Unless the government takes moreresolute steps to curb the paramilitaries as well as the guerrillas, the United States' Congress may yet decide that American money is better spent elsewhere.
More optimistic souls hope Mr Bush is keeping his options open, and leaving room for a sudden conversion to greenery late in his tenure, should public pressure for moreresolute action continue to grow.
But, he explained to his Chinese host, he was calling elections to assure himself of a more disciplined and resolute following as he reformed his country.