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There is no way to measure the strength of popular support for the insurgents, but in light of the fact that they espouse programs well oriented to the interests of the general population and have been able to maintain an insurgency without significant external aid, and that the army response has been a war against virtually the entire rural popula-
tion, the rebel claim to be a "main opposition" would appear to be stronger than that of Arturo Cruz and his upper-class Nicaraguan associates.

Word:

against

Question:

Why does the ability to maintain an insurgency without significant external aid contribute to the insurgents' claim to be the "main opposition"?

Answer (optional):

The ability to maintain an insurgency without significant external aid contributes to the insurgents' claim to be the "main opposition" because it suggests they have a strong base of popular support. The fact that they can maintain their insurgency without external aid implies that they are well-organized and capable of effectively representing the large, impoverished population of Guatemala. Additionally, the insurgents' programs are oriented towards the interests of the general population, which further supports their claim to be a "main opposition" force.