The Obama administration is practicing a policy of benign neglect in Latin America that has opened the door for trouble-making countries such as Iran, former Ambassador Otto Reich said, according to the
Americas Forum website.
Reich, who served in various diplomatic posts under Presidents Ronald Reagan and both Bushes, made his remarks at the Conservative Political Action Conference during the weekend in Washington, D.C. He was part of a panel entitled “From Fidel to Chavez: How Do We Stop the Resurgence of Socialism in Latin America.”
Reich talked about the alliance between Castro and Hugo Chavez called ALBA, or the Bolivarian Alternative of the Americas.
“Almost without exception, [the ALBA countries] have violated the rights of their citizens and interfered in the internal affairs of their neighbors,” Reich said according to Americas Forum. “Some are involved in narcotics trafficking and some support terrorism. Some act as door openers for extra-continental trouble-makers like Iran, Russia, and Belarus. Some sell uranium to Iran, and not for medical purposes.”
The United States must adopt “a realistic foreign policy that differentiates between friends and enemies, and treat[s] each accordingly,” Reich said.
“Unfortunately, the Obama administration not only does not seem to want to see hostility in the actions of our enemies, but has continuously made diplomatic outreaches to them,” he added.
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