The road to Baghdad started in Panama City, 25 years ago.
By Greg Grandin
MOTHER JONES | Tue Dec. 23, 2014
As we end another year of endless war in Washington, it might be the
perfect time to reflect on the War That Started All Wars—or at least the
war that started all of Washington's post-Cold War wars: the invasion
of Panama.
Twenty-five years ago this month, early on the morning of December
20, 1989, President George H.W. Bush launched Operation Just Cause,
sending tens of thousands of troops and hundreds of aircraft into Panama
to execute a warrant of arrest against its leader, Manuel Noriega, on
charges of drug trafficking. Those troops quickly secured all important
strategic installations, including the main airport in Panama City,
various military bases, and ports. Noriega went into hiding before
surrendering on January 3rd and was then officially extradited to the
United States to stand trial. Soon after, most of the US invaders
withdrew from the country.
In and out. Fast and simple. An entrance plan and an exit strategy
all wrapped in one. And it worked, making Operation Just Cause one of
the most successful military actions in US history. At least in tactical
terms.
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