WAR AND PEACE IN CENTRAL AMERICA: Reality and Illusion

by Frank McNeil ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 30, 1988

A former government insider (US Ambassador to Costa Rica under Carter and Reagan--both of whose policies he now criticizes) presents a refreshingly informed and evenhanded critique of America's relations with Central America. McNeil is not so much a moderate as a knowledgeable debunker of propaganda of the left and the right. His overview of Central American history and political development corrects common misconceptions; moving on to an analysis of current conflicts, he dissects in scathing terms the Reagan Administration's obsession with overthrowing the Sandinista regime in Nicaragua via military means--but he's no friend of the Sandinistas either, blasting the romanticized view predominant in the liberal press. (McNeil would like to see the Sandinistas out of power, or forced to democratize, but favors pressuring Managua by pursuing the peace process and aiding the democratic opposition within the country rather than counting on the contras.) He attacks Oliver North and his cohorts, especially Elliott Abrams (Asst. Secretary of the Bureau of Inter-American Affairs under Reagan), whom he accuses of arrogance, incompetence, dishonesty, ignoring the intelligent initiatives of Latin Americans, and of politicizing the foreign service in a reprise of McCarthyism. Detailed, thoughtful, and angry analysis of the roots of Central American conflict, with current policy recommendations, told in a prose style replete with literary and philosophical allusions and, at times, caustic wit.

Pub Date: Jan. 30, 1988

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Scribners

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1988

Categories: NONFICTION