The story seemingly sprang from the pages of a best-selling thriller. Colombian agents infiltrated terrorist cells, tricked the communists, and liberated 15 hostages held for many years.

The freed captives included three American military contractors captured in 2003 when their plane crashed in the jungle, as well as Ingrid Betancourt, an activist and presidential candidate abducted in 2002. The action deals a blow to the terrorists, and to Hugo Chavez, the Venezuelan president in league with the violent left in Colombia and throughout South America.

The U.S. helped Colombia during the planning stages. John McCain says President Alvaro Uribe briefed him about the mission during the Republican's visit to Colombia. Indeed, Uribe is proving himself one of the U.S.'s best friends in a troubled region.

When Betancourt was reunited with her mother, the two knelt on a tarmac in prayer. Betancourt held a cross; her expession conveyed faith and love. This was a piet?, not in sculpted marble but in transfigured body and blood.