In what can only be described as an politically absurd move, the Obama Administration seems to have suspended military cooperation with the Honduran military. In doing so, it not only continues to confuse the issues about what is taking place in this Central Amreican country, but also harms U.S. interests in the region.
The Miami Herald reports that according to an unnamed White House source, “the U.S. has cut off contact with those who conducted the coup” and that the U.S. would be “standing down on our different cooperation programs.” This is at least the second time this week that unnamed White House sources talk with reporters on the condition of anonymity about the events transpiring in Honduras.
The United States maintains a facility on Soto Cano, Honduras called Joint Task Force Bravo (JTF Bravo). Its primary mission is to “is to support and conduct joint, combined and interagency operations in the Joint Operations Area, to enhance regional cooperative security initiatives and to support democratic development.” The men and women at JTF Bravo save lives, provide medical care, and look after many U.S. security interests in the region.
Cutting off cooperation, albeit temporarily, makes no sense and will play right into the hands of the Castro-Chavistas.
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