Speaking before a large crowd gathered in the rebellious left-wing city of El Alto, Bolivian President Evo Morales (see photo in following column) accused the United States of resorting to “blackmail” and “intimidation” in its attempt to control the inner workings of the Bolivian military. The accusations were prompted by the recent decision of the Bush administration to “declassify” Bolivia as an anti-terrorism partner, which will result in the withdrawal of US military equipment deployed for the country’s joint terrorism force. The cancellation of US-sponsored programs will result in the loss of an estimated $300,000 in US aid. According to the letter sent by US Army Colonel Daniel Barreto, the declassification was prompted by a disagreement over the appointment of a Bolivian military commander.
Several weeks prior, the Bush administration was rebuked by Morales regarding Bush’s announced cut of 96 percent of military aid to Bolivia due to their unwillingness to sign an accord to grant US troops immunity from persecution at the International Criminal Court. However, these funding cuts are not an indication that the US is neglecting Bolivia or that the Bush administration believes Bolivia is immune from the growth of terrorist entities within its borders, but rather a political reality necessitated by the growth of leftist governments in Latin America . Both the US and Bolivia are showing their teeth while refraining from a damaging encounter.
Since taking office in late January, Morales has toned down the harsh rhetoric he invoked during his campaign for the presidency, a campaign that was largely successful for its anti-US, anti-imperialist platform. Morales has proven himself adept in the international political arena, solidifying his leftist-populist base while maintaining a cordial and working relationship with the US. He has vowed to pursue friendly and amicable relations with the US and has verbally committed his government to continuing its anti-narcotics initiatives. He has met with US Ambassador David Greenlee to discuss bilateral trade issues, while refraining from campaign promises that caused widespread concern in the US?the decriminalization of coca growing and the nationalization of foreign-owned industries. While acquiescing to the wishes of the US, Morales has also become a staunch ally of Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez .
The Bush administration is also demonstrating its willingness to work with the Morales administration but has simultaneously emphasized its unwillingness to be held hostage by Latin American leftist leaders. Realistically, the withdrawal of $300,000 of anti-terrorism funding is minimal and is unlikely to have a significant impact on current US-Bolivian relations. However, the Bush administration must tread carefully with Morales, as no clear indications exist to determine his level of commitment to anti-drug initiative. Interfering with the internal composition of the Bolivian armed forces is a risky scenario and may give Morales the leverage he needs to curtail cooperation with the US government and pursue the legalization of coca growing.
Concerning the so-called Long War, $300,000 is but a tiny fraction of the $150 million in US aid that is given to Bolivia annually, the majority of which goes to anti-drug policies. Given the nexus between drug trafficking and terrorism, the US government remains committed to anti-terrorism polices in Bolivia through the elimination of terrorist funding.