Reagan's policy was not to send in massive numbers of troops to defeat the Marxist forces. Instead, the administration policy focused on providing assistance in training and arms for the democratic armies. The four goals were: "vigorous efforts to further democracy, human rights, and free elections in the region; economic aid programs to enhance health care, agriculture, and industry; 'security assistance' to nations threatened militarily by Cuba and Nicaragua; and support for 'dialogue and negotiations--both among the countries of the region and within each country."
THE LEFT Vs THE RIGHT |
|
---|---|
Boston Globe April 29, 1983 "Reagan's Central America Speech" The Boston Globe's editorial in response to Reagan's speech about Central America criticized the President for leaning on military power to solve political problems and for being poorly informed about the political realities of the situation. The editorial suggests that the American public in the 1980s is much better informed than what the administration was giving them credit for. The editorial points out that the President failed to mention the failed covert actions by the CIA in Nicaragua, and argues that the comparison of the Marxist movements in Central America to the threats in post-war Europe are ill-founded. The best solution according to the Globe is to "require negotiations between the rebels and the Salvadoran government over the whole range of issues that divide them--negotiations founded on a far greater understanding of Central American history than Reagan's speech exhibited.
|
Kissinger Commission Report January 11, 1984 The Kissinger report, created by a bipartisan commission appointed by the Reagan administration, and after five months of deliberations, largely endorsed the policies of the administration. The report asserted that there was a "crisis" in the area and that the U.S. must meet the crisis boldly.
To do this, the commission makes several recommendations. The first is to provide $8 billion in economic aid between 1984-1989. The $8 billion should consist of $6 billion in appropriated funds and $2 billion in loan guarantees. The commission also proposes to give substantial military aid to help resist Communist influence in the area. In addition to these forms of economic aid, the Reagan administration should meet with Central American leaders to develop economic development programs. The commission does not recommend the use of military forces in the region, but to possibly consider it as a last resort against Nicaragua. The report also proposes to provide $400 million in emergency aid to all Central American countries, including Nicaragua in 1984. Another commission proposal is to create a new agency comprised of members of Central American countries, called Central American Development Organization (CADO)
Richmond Times-Dispatch The editorial which appeared in the April 29 edition of the Richmond Times-Dispatch defended the Reagan administration's position in Central America. According to the paper, "the Soviets lust for all of Latin America." President Reagan recognizes this and has admirably addressed the situation. There should be a two-pronged approach to the situation in El Salvador. It is the duty of the United States to provide assistance both economically and militarily, though without the use of American troops. The Times-Dispatch blames Congress for failing to give the President its support in his plans. The editorial also takes to task the argument placed by the Democratic party. Giving no military aid would simply not work. The Soviets would arm the Salvadoran rebels and leave the government helpless to defend itself. The editorial ends by arguing "The time to oppose Marxism in Central America is now, before it has engulfed any more countries. And the way to oppose it is through the combined use of economic, social and military assistance--the approach that President Reagan advocates."
Commentary Max Singer provides detail into the situation in Central America in 1986. He shows the aggression that the Sandinistas, the party in power in Nicaragua, have committed against the three neighboring countries. The Sandinistas are opposed by the Contras, which include virtually all sectors of society not in power. The Sandinistas receive support from such countries as "Mexico, the major Latin American democracies, Canada, the European democracies(except Germany), and the Socialist International." The Contras, by contrast, are supported by the United States, private citizens, and some countries acting in secret, although the Democratic party in the United States supports the Sandinistas. Singer believes that the misperceptions that the developed world has with regards to the Sandinistas must have a profound impact on the contras. He describes four audiences included in the Nicaraguan population: the general population who can only help one side a little; the part of the urban population who might start a resistance against the Sandinistas; the people who would support an uprising in a time of crisis; and the soldiers loyal to the Sandinistas. Although most reporting on the situation will be about the political leaders of both sides, Singer argues that more attention should be paid to the people of the country.
The Sandinistas can consider President Reagan a friend, although they can not count on him for much support because of Congressional difficulties. The Congress is finally learning that their beliefs about the Sandinistas were false, but, Singer argues, they have had the best of both worlds. "They speak and act like Communists, brutally suppressing democratic organizations, but they are treated with great respect by most of the democratic world." It is imperative in Singer's mind that the contras remain well trained. If the Hondurans limit their ability to train soldiers, the consequences would be great. The Sandinistas would not have to worry about domestic problems, and would be able to move to aid the wars in El Salvador and Guatemala, or they could go after Costa Rica and Honduras. Because of "Central American dependency, Communists skill and energy, and U.S. disunity, Central America would within five or ten years be as Communist as Eastern Europe."
|
Crossfire homepage | |||
Foreign Policy Page | |||
Middle East Page | |||