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Should Obama, If Elected, Make a Clean Break With Bush's Latin America Policy?

Written by Mark Weisbrot Tuesday, 19 August 2008

“In the last decade political change has swept across most of Latin America. Much of the region - including the majority of South America - is now run by left governments. These governments have also become much more independent of the United States - in their foreign policy they are more independent than Europe is. Washington's dream of a hemispheric "Free Trade Area of the Americas" is now dead and buried. The attempt to replace this with bilateral "free trade" agreements is losing steam every day.

Much of this is a result of the democratic choices of the Latin American electorate. In country after country - Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela - voters rejected the "Washington Consensus" economic policies after more than two decades of unprecedented economic failure. Similarly, by popular demand, the government of Ecuador has announced that the Washington's most prominent military base in the region will close when its lease expires in 2009.

The Administration's reaction to this new Latin American reality has been characterized by denial and hostility. It supported military coups in Venezuela (2002) and Haiti (2004). It has funded opposition groups in countries such as Bolivia and Venezuela, provoking further friction. The United States has clearly been a destabilizing force in the region, undermining democracy.

The Bush Administration has tried to divide the left-of-center democracies into "good left" (Brazil and Chile) versus "bad left" (Venezuela, Bolivia, Ecuador, and sometimes Argentina). The goal has been to isolate the "bad left," especially Venezuela. But this is a fantasy-based foreign policy.

Brazil's President Lula da Silva, for example, of the "good left" has consistently defended Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez against Washington's attacks, and joined with Venezuela in its major initiatives such as the Bank of the South. Brazil has also recently stepped up its commitment to Cuba, a country with which Lula's Worker's Party has long had ties - more deeply rooted historically, in fact, than Chavez of Venezuela. Cuba is another example of failed U.S. policy toward Latin America. Washington has maintained an economic embargo and other hostilities against Cuba for nearly half a century. This has succeeded only in winning condemnation from the rest of the world, expressed in many overwhelming votes in the United Nations, and sowing more distrust in Latin America.

The "divide and conquer," Cold War strategy in Latin America has only succeeded in further reducing Washington's standing in the region, which is now lower than it has ever been.

Obama would have a chance to make a fresh start. But would he? So far there has been little indication that he would.

He has adopted some of the same hostile rhetoric toward Venezuela, pledged to maintain the embargo on Cuba, and even showed support for Colombia's March 1 raid into Ecuador. This was a violation of sovereignty and a dangerous regionalization of Colombia's conflict - supported by the Bush Administration -- that was publicly rejected by nearly every government in the hemisphere.

Against these statements, Obama's expressed willingness to possibly meet with Hugo Chavez and Raul Castro do not offer much cause for optimism, and indeed there is not much hope for change among Latin American diplomats here in Washington.

Of course, Latin American governments are sophisticated enough to know that U.S. presidential campaign rhetoric is oriented to right-wing Cuban Americans in South Florida. Indeed, if there were 800,000 American voters who believed that Elvis Presley were still alive, and they were concentrated in one swing state with 27 electoral votes, we might expect to hear some campaign speeches accommodating these eccentric views.

So maybe Obama is just kidding when he adopts the Bush Administration's rhetoric and policy stances on Latin America. For now, at least, that is the best hope we can hold on to.
Mark Weisbrot is Co-Director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research, in Washington, D.C. (www.cepr.net).

This op-ed was distributed by McClatchy Tribune Information Services on August 12, 2008 and published in the Kansas City Star and other newspapers.
http://upsidedownworld.org/main/content/view/1432/68/

By Dolfi on Aug 20, 2008, 07:20 in Politics & the war.

briarblue says on Aug 20, 2008, 08:17:

I have a question---what would be the political ideology of the UpsideDown World? Would I find a theme or political ideology if I were to explore their articles/opinions? Or maybe they don't have one.....maybe they are just journalists who merely report news?

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Desideria (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Aug 20, 2008, 09:34:

Upside Down World is an online magazine covering activism and politics in Latin America. Founded in 2003, it is made up of work from writers, activists, artists and regular citizens from around the globe who are interested in flipping the world upside down...or right side up.

