Via Space War
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday floated the idea of U.S. troops returning to Panama to “secure” its strategically vital canal, a suggestion that would face fierce local opposition.
During a visit to Panama, Hegseth suggested that “by invitation” the United States could “revive” military bases or naval air stations and rotate deployments of U.S. troops to an isthmus the United States invaded 35 years ago.
Since coming to power in January, President Donald Trump has claimed that China has too much influence over the canal, which handles about 40 percent of U.S. container traffic and five percent of world trade.
His administration has also vowed to “take back” control of the interoceanic waterway that the U.S. funded, built and controlled until 1999.
Hegseth on Wednesday suggested the slew of former U.S. military bases that dot Panama could again be used to host U.S. troops.
He said a deal signed deal with Panama this week was an “opportunity to revive, whether it’s the military base, naval air station, locations where U.S. troops can work with Panamanian troops to enhance capabilities and cooperate in a rotational way.”
Hegseth cited the possibility of “joint exercises” but the mention of a “rotational” force is likely to raise the hackles of Panamanians, for whom sole ownership of the canal is a source of intense national pride.
The U.S. has long participated in military exercises in Panama, but a longer-term rotational force — like the one the U.S. maintains in Darwin, Australia — would be politically toxic for Panama’s center-right leader José Raúl Mulino.
Read in its entirety at spacewar.com.
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There would not be a Panama or Panama Canal without the United States. They broke the agreement ceding them the canal in 99. The US is within its rights to take the canal back. Been there, done that!
Being a 70 year old country bumkin ? How much MONEY did USA or all Our TAX money was used for this massive Project ?? And did we get all the Funding back ?? I ve read from issues in History, Like all the WARS, we where to have compensation ? But for some REASON the Checks are still in the MAIL ??? AND ! not too mention ABSOLUTE NO INEREST ! ??? It is a fact ! if you do not pay your I.O.U.s The bank, government, holder of I.O.U.s will send Sheriff. collection agency, Or a couple guys with hammers for attitude and KNEE correction. Now for the very QUESTIONABLE use or thought ? POSESSION 9 tenths of the LAW ??? Well ? I would think in this CASE ? Our army is bigger than theirs, and if we do not get our shit together ? China like ever thing else WILL teach us the The REAL TRUTH about the 9 tenths Possession LAW and how to APPLY IT !!!!!!!!!
When I was deployed to Panama in early 1963 there was 3 military bases. Ft. Kobi (Air Force), Rodman Naval Air Station, and Ft. Steward. We apparently gave them up along with the Canal . I know the Ft. Kobi no longer exists as shown on Google maps but what are the other bases being used for?