A Correspondence from Panama’s Hiroshima Equivalent : Analysis

The United States hypocritically overthrew Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega, whom they had previously supported and benefited from, by accusing him of drug trafficking. The military operation to remove Noriega was called “Operation Just Cause,” chosen for its inspirational ring, according to Colin Powell. The operation resulted in the destruction of the impoverished Panama City neighborhood of El Chorrillo, earning it the name “Little Hiroshima.” Estimates of civilian deaths during the operation vary, with the US claiming a few hundred and human rights organizations claiming many thousands. During a visit to El Chorrillo, the author met Hector, a resident who fought against the appropriation of the neighborhood by Panama’s new powers. The destruction caused by Operation Just Cause, which utilized advanced weaponry, served as a precursor to the first Gulf War and set the stage for an era of preemptive unilateralism. In 2018, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights called for reparations for the human rights violations committed during the operation. The US continues to engage in lethal actions, such as in the Gaza Strip.

Analysis:
This article presents a critical perspective on the United States’ involvement in the overthrow of Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega and the subsequent consequences of the military operation. The author highlights the hypocrisy of the US, who had previously supported and benefited from Noriega, in accusing him of drug trafficking. The article also mentions the destruction of the El Chorrillo neighborhood during the operation and the disputed estimates of civilian deaths. The author suggests that this military operation served as a precursor to the first Gulf War and set the stage for an era of preemptive unilateralism.

The article does not cite specific sources or provide evidence for its claims, which undermines the credibility of the information presented. The use of quotes from Colin Powell and the mention of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights adds some semblance of credibility, but without further context or supporting evidence, it is difficult to evaluate their significance.

The article is potentially biased as it presents a one-sided view of the events, portraying the US as hypocritical and using its military power for ulterior motives. The lack of objective information and alternative perspectives limits readers’ ability to form a balanced understanding of the topic.

The impact of this information depends on the reader’s pre-existing beliefs and knowledge. Those who are critical of US foreign policy may find this article to reinforce their views, while others may question the validity of the claims due to the lack of credible sources and biased presentation.

The political landscape and the prevalence of fake news can influence the public’s perception of this information. In an era where misinformation is easily spread, readers need to verify the claims and seek out multiple sources to gain a more nuanced understanding of the topic. The political polarization also plays a role, as some individuals may be more inclined to believe and propagate information that aligns with their existing beliefs, regardless of its reliability.

Overall, due to the lack of credible sources, biased presentation, and limited context, this article’s reliability is questionable. It is important for readers to critically evaluate the information presented and seek out additional sources to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the topic.

Source: Aljazeera news: Letter from Panama’s ‘Little Hiroshima’