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The Mysterious Truth Behind the 1989 U.S. Invasion of Panama: How It Changed the Region
In December 1989, the United States, under the leadership of President George H.W. Bush, launched a military operation called "Operation Justice" against Panama with the purpose of overthrowing the de facto ruler at the time, Armand Norie. add. This invasion was not only a response by the United States to fight against criminals, but also triggered a profound reflection on national sovereignty and international law. Today, we’ll delve into the background, process, and long-term implications of this action.
Background
At the end of the 20th century, the United States had multiple military bases in Panama and maintained a large garrison to protect the strategically important Panama Canal. In 1977, President Jimmy Carter and Panama's de facto leader Omar Torrijos signed the Torrijos-Carter Treaty, which planned to transfer the canal to Panama by 2000. Although the canal will eventually be managed by Panama, U.S. military bases will remain in place, and one of the conditions for the transfer is that the canal must remain open to U.S. shipping.
"The relationship between the United States and Noriega was initially based on anti-communist and intelligence cooperation. However, as time went by, this foundation gradually became precarious."
As Noriega consolidated his position as dictator in the early 1980s, cracks appeared in his relationship with the United States. In 1986, his criminal activities were exposed, and President Ronald Reagan began seeking his resignation, but negotiations never worked. In 1989, Noriega even annulled the results of the election for opposition candidate Guillermo Endara, an act that heightened tensions.
The beginning of the invasion
On December 15, 1989, the Panama Congress passed a resolution declaring a state of war with the United States. Subsequently, a U.S. Marine Corps officer was killed at a roadblock, and President Bush decided to carry out the invasion plan. On December 20, the United States' aggressive campaign officially launched.
"The reasons for the invasion include protecting the lives of U.S. citizens in Panama, defending democracy and human rights, combating drug trafficking, and preserving the integrity of the canal treaty."
The invasion mobilized nearly 28,000 U.S. troops and 300 aircraft, quickly overwhelming the Panamanian Defense Forces. Thereafter, the situation worsened with Noriega's rebellion and subsequent bombing. The city's fires and gunfire plunged the entire country into chaos, and finally on January 3, 1990, Noriega finally surrendered to the U.S. military.
International reaction and legal controversy
This invasion has aroused strong concern from the international community. The United Nations General Assembly, the Pan-American Organization and the European Parliament all condemned this act as a violation of international law. Looking back on this action, some comments pointed out whether the US move was a cover under international law.
"Legitimacy cannot cover up its serious violation of sovereign states."
Consequences and Impact
After Noriega was arrested, Panama's defense forces also perished in the unconditional disbandment, and Endala was sworn in. This operation seemed to achieve the United States' goals in Panama in the short term, but it caused hundreds of civilian casualties and raised profound questions about the United States' intervention policy. For Panama, the changes brought about by the invasion presented complex aspects to the subsequent democratization process.
"Although U.S. intervention has brought about democratic transformation to some extent, is the price too high?"
The reason why the United States chose to intervene militarily was not only based on the geopolitical background at the time, but also involved internal political factors. There may be deeper domestic needs behind Bush's decision. Its purpose is not simply to advertise justice and humanitarianism, but it actually faces considerable political pressure.
After the invasion, Panama went through a period of turmoil and reconstruction, and the status of U.S. influence in Latin America was also adjusted accordingly. How does Panama today find its position in the wave of globalization?
