouncing capitalistic and free trade policies of the current Mexican government. However, they have failed to provide an alternative answer to their sympathizers and supporters. Instead, they continue to denounce Mexican politicians, decrying the corruption that plagues their nation. They have shown their disdain for the only Mexican politician in the 2006 presidential election who holds similar leftist viewpoints ? Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador . Determining their actual intentions is difficult, other than to say they are against the current government, and they will be against any future government.
Such a platform will only hold national and international attention until the indigenous people of Mexico seek a leader who will strive to engage in the political process rather than critique it for a short time and then just as quickly sink back into his jungle. Subcommandante Marcos (ie Delegate Zero) was able to bring hope to the forgotten indigenous people of Mexico. However, hope quickly turns to despair. It is time for the Zapatistas to rally around an individual who will seek greater political rights through his words and not through his gun. As a former university professor, Marcos possesses this ability but has failed to harbor any thoughts of using it for the betterment of those people he claims to lead.