Obama Should Avoid Rush to Judgment in Ecuador

Ray Walser / October 01, 2010

The radical left in Latin America often prides itself in its ability to stir up the masses and make nations ungovernable by elected officials and representative governments, especially centrist or conservative regimes.   But when popular unrest or insubordination, threatens a Leftist leader, the Left cries “coup” and “conspiracy.”   The current situation in Ecuador following clashes between the government of Rafael Correa and striking police officials is unclear.

Political instability is nothing new to Ecuador.  It has had eight presidents in the last 13 years.   Since his election in 2006, Correa has embarked on a program to remake Ecuador.  He has clashed with foreign and domestic interests, sparred with the U.S. over cooperation on counternarcotics.  He has developed a reputation as a political bully with restrictions on press freedoms, political justice for opponents, allegations of corruption, and conflicts with once-supportive indigenous groups. (more…)