From Mensaje magazine via Mirada Global:

Thousands of secret cables from U.S. diplomacy published by WikiLeaks show us an unflattering portrait of Latin America. The reports from the embassies to Washington have two clearly different messages. One is in the analysis of U.S. diplomats. This level, as one could expect, reproduces the priorities of U.S. foreign policy. What’s surprising are the opinions expressed by important politicians from different countries, in some cases criticizing colleagues or heads of state, and in others, forgetting the most elemental prudence when it comes to expressing an opinion.

It’s clear that the leaks that were published show a partial and biased vision. The concern of U.S. diplomats about the health of the leaders of the region is noteworthy. This aspect includes the emotional stability of Argentinean president Cristina Fernández to the back pains of the deposed Honduran president, Manuel Zelaya. In any case, the cables published were the juiciest ones, that is, those that reveal conflicts or demeaning opinions about public figures. Yet, there is a clear lack of action agenda of U.S. regional diplomacy. From this bunch of messages one cannot find an overview that reveals Washington’s leading political or economic leadership. Instead, there is a reactive attitude, focused on two issues: the fight against drug trafficking, and on the political scenario, containing Hugo Chávez’s government and that of his Bolivarian allies.

Also available in Spanish.

Tim Reidy

 

Tim Reidy is the deputy editor in chief of America Media.