At the UN, a Latin American Rebellion

[eridani]

http://www.commondreams.org/view/2013/10/07-9

For Latin American leaders, this year’s UN general debate became a forum for widespread dissent and anger at U.S. policies that seek to control a hemisphere that has clear aspirations for greater independence. In a region long considered the United States’ primary zone of influence, Washington’s relations with many Latin American nations have gone from bad to worse under the Bush II and Obama administrations. And judging by the speeches at the General Assembly, they may be nearing an all-time low.

One after another, Latin American leaders came to the podium to denounce the U.S. government and its policies. Most criticism was directed at the espionage programs revealed by former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden that made friendly nations such as Mexico and Brazil marks for political and industrial spying.

The other target for regional antipathy was the signature U.S. security policy in the Western Hemisphere: the drug war. Even formerly stalwart allies like Guatemala, Mexico, and Colombia came out against Washington’s drug war and called for alternative approaches.

<snip>

Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff led the charge against U.S. international surveillance activities on the first day of the general debate at UN headquarters in New York City. Information from the Snowden leaks revealed that the U.S. spy program in Brazil targeted President Rousseff’s personal and governmental communications as well as the state-owned oil company, Petrobras.

This understandably infuriated Brazil. One can only imagine the response in the United States if the tables were turned—“Brazil found spying on U.S. government and companies through private Internet and telecommunications companies.”

Brazil is an ally with no intention whatsoever of attacking the United States. According to the Brazilian daily O Globo, Washington has been spying on Brazilian businesses and Petrobras to give a potential advantage to U.S. companies bidding for oil contracts. This month, Brazil is putting up a bid for oil development in the Libra subsalt oilfields in the Santos Basin, with a reported 12 billion barrels of recoverable oil. Chevron is reportedly in the running. Inside information fed to U.S. companies by the leaks could favor them in the bidding process.

[Judi Lynn]

1. How refreshing to read articles with direct reference to the truth!

We have learned how rare they are, as corporate "news" consumers.

Also from the article:

The U.S. government continues to play the neighborhood bully long after the kids on the block have grown up. The flurry of state visits to the region have generally aimed to reinforce unpopular policies, including the drug war and free trade, rather than listen to the calls for change.

In-the-box Washington pundits view the hemispheric outburst in the UN as a PR problem. But the Obama administration doesn’t need to work on its niceties or polish its Spanish. What it needs to do is ditch the offensive policies and practices that stirred up regional ire. The voices of outrage from the South brought an important lesson to the UN floor: Deception and strong-arm tactics eventually backfire.

Thank you.

[ehcross]

2. At the UN, a Latin American Rebellion

A Latin American rebellion at the U.N? It should not surprise anybody. Most Latin American countries profess a certain disdain for a partner that has effectively been a source of support, economic and military aid, technical know-how, and other benefits of being an America's partner. The United States has been a democracy many countries in the Americas and the world would like to have.
As a world leader the United States looks forward to compete in world markets with products that lead the world in quality, reliability, and price.The United States is home to numerous schools and universities where vast numbers of latin american students enroll and graduate.The United States is the source of vast amounts of money for education, and scholarships in the its territory and the world.

Yet Latin Americans are ready to complain at whatever happens that they don't like, no matter how miniscule it might be. Surveillance is a practice that is nowadays essential for U.S.security. Most countries cannot afford the technology that is required to protect their territories, but the United States does, and since 9/11 has it plenty of reasons to have it.

So Mrs. Dilma Rousseff, President of Brazil, the President of Mexico, and other dignataries that have protested for the NSA's abilities, should understand that these facilities do not mean spying on them as possible sources of danger. Lastly, It is interesting to find some Latin American countries complaining at this matter when they themselves are very much active in the same practice.

[Judi Lynn]

3. Fortunately, many of us have taken the time to learn about US history

concerning the Americas, and we are continuing to learn.

We are very aware of how Latin Americans feel about the governments the US has overthrown in the Americas and the ones the US has put in place through puppet dictators and other right-wing torture-loving, murderous officials.

Can't begin to imagine what kind of support you expect to find for your pro-right-wing comments, blown out at a message board designed for progressive people.

[Zorro]

4. You're no progressive

and this isn't your forum.