This article discusses the role of Robert A. Pastor, a key figure in the Carter administration, in the decision to relinquish control of the Panama Canal. It argues that Pastor's Marxist background and his associations with leftist organizations influenced U. S. foreign policy decisions, particularly regarding Latin America.
1. Background of Robert A. Pastor:
• Pastor is described as a globalist and Marxist who aimed to integrate the U. S. , Mexico, and Canada into a "North American Union. "
• His significant influence on Jimmy Carter's decision to give away the Panama Canal is highlighted.
2. The Linowitz Commission:
• Pastor was the Executive Director of the Linowitz Commission, which recommended that the U. S. should give the Panama Canal to Panama.
• The commission's chairman, Sol Linowitz, believed U. S. sovereignty over the canal was a "source of shame" for Panamanians.
3. Connection to the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS):
• After his time with the Linowitz Commission, Pastor joined the IPS, a think tank known for supporting leftist and anti-American positions.
• The IPS has historical ties to communist funding sources and has been involved in promoting socialist causes.
4. Impact on U. S. -Latin America Relations:
• At IPS, Pastor contributed to reports that criticized U. S. policies and emphasized a need to support revolutionary socialism in Latin America.
• The IPS recommended abandoning pro-U. S. allies in favor of ideologically pluralistic approaches.
5. Carter Administration Role:
• Pastor served as a director in the National Security Council, advocating for the 1977 Carter-Torrijos Treaty, which transferred the Panama Canal to Panama.
• His efforts were essential in pushing the treaty through Congress, despite opposition from conservatives.
6. Controversy Over Confirmation:
• Pastor's nomination as U. S. ambassador to Panama in 1993 faced backlash due to his role in the Panama Canal transfer, leading to its withdrawal.
• Critics, including Senator Jesse Helms, blamed him for negative consequences in U. S. relations with Latin America.
7. Criticism of Policies:
• Jeane Kirkpatrick commented on the ease with which the Linowitz recommendations aligned with leftist ideologies, leading to anti-American sentiments and revolutionary activism.
• The article argues that Pastor and his associates viewed capitalism as the root of poverty in Latin America, favoring Marxist solutions instead.
Robert A. Pastor's involvement in U. S. foreign policy, especially regarding the Panama Canal, underscores a complex relationship between leftist ideologies and American decisions during the Carter administration. His actions and the recommendations from the organizations he was part of suggest a shift in U. S. policy that some critics believe had detrimental effects on national security and relations in Latin America.
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