A Study of The Life of Andres and Pablo Escobar as Depicted in The Jeff Zimbalist Movie The Two Escobar

The Two Escobars: A Tale of Infamy and Legacy

Jeff Zimbalist’s film, The Two Escobars, focuses on two of the most important figures in Colombia from the 1980s to the early 1990s. One of these men was Andres Escobar, the most famous soccer player in Colombia, who helped lead the national team to the 1994 World Cup. This was a significant achievement as it was the first time they had qualified for the tournament in 28 years. Tragically, due to his infamous "own goal" that led to the country's elimination from the World Cup, he was murdered upon his return to Colombia. The other central figure is Pablo Escobar, the leader of the Medellin Cartel, who played a pivotal role in the cocaine trafficking business, significantly contributing to its expansion into the U.S. and other parts of the world. After watching The Two Escobars, I am convinced that Pablo Escobar was indeed a criminal mastermind whose heinous crimes tarnished Colombia's image.

Escobar's Rise in the Cocaine Trafficking Business

Part of Pablo Escobar’s notoriety stems from his deep involvement in the cocaine trafficking business. In 1975, after years of committing lesser crimes as a young adult, Escobar began his venture into cocaine trafficking. His involvement led to the creation of one of the most notorious organizations in the world, the Medellin Cartel. As the head of the cartel, Escobar engaged in numerous negotiations with international mafias, including those from Italy, Russia, and the U.S., to buy and sell drugs. These dealings resulted in the cartel exporting millions of tons of cocaine globally, reaching as far as the Caribbean and Asia. The immense profits from these exports allowed Escobar and the Medellin Cartel to amass over 3 billion dollars (Pablo Escobar Tour - The Medellin Cartel, n.d.). Forbes magazine even estimated that at the height of his empire, Escobar was the seventh-richest man in the world (Forbes, n.d.). However, this extensive cocaine trafficking eventually led to international pressure for Escobar's arrest. It wasn't until the tragic cocaine-induced death of NBA rookie Len Bias that the U.S. intensified its efforts to dismantle Escobar's empire.

Involvement with Colombian Soccer and Money Laundering

Pablo Escobar’s association with Colombian soccer teams Atletico Nacional and Medellin further cemented his infamy. The substantial profits from the cartel necessitated a method to legalize their earnings, leading Escobar to turn to soccer as a means of money laundering. In this context, millions of dollars were purportedly generated through transactions between teams and ticket sales, allowing team owners to launder cartel money under the guise of legitimate earnings. This practice is a serious crime known as money laundering. According to Jeff Zimbalist’s film, due to the lucrative nature of money laundering, Escobar partnered with Atletico Nacional and Medellin. Although the influx of money improved the clubs' performance, it also brought scrutiny upon them, Escobar, and Colombia. Once the cartel collapsed and the funds ceased, those involved were charged with money laundering, and the clubs struggled to retain their star players.

Acts of Violence and Political Manipulation

During his leadership of the Medellin Cartel, Pablo Escobar orchestrated numerous violent acts against his country to eliminate threats to his operations. One such act was the assassination of Minister of Justice Lara Bonilla, who opposed Escobar’s influence in the government. Following Bonilla’s murder, presidential candidate Luis Carlos Galan was also assassinated for supporting extradition policies against drug lords. Another act of violence was the 1989 bombing of the DAS building in Bogotá, targeting the Colombian equivalent of the FBI, which was actively pursuing Escobar and his cartel. Escobar’s brutality extended to using the "Colombian necktie" as a gruesome warning to potential betrayers, demonstrating the lengths he would go to maintain control.

Political Corruption and the Fight Against Extradition

Pablo Escobar wielded his wealth and the cartel's influence to manipulate the Colombian government. When international pressure led to the implementation of extradition policies, Escobar feared being extradited to the U.S. to face trial. He famously stated, "Sooner a grave in Colombia, than a jail in the U.S." To prevent extradition, Escobar bribed judges and ministers, coercing them to abolish the treaty. The phrase "Plata o plomo," meaning "Silver or lead," epitomized his strategy of offering money or threatening violence to achieve his goals. Ultimately, the government abolished extradition, allowing Escobar to continue his criminal activities without the threat of extradition to the U.S.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Pablo Escobar

After watching The Two Escobars, I am convinced that Pablo Escobar was a ruthless drug lord who significantly damaged Colombia's reputation. He founded the Medellin Cartel, trafficked vast quantities of cocaine worldwide, and became infamous for his involvement with Colombian soccer teams. His violent acts against Colombians and manipulation of the government underscored his criminal genius. Although Escobar is dead and the Medellin Cartel has dissolved, his actions continue to reverberate through history. This is why I view Pablo Escobar as a criminal mastermind and a murderous drug lord.

References

• Pablo Escobar Tour - The Medellin Cartel. (n.d.). Retrieved from [source link]
• Forbes. (n.d.). [Specific article title]. Retrieved from [source link]