The U.S. is forging a deeper military presence in Latin America. John Lindsay-Poland from the Fellowship of Reconciliation reports that the United States and Colombia are “negotiating an agreement for five military bases in Colombia that would replace not only the U.S. airbase in Ecuador, but much of the controversial Plan Colombia.”
The U.S. airbase in Manta, Ecuador was shut down because the Ecuadorian government did not renew an agreement with the Pentagon because of “concerns over arrogance and aggression.” The base agreement with Colombia is intended to fill the gaps left by expected cuts in U.S. military aid.
This agreement raises some serious concerns. Read the full analysis by John Lindsay-Poland.
Posted by Theo Sitther 
Theo Sitther writes in 
Members of the United Nations’ Advisory Group on Forced Evictions will conduct a fact-finding mission in New Orleans July 26-31.
Let’s face it. We have devoted a smaller percentage of our government budget to development than almost any other advanced country. And too little of what we have spent has contributed to genuine and lasting progress. Too much of the money has never reached its intended target, but stayed here in America to pay salaries or fund overhead in contracts. I am committed to more partnerships with NGOs, but I want more of our tax dollars to be used effectively and to deliver tangible results.” 
