US Blames 'Drugs' While Arming Latin America: A Familiar Playbook
Mainstream media reports often frame US military operations in Latin America through the lens of the 'War on Drugs.' However, when Colombia accuses the US of starting a 'war' by conducting strikes off Venezuela that killed Colombian citizens, it’s not really about drugs for them. This isn't new. From the Contra funding in Nicaragua (Iran-Contra, anyone?) to interventions in Panama, the US
narrative of fighting drugs or communism has consistently masked a far broader geopolitical strategy aimed at maintaining regional hegemony. The fact US strikes are occurring off Venezuela's coast, a nation long targeted by US sanctions and destabilization efforts, suggests the 'drug war' is a convenient, recycled excuse for projecting power against a perceived adversary. One might wonder if the
US ever met a 'war'—on anything—it didn't want to fund, especially when it involves maintaining influence in resource-rich neighbors.