The whole idea is to make sure the war is never over. Which is why America is now in a state of permanent war. Can't go on spending a trillion a year on 'security' and 'defense' if there's no war to rally around.

Columbia has had an insurgency war going on for 60 or so years, if not more. I don't think people think "how can we prolong this conflict, this war must not stop!" It's mainly opposition (not incumbent) forces are like that, they seldom want to give in. Look at NI or Sri Lanka. Even after peace treaties, renegades continue on.