Abstract
Examines the issue of American funding for the Contras in Nicaragua and asks, is it in America's interests to support forces fighting our opponents abroad?
Description
With the rise of the left-wing Sandinista government in Nicaragua, the United States found itself facing an unfriendly power supplied by the Soviet Union and backed by Cuban military advisors. Unable to oppose the Sandinista government overtly, the Untied States began covertly funding the Contras, a guerrilla group dedicated to removing the Sandinistas from power. The CIA's covert aid to the Contras quickly became the worst kept secret in Washington, however, and Congress cut off all American funding. Despite this setback, by 1985 more than 15,000 Contras were operating throughout Nicaragua, and even without assistance from the United States their numbers continued to grow. President Reagan was determined to continue supporting these "freedom fighters" in their fight against communism, but ultimately the decision fell to Congress. As Capitol Hill debated whether the United States should fund the Contras, policymakers asked themselves, can the Contras win in Nicaragua, and is it in the United States' interests to assist in the attempt to overthrow a sovereign government? In this episode, guests Edward Luttwak of the Center for Strategic and International Studies and Robert Pastor of the University of Maryland discuss these questions and the issue of American aid to the Contras.
Location
Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean; Nicaragua;
