Posted on 02/20/2007 6:24:41 AM PST by Lou L
By John E. Carey
Peace and Freedom
February 19, 2007
In a major show of support for the Thai government, the United States has decided to proceed with the largest annual joint Thai-US military exercise, “Cobra Gold.”
Military analysts and observers were worried that since the bloodless military coup in Thailand last September 19, that removed the democratically elected government of Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra, the United States would cancel the exercise.
(Excerpt) Read more at johnib.wordpress.com ...
tawdry. Looks like the elegant phrases on democracy and liberty of Bush's 2nd inaugural were just that - words.
The military leadership is not democratic, but has not been abusive. Thailand remains a loyal and strategically important ally. God knows we've had friendly relations and military alliances with far, far worse regimes.
Our best and most effective option is to maintain our ties to the Thai government, and apply significant political pressure on them to return to democracy. Continuing our close military partnership is a good way to ensure that the message is received; it gives us leverage.
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