U.S. Policy in Nicaragua: Two Roads Beckon

Publication Date: November 1984

Publisher: Heritage Foundation (Washington, D.C.)

Author(s): Virginia Polk

Research Area: Government

Keywords: Latin American

Type: Report

Coverage: Nicaragua

Abstract:

U.S. policy in Central America is at a crossroads. Two separate roads beckon--or tempt--policymakers. One could lead to an agreement with the nations of the region; the other could result in increased U.S. pressure on Nicaragua's Sandinista regime. While both courses can be tested, events in the near future may force the U.S. to place primary emphasis upon one
rather than the other. The choice the U.S. makes should depend primarily upon a tough-minded assessment of which course better serves long-term U.S. security interests, peace in Central America, the need to check Sandinista threats to Nicaragua's neighbors, and the need to sever the Nicaraguan military alliance with the Soviet Union.