Word: guatemala
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While all these words were being lofted, the existing "little wars" of the world?the ones in Afghanistan, Iran-Iraq, Northern Ireland, Cambodia, Namibia, Chad, Ethiopia-Somalia, Guatemala and El Salvador?were joined by two more. The coincidence is noteworthy. After the invasion of Lebanon, an editorial in the New York Times declared: "There is no point wailing about what might have been." Possibly. But that palliative countermands all the earlier sage advice proffered by that selfsame publication, and by this one and by every other voice that lobs words against tanks. The P.L.O. could have forsworn terrorism with words...
With most of Guatemala's 14,000-man army so far loyal to the born-again President, there was little that either recalcitrant generals or civilian leaders could do about the maneuver. But they were still frustrated and angered by Rios Montt's move. As recently as last month he had insisted that he did not seek the presidency. In addition, he has steadfastly refused to set a definite time for elections. When pressed on the issue, he has replied: "It could be six months and it could be six years...
...result, Rios Montt could be Guatemala's man on horseback for the foreseeable future. U.S. officials are not particularly distressed by that prospect. Says Ambassador Frederic Chapin: "We consider President Rios Montt a significant improvement over the previous President, and we hope to be able to work constructively with...
...significant improvement, however, is that urban killings have declined. Guatemala City is now virtually free of terror. "There are no death squads in front of the National Palace any more," reported one U.S. congressional staff member wryly after a visit. Guatemalans stroll the capital's streets again, night clubs are full and handguns are much less evident than before the March coup. Rios Montt has dismantled police and army death squads and put the national police chief, Germán Chupina, under house ar rest. He has also threatened that former Interior Minister Donaldo Alvarez Ruiz and other members...
Despite his political accomplish ments, many Guatemalans remain un comfortable over Rios Montt's religious convictions. "There are two juntas in Guatemala," according to a jest, "a political one and a religious one." Indeed, Rios Montt has brought two elders of his church into the government: Bianci as public relations director and Alvaro Contreras as his private secretary. He frequently seeks the counsel of other elders. Adds James DeGolyer, an elder who has come from the U.S. to help the Guatemalan congregation: "We pray for Efrain and the brothers. Thousands of people are praying for them...