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Álvaro Uribe Vélez
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No Lost Causes Hardcover – October 2, 2012

by Alvaro Uribe Velez (Author)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 62 ratings
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One of the most inspiring and successful global leaders of the early 21st century explains how bold, imaginative leadership can solve even the most intractable problems—and why there is no such thing as a lost cause.

 

It’s one of the great, unexpected turnaround stories in modern history: Just a decade ago, Colombia was regarded as a “failed state,” besieged by megalomaniacal drug kingpins, ruthless terrorist groups, and abominable poverty. But since 2002, it has been dramatically transformed into a far more peaceful, stable modern democracy with a promising future. Now, the man who led the transformation, former Colombian president Alvaro Uribe Velez, offers the untold story of how, at enormous personal risk, he refused to accept Colombia’s perilous status quo.

Extremely captivating, No Lost Causes reveals how President Uribe severely weakened the neo-terrorist group, the FARC, which held Colombia captive and caused the brutal murder of his father. It relates the gripping account of how President Uribe staged the daring (and bloodless) jungle rescue of Ingrid Betancourt in 2008, and eventually restored the rule of law across the country. It also explores practical lessons of hands-on management—relevant to both political and business leaders—and provides a thrilling behind-the-scenes look at newsmaking U.S. foreign affairs and never before discussed details and dealings with various world leaders.

Unlike any other presidential memoir, No Lost Causes is not only a compelling story of leadership, but an epic, heart-racing account of how bravery and hope gave a failing nation a brighter future.

Previous page
  1. Print length
    336 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Celebra
  4. Publication date
    October 2, 2012
  5. Dimensions
    6.5 x 1.25 x 9.5 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0451413814
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0451413819
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Excerpt from the WSJ book review “The Man Who Saved Colombia”

"Certain political leaders, whatever their aspirations, become overwhelmed by events they once thought they could master...Other leaders, though, meet enormous challenges with a vision and a resolve that allow them to shape events and guide the course of history...To this second group belongs Alvaro Uribe Vélez...What is most interesting about No Lost Causes...isn't so much the narrative of [Mr. Uribe's] achievements but the insights he offers into his own character and the life experiences that created it."

About the Author

Alvaro Uribe Velez was President of Colombia between 2002 and 2010. During his presidency, violence fell to the lowest levels in recent memory as the country achieved important military victories against the FARC and dismantled paramilitary groups. While Mr. Uribe was in office, Colombia also reached its highest-ever levels of investment and exports—and achieved the highest health and education coverage in the country’s history. By the end of his term, his popularity rating was above 80 percent—another modern record in Colombia.

Before becoming president, Mr. Uribe was a senator, governor of Antioquia state, and mayor of Medellin, among other positions. He holds a degree in Law and Political Science from Universidad de Antioquia and a postgraduate degree from Harvard University in Management and Administration. At Harvard, he also studied Conflict Resolution. He was a Senior Associate Member from Saint Antony’s College at Oxford University. Since leaving the presidency, Mr. Uribe has served as a visiting scholar at several universities and as vice chairman of the UN Secretary Panel of Inquiry investigating the May 2010 flotilla incident in Gaza. Nowadays, he’s a Fellow in the Bipartisan Policy Center.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Celebra (October 2, 2012)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0451413814
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0451413819
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.25 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.5 x 1.25 x 9.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 62 ratings

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Álvaro Uribe Vélez

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4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
62 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

cybermil
5.0 out of 5 stars review of "No lost causes" by Uribe
Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2012
Verified Purchase
Over the last 10 years I spent almost 2 years cumulative during my many visits to Colombia. I observed Uribe on TV many times and was impressed with his transparency and penchant for telling the truth. Although he has long speeches. The book answered a lot of questions I had regarding his actions against the FARC. I was impressed with his leadership and always wondered what motivated him to trade his life to save Colombia. I was also pleased to see he did so much to improve the social programs in Colombia.

Almost all the Colombians I met will tell you how much they love their country, and in the same conversation tell how they bought themselves out of serving in the military. Uribe in his book describes how he and a lot of his fellowmen are much different than a large percentage of the Colombian population.

The book played down some of his weak spots, in my opinion. He did mention his temper, but I saw it in action one time and for a little guy, he can sure explode!

A very good book to read about Colombia. I hope its required reading for students in Colombia and any student of political science.

On the future of Uribe, I hear he might run for a seat in the Colombian senate, but I hope he finds other ways to use his energy.

