Tough Intellectual Takes Rebel Reins in Colombia

Alberto Rojas Puyo, a former communist and Patriotic Union member who knew Cano, said the killing of leftist politicians hardened Cano. "Wounds of that magnitude do not heal easily," he said. "And even if Cano could get over them, he would have to convince his comrades to get over them as well."

But for all the doubts about peace, those who have known Cano and are familiar with the conflict said the rebel commander is also likely to understand the FARC's untenable situation better than any other rebel. The FARC has seen its popularity diminish dramatically in the past decade, with many Colombians concluding that the group sabotaged peace talks with Uribe's predecessor to focus on drug trafficking and kidnapping.

"He's very much in tune with what's happening, not only in Colombia, but around the world," said Daniel García-Peña, a former peace negotiator here. "So I do think he could be very significant further on down the road in leading the FARC to negotiations."

Moritz Akerman, who was once jailed with Cano and has worked on peace negotiations in Colombia, said Cano's mix of intelligence and ambition might spur him into negotiations. "I think he would be very sure of himself in a peace process, with a capacity to make the necessary political moves that have to be made in all talks," said Akerman, now a Medellin businessman.

In 2000, speaking about the FARC's plans, Cano sounded resentful, saying that the government's outlook mattered little to the FARC and that the group would never again make the mistake of creating a political party. But he also said that the conflict could end if there were enough of a political opening for the rebels.

"It is possible," he said. "If we continue advancing, space for the political movement will open, and the spaces for war will close."

Dudley, a special correspondent, reported from Oakland, Calif.