Dictators, drugs, discord - Latin America and the USA (2/3) | DW Documentary

Key Concepts

• Sandinista Revolution (Nicaragua): A socialist revolution aiming for social equality through literacy campaigns and agricultural reform.
• Reagan Doctrine: US foreign policy under Ronald Reagan focused on opposing communist governments through support for anti-communist movements.
• Contras: Anti-Sandinista rebel groups in Nicaragua, funded and supported by the US.
• Noriega Regime (Panama): A corrupt dictatorship in Panama with ties to drug trafficking and the CIA.
• Operation Just Cause: The US invasion of Panama to remove Manuel Noriega from power.
• Pinocha Dictatorship (Chile): A military dictatorship in Chile that transitioned towards democracy through a referendum.
• Karakazo (Venezuela): Violent protests in Venezuela in 1989 triggered by economic austerity measures.
• Hugo Chávez: A Venezuelan army officer who attempted a coup in 1992 and later became President.
• IMF Structural Adjustment: Economic policies imposed by the International Monetary Fund, often involving privatization and austerity.

The Shifting Sands of Central and South American Politics (1979-1992)

I. The Sandinista Revolution and US Intervention in Nicaragua

In July 1979, the Sandinista rebels, aided by Cuba and Panama, overthrew the decades-long dictatorship of Anastasio Somoza in Nicaragua. The new Sandinista government prioritized social reform, particularly literacy, launching a campaign that mobilized young people to teach reading and writing in rural areas. A participant recalls the transformative experience of her sister living with a farming family while participating in the campaign. However, this initial hope for a new Nicaragua was soon challenged by the incoming administration of US President Ronald Reagan in 1981.

Reagan, seeking to distance himself from Jimmy Carter’s perceived leniency towards left-wing regimes, adopted a staunchly anti-communist stance. He viewed the Sandinistas’ alignment with Cuba and the Soviet Union as a threat, stating, “We have to help the people of Nicaragua get rid of this dictatorship.” This led to the implementation of the Reagan Doctrine, which involved supporting anti-communist forces globally. In Nicaragua, this translated into funding and arming the Contras, a counterrevolutionary militia composed largely of former members of Somoza’s National Guard. The US invested at least $500 million in supporting the Contras, alongside CIA operations targeting Nicaraguan infrastructure like fuel depots and airfields.

The Sandinistas, forced to prioritize defense, reduced social spending, and the US trade embargo severely damaged the Nicaraguan economy. Agricultural reform, intended to address vast land inequality, proved problematic. It focused on state-owned enterprises rather than individual land ownership, alienating the peasantry who desired their own plots. This discontent fueled support for the Contras, described as “the largest peasant army in the history of Latin America.”

II. Panama Under Noriega and US Intervention

While Nicaragua became a focal point of Cold War tensions, Panama also experienced significant upheaval. General Omar Torrijos, who had negotiated the return of the Panama Canal to Panama, died in a plane crash in 1981. Some believe this was a deliberate act orchestrated by the Reagan administration, with one source stating, “Torios was murdered by the Reagan administration. That wasn't an accident.”

Torrijos was replaced by General Manuel Noriega, the former head of Panama’s intelligence service. Noriega, described as “evil, malicious, and ugly,” had a long-standing relationship with the CIA, dating back to his youth. However, he also maintained ties with Cuba and left-wing regimes, making him a complex and controversial figure. He was known for his ruthlessness and corruption, with one observer noting, “He was the only man in Central America who couldn't be bought, only rented.”

Noriega’s involvement in drug trafficking became increasingly apparent, particularly his protection of the Colombian cartels. Dr. Hugo Spataphora, a vocal critic of Noriega, gathered evidence of his drug trafficking activities and publicly denounced him. His outspoken opposition led to his murder, prompting his brother to peacefully occupy the United Nations headquarters in Panama to demand an investigation. This ultimately led to Senator Jesse Helms initiating hearings in the US Congress, uncovering Noriega’s extensive criminal activities. Helms stated, “There’s no question about Mr. Noriega being the head of the biggest drug trafficking operation in the Western Hemisphere.”

In 1988, Noriega was indicted on drug trafficking charges by a US attorney in Miami, a decision made without prior consultation with the President. Negotiations for Noriega’s resignation in exchange for the removal of the indictments failed when his officers threatened to kill him if he surrendered. This led to Operation Just Cause in December 1989, a US invasion of Panama to remove Noriega from power. The invasion, while successful in removing Noriega, was criticized for its brutality, with one observer stating, “The brutality of it outraged me.”

III. Chile’s Transition to Democracy

While the US focused on Nicaragua and Panama, Chile also underwent a significant political shift. General Augusto Pinochet had ruled Chile with an iron fist since the 1973 military coup. However, by the late 1980s, opposition to his regime was growing. The US, under a new doctrine emphasizing pro-democracy forces, began to support the Chilean opposition. The appointment of Harry Barnes as US ambassador was considered a key decision in this shift.

In 1988, Pinochet held a referendum to consolidate his power. However, the death of two students at the hands of the military shortly before the referendum, and Barnes’s active support for the “No” campaign, including the establishment of the Endowment for Democracy, significantly impacted the outcome. The “No” campaign focused on confronting the pervasive fear within Chilean society. On the night of the referendum, a power outage occurred during the vote count, creating tension and uncertainty. When power was restored, the “No” vote was declared the winner. The commander-in-chief of the air force announced the result, signaling the end of Pinochet’s rule.

IV. The Rise of Chávez in Venezuela

The end of the Cold War brought democratic transitions to many Latin American countries, including Nicaragua. However, Venezuela, despite being a stable democracy and US ally, faced economic crisis in the late 1980s. President Carlos Andrés Pérez inherited a bankrupt nation and implemented austerity measures dictated by the IMF, including privatization and increased gasoline prices.

These measures sparked the “Karakazo” protests in 1989, violent demonstrations triggered by the increase in gas prices. The government’s brutal response, involving the deployment of the army and resulting in numerous fatalities, marked a turning point. Hugo Chávez, a charismatic army paratrooper, emerged as a leader in the aftermath of the protests, attempting a coup in 1992. Although the coup failed, Chávez’s public address during his surrender garnered him widespread popularity. He was imprisoned but later pardoned by President Caldera, a decision described as a “big mistake.”

Conclusion

The period between 1979 and 1992 witnessed a complex interplay of Cold War politics, US intervention, and internal struggles for democracy and social justice in Central and South America. The Sandinista Revolution, the conflicts in Nicaragua and Panama, Chile’s transition to democracy, and the rise of Hugo Chávez all demonstrate the profound impact of external forces and internal dynamics on the region’s political landscape. The era highlighted the limitations of US foreign policy, the complexities of economic reform, and the enduring power of popular movements in shaping the destinies of nations. The events underscored a recurring theme: the United States, as one observer noted, “doesn’t have permanent friends, they have permanent interests.”