On the future of Colombia, I hope Santos gets a little more grit in dealing with the FARC. At present, I suspect if he wrote a book, it will be titled "Tiptoeing through the tulips".
2 people found this helpful
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carlos ortiz
5.0 out of 5 stars excellent book
Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2013
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The book is easy to read and best of all very informative as to the many problems Colombia has had to face both with the guerrilla and the drug lords. Yes I would recommend it to any one. Furthermore, it arrived promptly and in excellent conditions. Thanks Amazon
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Merle Hirsch
4.0 out of 5 stars No Lost Causes
Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2012
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Informative, interesting and factual, subjective but that is what is to be expected. Uribe also criticizes himself as well as praises his accomplishments.... in short, a pleasure to read and I wish there were a sequel. Colombia is a jewel of a country and may it continue to benefit and carry on with Uribe's fine work.
2 people found this helpful
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Sean & Connie
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Account of Events
Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2012
Verified Purchase
As a Colombian living in the U.S. I saw the presidency of Alvaro Uribe as the one and last hope Colombia had. I witnessed through the news the events that took place during his presidency, and this book corroborates and details those moments I followed so closely, plus other events that weren't so publicly disclosed. He is an amazing person, smart, caring, an idealist of the best kind. He doesn't dream on clouds, he sees potential in all the positives of a situation without ignoring the negatives. I will always and forever be an admirer him and of his presidency, and I continue to follow all his efforts nationally and internationally to see Colombia walk towards a better future. His book is concise, precise, and well written. The events flow nicely from one chapter to another, I couldn't put it down! Highly recommended if you are a student of Latin American social and political current events. A good lesson on strong leadership.
6 people found this helpful
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Julian Andres Gomez
5.0 out of 5 stars Looking to learn about Colombia's past and a leader's quest to bring hope to his people!
Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2015
Verified Purchase
As a fellow Colombian I enjoyed reading this book. Alvaro Uribe's story leading up to his presidency and tenacity as a leader have given Colombians hope that our country can overcome many challenges. For those looking to learn more about our struggle and how far we've come it's well worth the read! Uribe has even dedicated all the income from this book to find a non-profit university in Colombia.
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Hill Country Bob
5.0 out of 5 stars President Uribe was a blessing for Columbia for eight years
Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2013
Verified Purchase
He is the former president of Columbia, from 2002 to 2010, two four year terms. He was elected president during a period of extreme instability Columbia due to the drug gangs and terrorists pulling the country apart.

There were roads that people could not use as they were controlled by thugs. Kidnapping for money was rife and murder was much too common.

Uribe was a dedicated public servant who worked very hard to make Columbia better, and more governable. He worked with the police and armed services and strengthened and supported them in combating the druggies and FARC.

A wonderful and inspiring leader who Columbia was blessed to have as their president for eight years.
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ph wildenburg jr
5.0 out of 5 stars Colombia in my heart
Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2012
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I was born in Colombia but left at a very early age. Uribe's book gave me a great history lesson of the struggles that Colombia has experienced since gaining independence from Spain. My hats off to Alvaro Uribe for standing up to and overcoming the slow destruction of Colombia at the time. This is leadership and many ought to learn from it. Colombia today is a symbol of prosperity and arguably one of the leading economic powers in Latin America.
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Lee M. Pavao
4.0 out of 5 stars No Lost Causes
Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2013
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It is worth while read. Interesting individual who worked against enormous odds. A model for the rest of South America. Argentina
leders should take note.
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Top reviews from other countries

H Morgan
5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting, thorough and inspiring
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 16, 2015
Verified Purchase
Really excellent account of both Mr Uribe's career and the political and security situation in Colombia until relatively recently. It was a fascinating book and provided interesting insights into the daily battles he had to fight and the naysayers who said that democratic security could not be achieved. I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in this topic and also in "turn around" type of situations in other areas of life as his tenacity and tireless way of getting results despite the odds was inspiring. A copy also needs to be sent to anyone involved in the current negotiations with the FARC...
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Tim
4.0 out of 5 stars Understanding Colombia
Reviewed in Canada on July 8, 2013
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This is a good book to help outsiders really understand Colombia. I had been to Colombia 3 times in the past few years, but it wasn't until I read this book that I understood a lot of what was going on and why. Fascinating, it reads more like an adventure novel with everyone trying to kill him and all the kidnapping. Most people I talk to still think of the old Pablo Escobar Colombia. I tell them to read this book, it will educate them and they will enjoy it.
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J. Engelhart
4.0 out of 5 stars Impressive
Reviewed in Germany on February 26, 2013
Verified Purchase
When I travelled to Colombia in 2006 or 2007, many of my friends told me that this is a suicide mission. During the 4 weeks, I was often the only tourist or one of very few tourists in many places.

Often, I had the chance to talk to local people. Many of them were praising Alvaro Uribe for changing the country into a better place. My trip itself was not more dangerous than other trips I made before.

Ever since, I have been following the fortune of Colombia and was therefore quite positively surprised when I saw that Alvaro Uribve had written his Autobiography.

Of course, this is the subjective story of the guy himself, nevertheless I felt deeply impressed by the dedication (and even fanatism) with which Uribe tried to achieve a better future for the country. Despite multiple attempts to murder him, he never gave back a single inch.

Even his first presidential campaign as an independent candidate was impressive. It reminds me a little bit of Beppe Grillo, the Italian comedian which did the same thing: Just travel around and speak with people. Altthough traveling around in "pre Uribe" Colombia was comparably much more dangerous.

I am sure that he might have exagerated to a certain extent, but nevertheless this guy is in my opinion a prime example how one dedicated man can change a lot, even the fate of a whole country.

The book itself is suprisingly "dramatic", ususally with some kind of "cliff hanger" in each chapter which then gets solved in the next chapter. Sometimes it is a little bit confusing because the chapters go back and forth in history but overall it is quite easy to follow the "story".

All in all a very inspiring book especially for anyone who has some connection to Colombia.
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NAM
4.0 out of 5 stars Autobiography
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 31, 2012
Verified Purchase
A fascinating acccount of an exceptional President of Colombia's life during which he had remarkable success in improving the quality of life in the country.
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