Reagan Policy in Nicaragua
Reagan’s “peace” proposal for Nicaragua indicates once again his lack of understanding of the meaning of peace.
During his first term in office, Reagan introduced a peacekeeping force into Lebanon. While this may have begun as a noble attempt to help control a tense situation in the Middle East, the fact is that it ended with U.S. ships lobbing shells at the coast of Lebanon.
It was also during Reagan’s first term that he renamed the MX missile the “Peacekeeper.” This characterization is hardly accurate, since the MX is useful only in a preemptive mode, making it a very destabilizing and distinctly un peaceful weapon.
The President has again applied this distorted concept of peace to his Nicaraguan peace proposal. At the heart of his proposal is the threat that if Nicaragua does not accede to U.S. demands, the United States will resume its support of terrorist activities in that country.
Reagan’s foreign policy seems to be based on the adage, “If force does not work, try more force.” Peace, however, cannot be imposed by the use of force. Ultimately, peace exists only if all sides agree to it. This concept of peace contrasts sharply with the military coercion which Reagan advocates.
MARSHALL THOMSEN
Los Angeles
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