Word: panama
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Dates: during 1990-1999
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Rubino said he also would argue that the case should be dismissed because Noriega was "maximum leader" of Panama when he was seized and therefore should be immune from U.S. prosecution as a head of state in a foreign country...
...possible similar use of U.S. force against other unfriendly leaders in other countries, Scowcroft said Panama was unique...
...Force's supersecret $50 million F-117A Stealth fighter is designed to avoid detection by sophisticated radar as it homes in on enemy targets. The Panama Defense Forces had no effective radar, antiaircraft guns or interceptor planes. So why were two F-117As dashing over Panama at the start of the American invasion and dropping bombs on an open field near a P.D.F. barracks? To wage a public relations assault on the U.S. Congress...
...involved in bloodshed as well. Unpleasantly ironic because while the Soviets stood by and did nothing in Rumania, the U.S. was violating its pledge under the charter of the Organization of American States not to invade a neighbor. In most ways, of course, the downfall of Panama's General Manuel Noriega had little in common with Ceausescu's overthrow. The Rumanian was driven out by his own people, the Panamanian by an outside army. The Rumanian ran and was caught; the Panamanian found sanctuary in the Vatican nunciature in Panama City and may yet escape punishment. What the two episodes...
Despite protests against the invasion of Panama and legal questions about U.S. justification, it is difficult to credit the Noriega regime with real legitimacy. Aside from the general's alleged crimes, ranging from drug dealing to murder, he simply canceled last spring's election after it had gone against him, ruling thereafter by force. There was international criticism too of the secret trial and hasty execution of Ceausescu. But in both cases, the legalities were overwhelmed by a kind of political necessity -- and both countries should be the better for it in the new year. If, that is, they prove...