Argentina leader announces controversial armed forces reform

In this photo released by Argentina’s presidential press office, Argentina’s President Mauricio Macri, front right, walks with Defense Minister Oscar Raul Aguad at a military headquarters on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, July 23, 2018. Macri said Monday he’s removing a ban on military involvement in fighting crime, terrorist threats and other internal security issues. Argentina’s current defense doctrine was adopted with the country’s 1976-1983 military dictatorship in mind. (Argentina’s presidential press office via AP) (Associated Press)

By Debora Rey?|?AP
July 23 at 5:45 PM

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — In a radical reform of Argentina’s defense doctrine, President Mauricio Macri said Monday he is removing a ban on military involvement in fighting crime, terrorist threats and other internal security issues.

Macri said he will modify a 2006 decree that limited the armed forces to defense against attacks by another country.

. . .

“We need armed forces that are capable of facing the challenges of the 21st century, but we have an outdated defense system, the product of years of underinvestment and the absence of a long-term policy.”

Argentina’s current defense doctrine was adopted with the country’s 1976-1983 military dictatorship in mind. Human rights groups estimate up to 30,000 people were kidnapped, tortured or killed during that period.

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https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/argentina-leader-announces-controversial-armed-forces-reform/2018/07/23/99b67516-8eab-11e8-ae59-01880eac5f1d_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.03e59f7f0671