Twenty-First Century Coups d'Etat
Laura Carlsen, La Estrella, Panama - The consolidation of power through brute force represents a serious step backward for the region. How is it possible that a coup d'etat could take place and survive in the 21st century? This is the question that the international community faces after the coup d'etat that Honduras suffered on June 28.
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This step backward for the region is being supported by the US government to some degree, maybe to a large degree. As Amy Goodman reported on DemocracyNow
Although the US appears to be increasing diplomatic pressure on Honduras, questions are being raised about its vow to cut military ties. The National Catholic Reporter has revealed at least two Honduran army officers are still receiving military training in the United States. The officers are currently enrolled at the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation, known as WHINSEC, formerly known as the School of the Americas, at Fort Benning, Georgia. That’s the facility that has a long record of training Latin American military officers involved in human rights abuses. Six Honduran military officials linked to the coup have trained at Fort Benning, including the coup’s military leader, General Romeo Orlando Vásquez Velásquez.
The US has a lot to answer for in this matter.
Posted by Nancy Vining Van Ness | July 23, 2009 6:31 PM