>Well, the Army actually. The involvement of the U.S. in the Dominican Republic in the past is a major embarrassment to the U.S. and both instances were a HUGE mistake. I am surprised more here do not bring it up - especially given Iraq right now...
>

I used to think that way, now I'm not so sure! Most of those who battled the US forces in '65 have been in power and they've made no difference for the dominican people. Living conditions have been worsening under the flag of the so called "socialists" because their governments have been as vicious and corrupted as the right governments.

In the 70s when I was a kid most people used to look up to those who where in the revolution, when they came to power they just stomped in all that. Of course not all of them are like this.

>What is the status of the camp at Barahona? It is supposed to be a humantarian effort but the base was being built to provide a launching zone for Haiti I heard (rumours). Before US forces landed, the Dominican government signed a waiver granting US troops immunity from prosecution for war crimes or other offenses before the International Criminal Court. It was never publicized here, but I know there were demonstrations in Barahona.

Last thing I've heard they're still there. I think they're here not only as a launch zone for Haiti, it also has to do with drugs traffic because that area was a big landing zone for planes carrying Colombian drugs and using DR as a bridge to ship it to the US. Those who protested were some small leftist groups that think they're still living the cold war and who do not waste a chance to get in the news.