Washington's 'backyard' obsession

[Judi Lynn]

Washington's 'backyard' obsession
Friday 04 March 2011
by John Haylett

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton attempted to drive a wedge between Latin American states this week, suggesting that left-led Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela were failing to make economic and democratic progress.

She had special praise for Brazil, Chile and Colombia in testimony to the Senate appropriations committee as she discussed her proposed 2012 budget.

Brazil "is booming," she claimed.

"It is a real success story. They have the highest tax-to-GDP ratio in the hemisphere and they use that money to invest in social inclusion, improve their education and health systems."

Clinton's praise for Colombia is unsurprising, since Bogota remains the second-highest recipient of military aid from Washington after Israel.

More:
http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/index.php/news/content/view/full/101846