Anti-Militarism: News & Updates

The podcast series "Under the Shadow of the U.S.," recommended by Rights Action, delves into the history of U.S. intervention in Latin America. Produced by Michael Fox in collaboration with NACLA and The Real News Network, the series explores the impact of the Monroe Doctrine across the region. Season 1 focuses on Central America, covering topics such as the United Fruit Company's influence in Guatemala, the disappeared in Guatemala, innocent victims in El Salvador's civil war, and the revolutionary Radio Venceremos. The episodes shed light on the consequences of U.S. involvement, including the support for authoritarian regimes and the lasting effects on the people of these nations. The series aims to educate the public, educators, journalists, and activists on the historical context of Latin American struggles. The podcast is available at https://nacla.org/under-shadow.

The Pit-Cnt, Uruguay's labor grouping, has expressed strong opposition to the visit of General Laura Richardson, head of the US Southern Command, citing concerns about her interest in fresh water resources and the potential establishment of a military base in Uruguay. The labor union accuses the US of seeking access to the Guarani Aquifer and rare land resources, while also countering China's influence in the region. Additionally, they criticize Richardson as a representative of a country that has engaged in wars worldwide. Meanwhile, Uruguay's Defense Minister, Javier García, views Richardson's visit as an opportunity to negotiate favorable deals for the purchase of weapons, trucks, and maritime radars from the United States. Despite the labor union's objections, García sees the visit as a positive development in the deepening relations between the two countries.

The Trump administration revived the Monroe Doctrine, impacting Latin American nations in favor of U.S. interests. The Biden administration continued this approach, causing a migration crisis and negatively affecting regional stability. Despite unsuccessful attempts to overthrow Venezuela's President Maduro, U.S. policies persist, supporting controversial figures. A proposed alternative is a modernized "Good Neighbor Policy," emphasizing: ending military intervention and base presence, refraining from political meddling, ceasing economic coercion, supporting fair trade policies, adopting humane immigration practices, and recognizing Latin America's cultural contributions. Such a policy shift aims to foster non-intervention, cooperation, and mutual respect in the region.

Over the last 12 months, there have been 1,482 ICE removal flights, mostly to Latin America and the Caribbean. Notably, there is a focus on removal flights to countries like Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador, raising concerns about the impact on individuals' rights and well-being. Three-quarters of removal flights are to those three countries. 

The lack of access to asylum at ports of entry has led to distressing situations for asylum seekers. US lawmakers are considering stricter restrictions on asylum, jeopardizing the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals. The need for improving access to asylum and addressing the challenges faced by asylum seekers, especially women and children, is crucial. 

Read the full IRTF Migrant Justice Newsletter each month at https://www.irtfcleveland.org/blog .

The Colombian government has extended a cease-fire with the FARC-EMC rebel group until July 15. The cease-fire, part of peace talks in Bogota, requires the rebels to cease attacks on civilians in areas under their control. The FARC-EMC splinter group, not part of the 2016 peace deal, has around 3,500 fighters. Despite previous cease-fires, critics argue that rebel groups continue recruiting, extorting, and kidnapping civilians. The new cease-fire also prohibits threats to community leaders and restrictions on villagers' movements. Talks may address economic projects for rural transformation and sustainable development to combat deforestation.

Nicaraguan authorities released 19 clergymen, including Bishop Rolando Álvarez, a prominent government critic, and handed them over to the Vatican. Bishop Álvarez had been convicted of treason and sentenced to 26 years in prison. The release followed Pope Francis' New Year's Day address expressing concern about the attacks on the church in Nicaragua. The government expressed gratitude to the Pope for coordinating the release. President Daniel Ortega's regime has targeted opposition leaders, dissidents, and the Catholic Church. Over 782 acts of aggression against the Church have been documented since 2018, including physical assaults on priests. The recent releases involve priests praying for Bishop Álvarez and follow a pattern of clergy persecution in Nicaragua. While the release is positive, critics condemn the government for forcing religious leaders into exile. Bishop Álvarez gained prominence as a critic during the 2018 government crackdown on protests.

As Guatemala's new president, Bernardo Arévalo, prepares to take office amidst challenges to his legitimacy, Indigenous leaders reflect on the past indefinite national strike defending democracy. Despite the Constitutional Court's affirmation and Arévalo's upcoming inauguration, concerns linger over the inclusivity of the new government. The Indigenous-led #ParoNacionalIndefinido successfully mobilized communities nationwide, highlighting the power of Indigenous leadership. The struggle, rooted in historical Indigenous resistance, extends beyond electoral politics. Interviews with organizations involved in the national strike shed light on broader Indigenous struggles in Guatemala, emphasizing the need for structural change and justice beyond the political transition. The disappointment with Arévalo's cabinet appointments underscores the ongoing Indigenous-led resistance and the promise of the future.

When the trial of former U.S. and Canadian-back Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez (“JOH”) begins in New York on February 5th, Karen Spring of the HSN and Honduras Now will report from the trial, and make the links between the drug-trafficking and violence of the Honduran military-backed regimes, led by JOH, and close to 13 years of unconditional political, military and economic relations with the US and Canadian governments and numerous global corporations and banks.

Human Rights & Community-based organizations call for public investigations & inquiries regarding U.S. and Canadian support for Juan Orlando Hernández & the coup as the former president goes to trial on February 5, 2024.

Click here to watch the press conference: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1716997388822153

The implications of the Monroe Doctrine in Mexico, Central America, and Honduras, highlighting the failures of US policies like the Merida Initiative and drug war strategies. It emphasizes the devastating impact on these regions, resulting in violence, human rights abuses, and corruption. The focus is on adopting new paradigms, shifting away from punitive drug policies to prioritize human well-being, domestically and internationally. It also sheds light on the US influence in Honduras, pointing out interventions, support for corrupt regimes, and obstructing reforms. Furthermore, it addresses immigration, stressing the need for a humane approach rather than militarization. Recommendations include investigating DEA activities, reforming drug policies, anti-militarism measures, non-interference in Honduran affairs, and prioritizing human rights in immigration reforms.