Talk with Manuel Noriega

Manuel Noriega was a Panamanian military officer and politician who ruled Panama from 1983 until 1989. Born on February 11, 1934, in Panama City, Noriega climbed the ranks in the Panamanian National Guard, eventually consolidating his power to become the de facto ruler of Panama as the military leader.

Noriega's regime was marked by rampant corruption, electoral fraud, and the suppression of political opposition. He was also known for his involvement in drug trafficking, which was later highlighted in various charges by the United States. Although initially a collaborator with the CIA and a valuable asset for U.S. interests in Latin America during the Cold War, his relationship with the U.S. deteriorated in the 1980s.

His loss of favor with the United States culminated in the U.S. invasion of Panama in December 1989, an operation code-named "Operation Just Cause." The invasion led to his capture and extradition to the United States, where he was tried and convicted on charges including drug trafficking, racketeering, and money laundering.

After serving a lengthy prison sentence in the U.S., Noriega faced legal issues in France and later in Panama for various crimes, including murder. He died on May 29, 2017, in Panama City from complications of a brain tumor. Noriega's life and regime are often cited as examples of the complex and controversial nature of U.S. foreign policy in Latin America, especially regarding its support for dictatorial regimes during the Cold War.

Manuel Noriega was tried and convicted on multiple charges primarily in the United States. The charges against him included racketeering, drug trafficking, and money laundering. The U.S. prosecutors accused Noriega of assisting Colombian drug cartels in smuggling significant quantities of cocaine into the United States. Additionally, there were allegations of his involvement in laundering drug money. His conviction was a result of these activities, which were seen as a breach of international law and detrimental to U.S. anti-drug efforts.

Manuel Noriega's time in power in Panama was marked by a mix of military authoritarianism and strategic maneuvering both domestically and internationally. His main policies and actions can be categorized into several key areas:

1. Military Control: Noriega utilized his military background to consolidate power, ensuring that the military had significant control over the state apparatus. This often resulted in the suppression of civil liberties and political opposition.

2. Economic Management: While Panama enjoyed relatively high economic growth during parts of his rule, much of the economy under Noriega also suffered from mismanagement and high levels of debt. Additionally, Noriega's regime was notorious for its involvement in money laundering and illegal drug trade, which formed a significant aspect of the economic policy by proxy.

3. Political Repression: Noriega's regime was marked by a crackdown on political dissent, involving censorship, surveillance, and harassment of opponents. This repression helped him maintain control over Panama, but also led to widespread domestic and international criticism.

4. Foreign Policy Maneuvering: Noriega was adept at playing both sides of the Cold War, receiving support from the United States while also engaging with U.S. adversaries when beneficial. His government was characterized by its pragmatic approach to international relations, often shifting allegiances and utilizing Panama's strategic significance in global geopolitics, particularly because of the Panama Canal.

5. Internal Security: Security policies often involved harsh measures against threats, both real and perceived. This included utilizing paramilitary groups to enforce his rule and employing tactics that were often brutal and violative of human rights.

6. Social Policies: There is less focus on Noriega's direct contributions to social policies given the overshadowing nature of military and security concerns. However, social control was a consistent theme, with efforts to use state mechanisms to keep the populace in check and often to propagate pro-government rhetoric.

Overall, Noriega's policies were largely oriented towards maintaining his control over Panama through whatever means he deemed necessary, including exploiting the country's geographical and strategic importance, engaging in controversial economic activities, and systematically suppressing opposition.

Manuel Noriega's rule in Panama was heavily influenced by international relations, particularly with the United States and regional neighbors in Central America.

1. United States: The U.S. played a pivotal role throughout Noriega's career and rule. Initially, he was a valuable asset to the CIA and U.S. government due to his intelligence on political developments in the region and his willingness to facilitate U.S. interests. This cooperation included allowing the U.S. to set up listening posts in Panama, aiding U.S. efforts to combat drug trafficking, and supporting U.S. interventions in other Latin American countries. However, this relationship soured towards the late 1980s as accusations of Noriega's involvement in drug trafficking grew stronger, and his authoritarian governance style, including suppression of opposition and manipulation of elections, became more problematic. This tension culminated in the U.S. invasion of Panama in 1989, leading to Noriega’s capture and the end of his rule.

2. Central America: Noriega's Panama played a role in the complex political and military dynamics of Central America during the 1980s, especially concerning conflicts in Nicaragua and El Salvador. Panama, under Noriega, was involved in various levels of support and logistics to different factions involved in these conflicts, influenced by his alliances and the strategic interests of Panama and Noriega’s own rule.

3. Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering: International drug trafficking was a significant aspect of Noriega's interactions with the broader world. His alleged involvement in the drug trade, providing logistic support and safe passage for drug cartels operating between South America and the United States hurt his international reputation. This aspect severely impacted his relationship with the U.S., who saw curbing drug trafficking as a major foreign policy goal.

Thus, international relations were not just a backdrop but a critical component influencing the decisions, actions, and eventually the downfall of Manuel Noriega’s rule in Panama.

Manuel Noriega's relationship with the United States experienced significant shifts over several decades, evolving from cooperation and alliance to confrontation and eventual hostility.

Initially, Noriega cultivated positive ties with the U.S. during the 1950s and 1960s, as he worked closely with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Throughout these years, Noriega provided intelligence and assistance to various U.S. operations in Latin America, earning a reputation as a valuable asset for American interests in the region.

During the 1970s and continuing through the 1980s, Noriega's relationship with the U.S. remained generally positive as he rose through the ranks in Panama, ultimately becoming the de facto leader in 1983. During this period, he continued to be involved in activities that were of interest to the U.S., particularly those related to regional stability and combating leftist movements. His role in assisting the U.S. during the Contra wars in Nicaragua, where he helped funnel support to the anti-Sandinista forces, is particularly notable.

However, the relationship began to sour in the late 1980s. Concerns over Noriega's involvement in drug trafficking, money laundering, and other illegal activities became more prominent. The U.S. stance shifted markedly under the administration of President George H.W. Bush. Tensions escalated following the annulment of the 1989 Panamanian general election by Noriega and his subsequent crackdown on opposition forces.

This tension culminated in December 1989 when the U.S. invaded Panama in Operation Just Cause. The primary stated reasons for the invasion were to safeguard the lives of U.S. citizens in Panama, defend democracy and human rights, combat drug trafficking, and secure the neutrality of the Panama Canal. Noriega was captured during the invasion and subsequently extradited to the United States, where he was tried and convicted on various charges, including drug trafficking and money laundering.

This final confrontation marked a drastic end to what had once been a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship, as Noriega transformed from an ally to an adversary in the eyes of the U.S. government.

Manuel Noriega defended himself in court by asserting his rights as a prisoner of war under the Geneva Convention. He claimed that his capture by U.S. forces was illegal and that the charges against him were a violation of his sovereign immunity as the de facto ruler of Panama. His defense team argued that he was a head of state and that the U.S. had no legal jurisdiction to try him. Noriega also maintained that his trial was politically motivated, influenced by his previous relationships and dealings with the U.S. government, especially the CIA.

The trial, which took place in Miami, Florida, encompassed a range of charges, including racketeering, drug trafficking, and money laundering. Noriega's defense disputed the legitimacy and motives of many witnesses, suggesting that they were criminals cooperating with the prosecution in exchange for leniency in their own cases. Despite these defenses, Noriega was convicted on eight counts of drug trafficking, money laundering, and racketeering in 1992.

Manuel Noriega will not return to Panama as he passed away on May 29, 2017.

Manuel Noriega died at the age of 83 on May 29, 2017.

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