US Troops to be sent to Columbia to fight War on Terror and War on Drugs

[Holly_Hobby]

We could have free health care if we weren't spending our tax money fighting phony wars....what is the REAL reason?

BOGOTA, Colombia -- The Colombian and U.S. governments have concluded negotiations to let American troops use seven military bases in Colombia, Colombia's Foreign Ministry said in a succinct news release late Friday. "The agreement reinforces the compromise to fight drug trafficking and terrorism," the release said.

The agreement must now be "technically revised" by each government, the release said. In Colombia, the Council of State must endorse the deal. Colombia and the U.S. would sign the agreement within the next two weeks, Colombia's largest newspaper, El Tiempo, said Saturday.

The U.S. would be allowed to use five military air forces and two naval bases, according to El Tiempo.

....

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125035015313134409.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

A Reminder:

http://www.costofwar.com/

[aquart]

1. What a bad idea.

[babylonsister]

2. War on terror? Different source here; they're being allowed to use

military bases, a bit less theatrical than your title. Yours sound like a new front is starting for a new war.


Colombia, US finalize deal on military bases

(AFP) – 15 hours ago

BOGOTA — Colombia says it has finalized an agreement with the United States allowing Washington to use its military bases to track drug-runners, despite anger elsewhere in Latin America over the idea.

"This agreement reaffirms the commitment of both parties in the fight against drug trafficking and terrorism," Colombia's foreign ministry said in a statement Friday.

Officials here said the two countries agreed the text of an agreement, which now has to be reviewed by government agencies in Bogota and Washington before getting a final signature.

The controversial deal would permit the US military to operate surveillance aircraft from seven bases to track drug-running boats in the Pacific Ocean.

more...

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iH8qbKIiD-_QVMr9T9dsgFxsCi7Q

[Holly_Hobby]

4. My title comes directly from the press release quoted

The Colombian and U.S. governments have concluded negotiations to let American troops use seven military bases in Colombia, Colombia's Foreign Ministry said in a succinct news release late Friday. "The agreement reinforces the compromise to fight drug trafficking and terrorism," the release said.

[babylonsister]

7. I know that, but consider the source. Their job is to discredit the WH. nt

[Holly_Hobby]

9. Are you saying Columbia's Foreign Minister didn't say it?

Or it wasn't a direct quote? My source is spinning it?

Forgive my obtuseness, but I get very angry about wasting lives and tax money we don't have on phoniness. No disrespect intended to you.

[babylonsister]

10. No, your source being the wsj, not the foreign minister!

:hi:

[roody]

12. The WH should be discredited for the continuing militarization of Colombia.

[babylonsister]

13. Yea, you're right. What can be done about that? nt

[tammywammy]

3. From what I understand, they're just moving from Ecuador to Columbia n/t

[Holly_Hobby]

6. Correct

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/07/30/us.equador.base/

Same war on drugs, moving it to Columbia and adding war on terror.

[Peace Patriot]

5. To fight the phony 'war on terror,' the phony 'war on drugs,' and Oil War II.

Mark my words.

And to fatten the coffers of a whole lot of war profiteers with money we don't have.

[Wilms]

8. From two years ago: Colombian military units cleared for U.S. aid

http://www.cipcol.org/?p=578



Here is an interactive Google Map of the Colombian military and police units approved for receipt of U.S. aid as of July 31, 2007. The data comes from a recent State Department memo (PDF) and the map was put together by CIP Associate Abigail Poe.

http://justf.org/node/74

[barbtries]

11. is there a protest planned anywhere?

i feel like marching.

[roody]

14. To keep the Colombians from thinking about

health care for all.

[Avalux]

15. Please find another link. I believe nothing from the WSJ. n/t

[Hippo_Tron]

16. They're sending US troops to fight drugs in college dorms?

You'd think the Posse Comitatus Act would have something to say about it.