Castro’s Historic Initiative

First of all, it’s essential to recognize the courage of this articulation. For at least six months, Castro has been working behind the scenes to convince the American government to classify Red Command as a terrorist organization. In this sense, it’s not about empty political discourse, but concrete and strategic action.

Additionally, the mobilization has support from other right-wing governors, showing there’s finally coordination among leaders willing to face the problem head-on. Consequently, it’s no longer an isolated politician, but an articulated movement with a clear objective.

The Model: Sanctions Similar to International Cartels

On the other hand, the proposal follows successful precedents. In this context, the United States already applies devastating economic sanctions against cartels like Mexico’s Los Zetas and Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua. Therefore, Castro simply seeks the same treatment for Red Command.

Consequently, this means blocking bank accounts, seizing international assets, preventing financial transactions, and restrictions on those who collaborate with the organization. That is, attacking where it really hurts: the faction’s wallet.

Why Wasn’t This Done Before? The Criminal Omission

Decades of Pretending the Problem Didn’t Exist

First, the question that won’t be silenced: why did it take so long? Red Command has existed since 1979 – that’s 46 years of criminal activity. During all this time, successive governments simply ignored the escalation of organized crime.

Consequently, while politicians made generic speeches about “fighting violence,” factions consolidated territories, accumulated arsenals, and built financial empires. Therefore, omission wasn’t just incompetence – it was complicity through inaction.

Red Command Has Been Terrorism for Decades

Additionally, let’s look at objective facts. Red Command controls territories, possesses military weaponry, promotes systematic violence, finances itself through international trafficking, and uses terror to dominate populations. In this sense, if this isn’t terrorism, what would be?

On the other hand, Mexican and Venezuelan cartels received terrorist classification with much less history than Red Command. Consequently, Brazil’s delay in seeking this classification is absolutely inexplicable – or explainable only by political connivance.

What Changes With Terrorist Classification?

Devastating Economic Sanctions

First, American recognition as a terrorist organization triggers an arsenal of financial measures. In this context, any bank account, company, or property linked to Red Command in American territory or the international financial system would be automatically blocked.

Additionally, banks and companies that, even involuntarily, facilitate Red Command transactions would face severe punishments. Consequently, this would create enormous pressure on the entire financial ecosystem that sustains the faction.

Amplified International Cooperation

On the other hand, classification as terrorism transforms international cooperation. In this sense, US-allied countries would be obligated to share intelligence, block assets, and extradite organization members.

Therefore, Red Command would no longer have “safe havens” in neighboring countries. Consequently, the faction’s international operations would become exponentially more difficult and risky.

American Technology and Intelligence

Moreover, terrorist classification releases access to American intelligence tools. For example, NSA, CIA, and FBI could dedicate significant resources to tracking Red Command. In this sense, the same technology used against Al-Qaeda would be directed against Brazilian factions.

Consequently, encrypted communications, obscure financial movements, and Red Command’s international networks would become much more vulnerable. That is, overwhelming technological advantage against organized crime.

The Precedents: Los Zetas and Tren de Aragua

The Los Zetas Case: Devastated Mexican Cartel

First, let’s look at the Mexican precedent. When Los Zetas was classified as a terrorist organization, its international operations were practically destroyed. In this context, billions of dollars were seized, leaders were extradited, and the financial network collapsed.

Consequently, although it didn’t completely eliminate the cartel, sanctions drastically reduced its operational capacity. Therefore, the model works and produces concrete results.

Tren de Aragua: Venezuela Exports Crime

Additionally, the Venezuelan case is even more relevant for Brazil. Tren de Aragua, a faction born in Venezuela, expanded to neighboring countries exactly like Red Command. On the other hand, American classification as terrorism allowed regional coordination to combat it.

Therefore, if it worked against a Venezuelan organization with international ramifications, there’s no reason it wouldn’t work against a Brazilian faction with similar operational pattern. Consequently, the precedent is not only valid but directly applicable.

The Political Cowardice of the Past

Governments That Preferred to Pretend Normality

First, it’s necessary to name the elephant in the room. For decades, federal and state governments preferred to pretend the organized crime problem was a “social issue” or “lack of opportunities.” In this sense, while they discoursed about causes, factions armed private armies.

For example, how many times did we hear the solution was “more education and health”? Of course they’re important, but meanwhile, Red Command accumulated rifles, machine guns, and even anti-aircraft weaponry. Consequently, naive (or purposeful) idealism allowed unchecked growth.

Fear of “Internationalizing” the Problem

Additionally, there was always silly nationalist resistance to seeking international help. In this context, politicians argued that “Brazil solves Brazilian problems.” On the other hand, while maintaining this foolish pride, factions operated internationally without obstacles.

Consequently, Red Command today has operations in multiple countries, launders money globally, and buys weapons on the international market. Therefore, the “Brazilian problem” long ago became a regional threat, but politicians continued pretending sovereignty while losing control.

Why Did Castro Succeed Where Others Failed?

Political Courage at the Right Moment

First, it’s necessary to recognize that Castro demonstrated courage that predecessors lacked. In this sense, confronting organized crime this way attracts retaliation, threats, and intense political pressure. However, the governor moved forward.

Additionally, political timing helped. With recent operations showing Red Command’s war power, public opinion finally woke up to the gravity. Consequently, there was favorable political environment for drastic measures.

Coordination Among Right-Wing Governors

On the other hand, a crucial factor was articulation with other governors. In this context, it’s no longer an isolated voice, but coordinated movement of regional leaders. Therefore, pressure on federal government and international community multiplies.

Moreover, right-wing governors demonstrated being less bound by ideological ties that prevented action in the past. Consequently, pragmatism won over ineffective idealism.

