Anti-Militarism: News & Updates

Read the full article: JOHonduras (shorthandstories.com)

Over a span of twelve years (2010-2022), the United States collaborated with a corrupt drug trafficking regime in Honduras to advance its economic and military interests in the region. Despite its recent legal actions against former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández (JOH) for drug trafficking and weapons charges, the U.S. has failed to acknowledge its longstanding support for JOH. This omission reflects a historical pattern of U.S. intervention in Honduras, which has undermined democracy and contributed to the country's transformation into a narco-state under JOH's rule.

The trial against JOH represents a significant moment, with the U.S. government holding its former ally accountable for his crimes. However, it overlooks the U.S.'s own role in JOH's rise to power, including providing funding, weapons, and training to security forces involved in human rights abuses against Honduran citizens. This complicity underscores a paradox in U.S. foreign policy: a pursuit of justice that ignores its own involvement in undermining democratic values.

Anne Milgram, the DEA Administrator, highlighted JOH's central role in a large-scale cocaine trafficking conspiracy, financed by drug proceeds to support his political career and furthered through the resources of the Honduran government. This narrative sheds light on the broader implications of U.S. involvement in Honduras, revealing a complex interplay between economic interests, democratic principles, and the pursuit of justice.

Rights Action commemorates the 8th anniversary of the assassination of Berta Caceres and the attempted killing of Gustavo Castro. The current trial of former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernandez (JOH) in New York for operating a drug trafficking cartel from within the Honduran government adds significance to this anniversary. The 'Putting the U.S. and Canada on Trial Campaign,' led by former Rights Action colleague Karen Spring, aims to expose the corruption and impunity of the U.S. and Canada in supporting a military-backed, drug-trafficking regime in Honduras for nearly 13 years. Berta Caceres, a victim of the U.S. and Canadian-backed coup in 2009, dedicated her life to activism against repression, militarism, and human rights violations. Despite charges laid against individuals connected to the coup, justice remains elusive due to the political and economic elites' influence. The message encourages continued activism and struggle against injustices, inequalities, and environmental exploitation, embodying Berta's legacy and vision for a better world.

CISPES brought together U.S. human rights and faith organizations to call on the Biden administration to heed reports from opposition parties, international observer missions and civil society organizations in El Salvador regarding systematic irregularities throughout the February 4 presidential and legislative elections. Read the letter.

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 .