Comments on: Unsettling Revelations Regarding U.S. Lease of Colombian Military Bases

By: ElJefe

ElJefe — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:10:44 +0000

The US could very well bomb Venezuela from the United States. However, an extra seven bases in Colombia would dissuade any Venezuelan military venture by that nation's increasingly erratic president. "Full spectrum operations" is not necessarily a hostile term, but rather a basic reflection of the use of the seven bases. Palmerola in Honduras is used for humanitarian missions into El Salvador and Nicaragua. Bases project power without necessarily violating other nations' sovereignty. It's funny how you never hear a peep out of COHA when Chavez announces that Russian bombers are welcome at any Venezuelan airstrip.

By: Ray Bies

Ray Bies — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:08:18 +0000

Yea but the Elite put their money in tp mansions with runways, private jets, yachts, and super cars… and this drives innovation. And us normal folk get to build them.
Socialism is rubbish cos it's in no ones interest to innovate, work or even car for anyone cos the state forces u.

By: Archie1954

Archie1954 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:26:34 +0000

You would think the cerebral American President would understand by now that the rest of the world is sick to death of this constant stirring of the pot, this continual interference in other areas of the world. What will it take the Americans to understand that they are skirting disaster? Do they need another 911? This one emanating from some other sector of the world that has been destabilized by them. What will it take to convince them to pack up their damn bags and go home?

By: An informed

An informed — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:51:46 +0000

The author of the article needs to go back and read diplomatic history. Bilateral agreements between countries do not have to be publicly released until the parties to the agreements wish. Second, there is nothing inherently threatening by the US having access and stationing personnel at the bases for mutual exercises. Third, the US with its long range aircraft and refueling capacity already has "azccess" to the countries of South America, witness the much longer flights from the US to the middle east and east which occur many times daily. We do not need a base in Columbia to allow action against a ruler in Venezuela. It is only a short flight from Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and other southern states where the US has current air force and other bases.

By: Juan Gomez

Juan Gomez — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:39:44 +0000

The other correction I would humbly make is that Latin American history has taught important lessons regarding de US-Latin America relations throughout time. And, at this point, after the cold war has ended and there is a strong anti-northamerican felling in the region, it is not very academic to think that the US are still holding to the hope of invading or promoting political unstability on an anti-Us country; lets start by considering that a military strike, after learning the lessons of Afghanistan and Irak, is totally out of the question; and second, the most recent US attempts to promote ousting of presidents have been a total failure; the only place where this has been doubtfully successful is in Honduras, and that as well, is quite opened to debate. The US knows that it would be a risky bet trying to interfere within an anti-US country, so the best bet, and only bet, I believe, will be to have an ally in the region, which is Colombia.

By: Juan Gomez

Juan Gomez — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:38:52 +0000

Although this is a very interesting work, there are somethings which may be advisable to research, before publishing them online. First, the foreign military status has never been an issue for the Colombian Armed Forces, currently the Colombian has 400,000 men, which is 4 times the size of the Venezuelan army and a little less than the Brazilian army. however, while the Brazilian army has deployed 25,000 men throughout its part of the Amazons, the Colombian army has an entire division settled in the jungle, this means more or less 50,000 men. So the problem has never been a military race to beat the neighbours of Colombia. The country's borders are well settled and there are no long lasting historical or ethnical differences between Colombia and its neighbors. So warmonging between Colombia and Venezuela is really not an issue at this point, and that has been also agreed by certain Venezuelan officers.

By: Dale

Dale — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:45:22 +0000

Transparency is easy when you don't have anything to hide. Does it really take a political rocket scientist to discern reality here? A quick study of North and South American history since 1492 should reveal the USAI's intentions without any doubts and without any need to engage in futile "diplomacy" with those who speak with "forked tongues.' This ain't nuthin new, ya'll. Come on!

By: Dale

Dale — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:44:20 +0000

Amen Brother!
Castro and Chavez. Thir names ring like a winning ticket for the potential 'Authentic Party.'
US miltary presence in South America for any reason is a prelude to imminent imperilism. The imminence of invasion is why establishing USAI (I as in Israel) military bases in the region is being appropriately addressed as a "clear and present danger". Danger dictates a clear, present and preferably a prescient response. Nip this crap in the bud before the foothold becomes 7 military fully armed bases ready to launch an attack. They wouldn't have spent this much money to date if they were'nt up to "no good" (to put it mildly).
P,S. A salute to Chavez with the comical, poetic reminder that "just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you."

By: Raul Galeano

Raul Galeano — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:47:44 +0000

Lamentable…..Estados Unidos debió preocuparse de primeramente, mejorar su relaciones e imagen deteriorada con las Naciones Hermanas del Sur y así juntos comenzar una nueva etapa de real prosperidad basada en la honestidad y el buen corazón, que hubiese traído un inmenso progreso a todas Las Americas.
Pero prefiere su acostumbrada forma de presentarse, con su mascara de guerra, beligerante y engañoso y así pretender infundir el respeto…..y establecer orden? Se aproximan los días en que todas las armas, especulaciones, manipulaciones e intereses de control no tendrán efecto….
A quien sirven y cual es la lección para los arrogantes,embriagados en el poder y en la sangre de las vidas que sacrifican?
Y después, eventualmente fusionaramos como Naciones Hermanas….el adelanto de los pueblos no radica en su avance belico-tecnológico ni en una economía basada en la especulación y el "invento" de formulas que produzcan dividendos. Aunque así hemos sido ensenadosa pensar y a creer por las academias. Dentro de cada uno en forma intuitiva sentimos (algunos no) que hay algo diferente, mejor, aparte de todos estos conflictos de poder y control…. ahi esta la respuesta.

By: Pablo

Pablo — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:59:19 +0000

All in all, through acceding to the conditions attached to the treaties Colombia has effectively surrendered her sovereignty and become subject to suzerainty.