One of the few immutable principles in the conduct of international relations is this: delusions make for danger. This principle illuminates the trouble we are about to get into in Central America, where for several years now diplomacy has been organized around the set of delusions called the Arias Plan.
On December 12, the five Central American presidents once again set reality aside and signed a “peace plan.” This declaration came only weeks after the Sandinista regime sent missiles to the FMLN, and only days after it brutally—using machetes—broke up an opposition rally in Nicaragua [see “Murder in Masatepe,” “On the Scene,” NR, Feb. 5]. Each of the five presidents knew this. Why, then, sign yet another agreement which everyone knows the Sandinistas will dishonor as they have all their previous promises? Why accept, and dignify, more lies?
Comments