"Upside Down World provides concerned global citizens with independent reporting on Latin American social movements and governments that have refused to prostrate themselves to the interests of corporate globalization, and instead have focused their work on addressing the needs of the people. While corporate media often distorts or overlooks this progressive, regional trend, we seek to provide an alternative resource for information about the achievements and challenges of these people-powered movements."
(From upsidedownworld.org site)

A fronte praecipitium a tergo lupi

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romy says on Aug 20, 2008, 09:37:

OH OH OH OH!!

I have a great theme song for Upside Down World

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miamimike says on Aug 20, 2008, 10:20:

LOL, Otherwise then Colombia(presently an ally whose allegiance has been greased with megabux $$$ help via plan colombia) there is NO need to break with the present plan on LA. Why you ask? Because, otherwise the Col, there is and has been NO plan in LA with the Bush Adm. His Priority has been Iraq and our other relations worldwide have suffered. The Current crisis in georgia is but one glaring example. We are pinned down in Iraq, our Army broken and unable to respond and Putin is having a good laugh as he can act with impunity,,,

oh, in Cuba several years ago he(bush) at the urging of the right wingnut miami congresspeople, he tightened the screws on family visits and remittances, nothing was done to stem illegal immigration from Cuba and we suffer daily in Miami for it!

Bésame, bésame mucho Como si fuera esta noche La última vez Bésame, bésame mucho Que tengo miedo a perderte Perderte después Bésame, bésame mucho Como si fuera esta noche La última vez Bésame, bésame mucho Que tengo miedo a perderte Perderte de

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Tinto (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Aug 20, 2008, 10:29:

Anytime a politician or opinion piece author uses the word "clearly" it's usually followed by a lie or a disputed set of facts.

I wanted access to health care, housing and education, but, no, I get potholes, trash and silicone tits instead. -Desi.

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dwmte7 says on Aug 20, 2008, 10:44:

mike...i'm not sure there's a clear plan now...call it whatever. same shit, different day. the amount of drugs entering the u.s. since p.colombia has doubled or tripled and no sign of turn down anytime soon. they might as well scrap the no plan plan that's not working and try something else.

morphus, if the bad guys didn't have their playgrounds, where would we go to play?

patriarch

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dwmte7 says on Aug 20, 2008, 10:54:

well, personally, i don't think the ones drawing up the plans or those implementing them are thinking much along moral lines.

patriarch

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quantum says on Aug 20, 2008, 16:21:

Me either dw, in fact Im convinced of it. In any case, the closer O´bama gets to the Casa Blanca, the more status quo becomes his policy views. Dont expect any great significant changes from him. The people that will run O´bama dont come and go with the tide. They are very established and focused and consistent in their operations and manipulations. It will be very interesting to see the fireworks that surround the DNC. that is, if the controlled media allows it to be shown. Once again, we will probably have to resort to the internet for accurate reporting..........

quantum

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eywed says on Aug 20, 2008, 22:28:

Big If ! Let us hope and pray that McCain wins.

Ay Hombe!!!!!

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dwmte7 says on Aug 21, 2008, 05:24:

any good man has to sympathize with the presidents...they should have all the tail they need/want. it's natural. and i can't speak for others, but for myself, i'm at the top of my game after a nice tumble in the hay. i can't imagine them being any different.

it's the hypocrits who criticize and chastize and point fingers at someone who's getting laid and deny their own (secret) activities. thus the demise of gengrich.

patriarch

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romy says on Aug 21, 2008, 05:52:

really... I wonder the influence that had on the longevity of the Chinese Empire?

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billyb says on Aug 21, 2008, 06:35:

"Chinese emperors used to get 3 virgins a day"

jajaj, so that's what brings gringos to Medellin, they want to try and live like chinese emperors.

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

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sanandressi says on Aug 21, 2008, 07:47:

A vote for Obama is a vote for Pastrana or Ingrid in Colombia and a vote for McCain is a vote for Uribe. It is what it is.....

It was reported that on Raul Reye's computers were interchanages between Hugo Chavez, Correa of Ecuador and Las Farc in which they were saying that "...Obama is one of us..."

I am voting for McCain.....your choice and your vote.....''''

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turnmeon (☼Travelguide writer) says on Aug 21, 2008, 08:03:

vote for pedro?

