Latin fears about US plans to open bases in Colombia

Source: Sydney Morning Herald

Latin fears about US plans to open bases in Colombia

http://images.smh.com.au.nyud.net:8090/2009/08/07/669919/420mask-420x0.jpg

Continental angst . . . a woman wears a mask that reads "Get
out, Uribe" at a protest against the US military presence in
Colombia. Photo: AP

Richard Reynolds in Buenos Aires
August 8, 2009
THE decision by the United States to reactivate a big military presence in Latin America has caused consternation in the continent, stirring memories of its interventionist history in the region.

The head of Colombia's military, General Freddy Padilla, has confirmed the US will open three new US bases in his country and be granted access to four other military facilities, marking the biggest US military build-up on the continent in 40 years.

Army, air force and navy facilities will all potentially have a US military presence by the end of the year. The US has also reconstituted its navy's Fourth Fleet, covering South America, for the first time in 59 years.

On Monday most South American leaders will gather in Ecuador, and the topic of the bases is expected to dominate discussion.

''Obviously history has a role here,'' said Vladimir Torres, a Venezuelan analyst now living in Canada. ''Nobody has forgotten the role the US played in South America in the past.''

Between 1945 and the 1980s the US supported, either directly or behind the scenes, at least 16 coup d'etats in Latin America, which put in place military dictatorships.



Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/world/latin-fears-about-us-plans-to-open-bases-in-colombia-20090807-ed0j.html

hemisphere from the rest of the world -- somehow I do not see that as the basis for this one. From our own history they have every right to fear our plans. I fear our plans.

Who wrote that title?