Camping Out in Our Own Backyard

Despite protests by many Latin countries, the Obama administration and Colombia have signed a deal that gives the U.S. military access to seven Colombian bases. The U.S. and Colombia say the pact is aimed at countering drug trafficking, but some of Colombia’s neighbors see it as American interventionism.

The BBC:

The United States and Colombia have signed a deal giving the US military access to seven Colombian bases.

Both the US and Colombia have previously stressed their aim is to use the bases to combat drug trafficking and rebels.

The prospect of the deal had caused alarm among some of Colombia’s neighbours, who object to an increased US military presence.

Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador and Venezuela have all recently expressed concern.

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voltairenet.org

Even moderate Latin leaders have complained about American use of military bases in Colombia.