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dwmte7 says on Aug 21, 2008, 08:14:

i hear there was also comments that they liked the beatle's music. sooooo

patriarch

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Chriscan (☼Travelguide writer) says on Aug 21, 2008, 11:42:

Clombia is the only country where the U.S has made a positive cantribution in Latin America. Most Countries have seen their elected leaders overthrown in favour of dictators. Basically the U.S is the bully that beats you up and steals your lunch money. It's no wonder that countries are starting to refuse dinner invitations.

Beam me up Scotty; No intelligent life here.

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sanandressi says on Aug 21, 2008, 11:57:

latin america has a history of going left then right and then left and then right because the POOR stay POOR!

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sanandressi says on Aug 21, 2008, 11:57:

latin america has a history of going left then right and then left and then right because the POOR stay POOR!

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romy says on Aug 21, 2008, 12:46:

The FARC supported Obama??? when were these documents reported (made up)?

Were their beetles tracks legit itunes downloads or did FARC get into the P2P action?

do paras support McCain?

I'm confused with all this information...disinformation...

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dwmte7 says on Aug 21, 2008, 13:30:

i confess, romy.....i made up the beetles drivel to make jest of the bullshit about obama.

patriarch

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romy says on Aug 21, 2008, 13:36:

no shit... the other stuff as well... and anything else that presumably came out of that computer

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dwmte7 says on Aug 21, 2008, 14:50:

did they note his visits to X rated sites? curious.

all these rovesque attacks against obama are the glitter that covers the hypocrital faces of those closed minded conservatives who do not practice what they preach. change of the status quo is not important, it's imparative if this nation as we know and love it is to survive. it's been held captive by liars and thieves for so long, it's survival is truly in question. more of the last many years will be like a death rattle, not a birth pang. all this talk of winning wars instead of ending them should shine the light on intent for those with eyes that see.

to continue these failed policies any longer is tantamount to a blind man trading his eyes for sight. our constitution is in danger at the hands of the likes which inhabit the marble halls of washington and must be wrestled out of their devious, decietful hands and returned to it's throne, pristine.

patriarch

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romy says on Aug 21, 2008, 15:50:

"dead wrong" spoken like the truest most Godly conservative...

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quantum says on Aug 21, 2008, 17:38:

I wish both parties would just disappear, cuz they have "clearly" (be careful when u use that word) both been compromised at the highest levels. If were gonna save the U.S. and the Constitution, its gonna have to be a grass roots ground swell phenomena. Cuz its definately not gonna be initiated at leadership levels of either corrupt big party. McCain, McShame, O´bama, O´shama. It really wont make any significant diffeernce cuz the controllers are working both sides of the fence and u just dont get there without their stamp of approval. Time for a Boston Tea Party......

quantum

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billyb says on Aug 21, 2008, 17:43:

"I wish both parties would just disappear,"

I would have no problem that.

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

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juli says on Aug 22, 2008, 05:34:

The Amero.

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quantum says on Aug 22, 2008, 07:28:

Whats the point there juli? What do u want to say about the globalists intended new currency for the North American Union?

quantum

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tasco66 says on Aug 22, 2008, 07:33:

Next U.S. President Unlikely to Alter U.S. Latin America Policy

By Eric Green

The next U.S. administration, whether led by Democrat Barack Obama or Republican John McCain, will offer continuity in American policy toward Latin America and the Caribbean, State Department official Charles Shapiro tells America.gov.

Shapiro, State's senior coordinator for the Western Hemisphere Affairs Free Trade Task Force, said the U.S. vision for the region will remain one of "more prosperous, stable countries, with inclusive, representative democracies with open economies delivering the benefits of good governance to their citizens."

That vision for the Americas is a consistent, historical U.S. goal, and will remain important for the next administration, which takes office January 20, 2009, Shapiro told America.gov at the August 17-19 Americas Competitiveness Forum in Atlanta.

Shapiro said every new U.S. administration reviews American policy around the world, and "obviously there will be some changes" in that policy "depending on who gets elected, and who's appointed the next secretary of state."

The new administration will make "changes in nuance and emphasis but I'm confident that the broad shape of U.S. policy toward Latin America and the Caribbean will remain within the parameters" followed by previous American presidents over the last 30 years, he said.

Asked to respond to criticism that the U.S. government is disinterested in Latin America and the Caribbean, Shapiro said the region is "my top priority. It's what I work on every day of the week all around the year and it's a place that we have received tremendous support" from Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and President Bush.

