>>After all the information I have read about the invasion of Panama, I have the impression that the United States wanted to find an excuse to get rid of Noriega. Norieaga was on the CIA payroll as I recall. The initial reports from the Administration were reminisant of the “Gulf of Tonkin” incident. Blow things out of proportation to justify your action. We are a mighty nation and will not tolerate an insect!
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>Demonizing Noreiga, was very easy to do (a nutter just like Saddam) but still this was cover for securing the canal.
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>>Was the invasion warranted? Yes and no. A simple hit man (James Bond for example) could have done a better job.
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>The canal is the property of Panama. It can do with it what it wants.

The United States is the only country worthy of determining what is best for other countries. We therefore act politically, economically, and militarily if necessary (not necessarily in that order) to create a better world, for freedom and democracy. Notice I did not use the word "God", as I would not wish to upset specific groups of zealots. :)

They say that Christopher Columbus was the first white man to visit Panama's mainland. I guess the rest of his ships crew stayed behind! Panama was an important area for the Spanish conquest of Peru (my wife’s country).

Panama was originally called New Granada, and because of the war between Mexico and the United States, it became apparent that a railroad across New Granada was needed. The British build a fort on the east coast of New Granada and the United States sent a war ship and leveled the fort. I could never find out what the repercussions were of this event but the British lost interest in that specific area.

Many people died building that railroad. Then we get into the stories about the Panama Cannel and here we are today.