Must not say that unstable countries are unstable
We read:
" Argentina has reacted furiously to the CIA chief's warning that the country might be economically unstable, summoning the US ambassador to explain.
"We consider the statements an unacceptable interference in the internal affairs of our country - even more so coming from an agency that has a sad history of interference in the internal affairs in the countries in the region," Foreign Minister Jorge Taiana said at a news conference yesterday, referring to the CIA's involvement with South American dictatorships during the 1970s and 80s. He said the remarks were "irresponsible, unfounded and do not show respect".
CIA director Leon Panetta had made the comments to reporters the previous day, saying he had just been told that "there are some serious problems that we have to pay attention to in Latin America that involve economic instability". Asked which countries he was referring to, Mr Panetta said: "The concern particularly involved Argentina, Ecuador and Venezuela."
Source
Since Argentina is, as usual, an economic basket-case, Panetta was just stating the facts. Neither democracy nor dictatorship seem to do Latin American countries any good. The only exception is Chile, where General Pinochet applied the ideas of Milton Friedman with such success that subsequent governments have not been game to depart too far from his policies
3 comments:
Perhaps now that Argentina has created an excuse, it can do what it's been wanting to do, line-up with Chevez. Personally, i think they deserve each other. It's just too bad the US isn't smart enough, or strong enough, to cut-off all foreign aid to them!
Also, Mr. Panetta had better realize his job is no longer to be a blabber-mouth as he has always been. Then again, the very last thing on his (and his boss's) mind is the security of the US!
Firstly, praising Pinochet goes a bit far - even for you John. I know its an easy critique but you might as well praise Hitler for getting the trains to run on time.
I'm sure the families of his victims would be impressed by his questionable economic credentials.
In any event, the way things are now it doesn't take much loose talk to create a panic. Many people have been criticised for talking down the economy - even here in Australia. I can imagine that Argentina - particularly if their finances are fragile - might not appreciate a leading US political figure talking down their economy and credit-worthiness.
Anon-2, I once held a somewhat low opinion of Pinochet, until I got all the facts about how he came to power, and what the alternative to his reign would have been. You can find links to the rest of the story in the archives on Dissecting Leftism from about December 10, 2006. Did you know, for example, that he took action in response to a resolution from the Chilean parliament calling on the military to protect the constitution and Chile's democracy? A link to that is there as well.
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