Emphasizing that point, Shapiro said Bush has visited Latin America "more than any other president of the United States in the history of our nation."

In addition, Shapiro said, U.S. free-trade agreements negotiated with such countries as Peru, Colombia and Panama are the Bush administration's way to help them achieve "additional growth and thereby create jobs ... reduce poverty, and move their countries forward."

Regarding any potential U.S. free-trade agreement with Venezuela, Shapiro said Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez already has spoken out against trade pacts with the United States.

"I don't see any interest" on Venezuela's part for a free-trade agreement, especially since "Venezuela's Number 1 export - petroleum - already enters the United States duty-free," Shapiro said.

He added that Venezuela is a major trading partner of the United States and "we have long and historic ties with the nation and the people of Venezuela. A large number of Americans live there and a large number of Venezuelans live" in the United States.

The trouble with free elections is, you never know who is going to win (Leonid Brezhnev)

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pobrecito says on Aug 22, 2008, 08:26:

sanandressi wrote: "A vote for Obama is a vote for Pastrana or Ingrid in Colombia and a vote for McCain is a vote for Uribe. It is what it is.....

It was reported that on Raul Reye's computers were interchanages between Hugo Chavez, Correa of Ecuador and Las Farc in which they were saying that "...Obama is one of us..."

I am voting for McCain.....your choice and your vote.....''''"

As Chomsky said some months ago, the smear campaign machine of the Republicans is en route. They will stick at nothing. And it is only the beginning ...

No mas Tasco66 !

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dwmte7 says on Aug 22, 2008, 10:05:

no body said it better than old karl himself..."when you can't prove rove did it, rove did it."

when it comes to election rigging/cheating/stuffing, they just drag ole doc strangelove outta the basement of the pentagon and put him to work.

tom...it's not that they don't, nor wont....it's that they're not good at it. it takes skill, and the republicans have a corner on that.

patriarch

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poco says on Aug 22, 2008, 11:14:

Something never to do in Colombia is preach or give out opinions.

Being asked is something else. Several Colombians have asked me who will be president.

My answer is == who knows but McCain will be better for Colombia.

The sell out on the Colombian FTA to appease a block of ignorant Union Workers was enough to convince me the Democrats / Obama have almost zero interest in helping Colombia.

Colombian Chickens are crowing about the new President of the U.S. who will assure that From each according to their ability to each according to their need.

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goin_south says on Aug 22, 2008, 16:20:

If obama drama is elected?
LET'S NOT JUMP THE GUN, JUST YET.

You know how many regular average citizens in Amerca who say they are gonna vote for Obama are gonna switch as soon as the curtain is closed???

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poco says on Aug 22, 2008, 19:54:

Quote: You know how many regular average citizens in Amerca who say they are gonna vote for Obama are gonna switch as soon as the curtain is closed???
=========

Really,, think so ? I thought it would be hanging chads ?

Colombian Chickens are crowing about the new President of the U.S. who will assure that From each according to their ability to each according to their need.

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goin_south says on Aug 22, 2008, 22:40:

Chads?

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dwmte7 says on Aug 23, 2008, 06:13:

have you forgot so soon, southbound, how the rightious right stole the election?

patriarch

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dwmte7 says on Aug 23, 2008, 07:44:

aw, common, tom, do i sound like an old bitch?

patriarch

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dwmte7 says on Aug 23, 2008, 10:10:

you are right about the chads and the supreme court...unfortunately, the supreme court has no jurisdiction over elections. new precedence.

patriarch

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goin_south says on Aug 23, 2008, 11:35:

I'm sure Obama's clans are moving to make sure all the poor are signed up to vote and will be running buses to get 'm to the polls.

LOOK! I'm neither here nor there, politically speaking... both sides are corrupt as can be.
Take the issue about the houses (my dad was relating this to me yesterday), Obama asking the other guy 'if he owns a house, and where'?.... and, McCain didn't really know. But, then Obama being exposed for buying a mansion in DC, and the guy who financed it for him is now BEHIND BARS for corruption's sake in some manner.

Who's got time for this craziness???

We live in the land of REGULATION, TAXATION, AND CORRUPTION.

But,... if you can keep the pace of life at an ebb.... it's still a pretty good place to live. Just ask the millions trying to get in (in comparison, with where they are coming from!)

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