Expected Obstacles and Resistances

Predictable Left Has Already Started Criticizing

First, as expected, sectors of the left already attack the initiative. In this context, they argue about “national sovereignty,” “militarization,” and other worn-out excuses. On the other hand, these are the same ones who for decades did nothing while Red Command grew.

Consequently, criticisms should be seen for what they are: attempt to protect status quo that politically benefits some groups. Therefore, ideological resistance should be ignored in favor of practical results.

Bureaucracy and Diplomacy

Additionally, the process of convincing Americans is complex and time-consuming. In this sense, it requires presenting evidence, diplomatic articulation, and overcoming bureaucratic resistances. On the other hand, Castro has been working on this for six months, showing seriousness.

Therefore, there won’t be immediate results, but the foundation is being built. Consequently, strategic patience is necessary, but the direction is correct.

What Should Brazilians Do?

Publicly Support the Initiative

First, citizens who want real security need to publicly support this mobilization. In this sense, popular pressure on federal and American governments accelerates the process. Additionally, it demonstrates there’s real social demand for effective measures.

On the other hand, society’s silence allows political resistances to bury the initiative. Consequently, each Brazilian who cares needs to speak up.

Demand Federal Government Action

Moreover, the federal government needs to be pressured to officially support the mobilization. In this context, the Foreign Ministry should be actively engaged in convincing Washington. However, so far, deafening silence.

Therefore, citizens should question: why isn’t the federal government leading this initiative? Consequently, omission needs to be exposed and publicly criticized.

Real Impact on the Streets

Financial Asphyxiation of Red Command

First, the most important effect would be financial strangulation of the faction. In this sense, with internationally blocked assets, capacity to buy weapons, bribe authorities, and finance operations would decrease drastically.

Consequently, although it wouldn’t eliminate Red Command instantly, it would make operations much more difficult and costly. Therefore, impact would be felt gradually but increasingly.

Demotivation of Recruits

Additionally, terrorist classification carries psychological weight. In this context, young people considering joining the faction would perceive they’re not just in a local criminal organization, but in an international terrorist group.

Therefore, potential consequences – extradition, American federal prisons, international persecution – would function as additional deterrent. Consequently, flow of new members could decrease.

Lessons from Past Omissions

The Price of Inaction

First, we need to learn from lost decades. In this sense, each year of omission allowed Red Command to consolidate more, become richer and more armed. Consequently, a problem that could have been contained in the 80s or 90s became a threat of unimaginable proportions.

On the other hand, this demonstrates the brutal cost of naive idealism versus necessary pragmatism. Therefore, future generations must understand: omission isn’t neutral – it’s a choice that has devastating consequences.

Political Courage Is Rare and Valuable

Additionally, Castro’s initiative demonstrates how individual political courage can change trajectories. In this sense, while most prefer empty speeches and palliative measures, some leaders are willing to make difficult decisions.

Consequently, the electorate needs to value and reward those who demonstrate this courage. Therefore, in next elections, Brazilians should remember who acted and who only talked.

International Comparison: Brazil Is Behind

Colombia Faced FARC Decades Ago

First, it’s worth observing that neighboring countries already faced similar problems more effectively. For example, Colombia classified FARC as terrorism and sought international cooperation decades ago. In this sense, although the process was long and painful, it produced results.

On the other hand, Brazil preferred to pretend the problem was incomparable. Consequently, while Colombians acted, Brazilians discoursed. Therefore, we’re at least 20 years behind in recognizing reality.

Mexico Acted Late, But Acted

Additionally, even Mexico – a country frequently criticized for corruption – eventually sought terrorist classification for cartels. In this context, they recognized the problem transcended national capacity and needed American help.

Consequently, even with all Mexican problems, they demonstrated more pragmatism than Brazil. Therefore, there’s no excuse for Brazilian omission – only lack of political will.

The Moment Is Now

Political Opportunity Window

First, there’s a rare confluence of favorable factors. In this sense, recent operations exposed Red Command’s reality to the population, there are governors willing to act, and public opinion is receptive.

On the other hand, political windows close quickly. Consequently, if we don’t seize the current moment, it could take years until a new opportunity arises. Therefore, pressure needs to be maintained and amplified now.

Each Lost Day Is Crime’s Victory

Additionally, each day of delay allows Red Command to consolidate even more power. In this context, while we debate and bureaucracies stall, the faction continues operating, arming itself, and expanding.

Consequently, urgency isn’t rhetoric – it’s operational reality. Therefore, society needs to demand speed and not accept bureaucratic delays as excuse for inaction.

Conclusion: Finally, Real Action

In summary, Cláudio Castro’s initiative finally represents the attitude that should have been taken decades ago. First, it demonstrates it’s possible to act concretely against organized crime instead of just discoursing.

On the other hand, it brutally exposes the cowardice and omission of previous governments. In this sense, the question remains: why did it take 46 years since Red Command’s founding for someone to take this obvious measure?

Consequently, while we celebrate the current initiative, we can’t forget lost decades. Therefore, support for Castro must come accompanied by relentless criticism of those who did nothing during all this time.

Moreover, this isn’t just about Rio de Janeiro or Red Command. Actually, it’s about establishing precedent: will Brazil finally act pragmatically against organized crime, or continue trapped in ideologies that proved completely ineffective?

Therefore, each Brazilian who wants real security needs to support this mobilization. At the same time, they must demand the federal government do its part. Consequently, popular pressure is absolutely essential for success.

What about you? Will you support an initiative that can finally change the game against factions? Or will you side with those who for decades pretended the problem would solve itself with empty speeches?

Want to follow developments of this historic mobilization and demand results? Keep following analyses that aren’t afraid to point out both successes and omissions. After all, public security requires action, not discourse!