The issue appeared in the international arena almost simultaneously with the coup d'etat in Honduras against the constitutional President Manuel Zeyala. To understand the geopolitical stand off one must look at the recent regional alliances to Counter US domination and dependence by the nations South of the Border.
In the Economic front; The President of Venezuela and commander of the Bolivarian Revolution Hugo Chavez lead many initiatives to achieve regional and South to South Integration. creating a web of countries in Our America to work together to achieve real development under the principals of sovereignty, complementary cooperation and solidarity, the body has grown and taking shape to form the ALBA-TCP which is a direct rejection to the FTAA promoted by Washington and their free market neoleberal policies.
Honduras was stroke for its affiliation with ALBA-TCP and targeted for being the weakest link in regards to popular movements in Central America, also an strategic location for the military and economic ambitions of the American Empire. The Joint Task Force-Bravo operates in the Soto Cano Air base in palmerola, Honduras. The headquarter for the Honduran Airforce and Naval academies as well. who were directly involved in the removal of Zelaya from office and his replacement with businessman and head of the Congress neofascist Roberto Michelleti, AKA "Gorilleti" for his affiliation to graduates from the mercenary institute in Ft.Benning, Georgia. Also known as the School of the Americas or its new initials since 2001 (WHINSEC) Army Commander Efrain Vaquez Veleasco iron fist of the Military dictatorship silently supported by the Obama administration.
ALBA-TCP has recently grown to 13 countries including Honduras a member before the coup d'etat. The alliance is strengthening their ties with Russia, Iran and China as they move further away from US dependence. also recently announce the pilot regional currency SUCRE which will comence with electronic trade transactions among member states.
In the Political front; UNASUR emerged as a body for political integration which has recently met with the members of the African Union to fortify their South - South alliance. During the meeting in Margarita Island and in response to the threat of US imperialism and intervention in the regions, the initiative to create SATO was debated, an equivalent to the Northern Alliance NATO. To protect the interest of the South in the South.
The Obama administration responds by supporting in advance the results of the Honduras elections under a state of military siege and with out Mel Zelaya restitution to power, and the military agreement between their stronger ally in South America. Settling 7 military bases with regional capabilities in Colombia under the Para-Narco-President Alvaro Uribe. in efforts to weaken integration efforts South of the Border and attack President Chavez and the Bolivarian Revolution influence in the region and the world.
The recent visits to South America by the heads of state of Russia, Iran, China, Africa, and palestine reflect the growing support for geopolitical realignment, while NeoCapitalism continues to fall in the worse financial world crisis, making the American Empire more reactionary and dangerous then ever.
Obama's presidential slogan should have been CHANGE FOR THE WORSE.