Panama 1989

Brief:

The U.S. intervention in Panama in 1989 was essentially over the disobedience of one man, Manuel Antonio Noriega. Noriega was no doubt a bad man. In the past he had been on the C.I.A's payroll while he was providing information about the Nicaraguan Sandinistas. However, Noriega parted ways with the United States, like a stray dog wanders from its owner. He became heavily involved in the drug trade and began to gain power in Panamanian society. He slowly became a behind the scenes dictator through a combination of illegal activities and violence. The murder of Dr, Hugo Spadafora essentially left power to Noriega unchallenged. 

Though a full scale invasion of Panama was undesired the United States was left no choice as Noriega refused to give up power. The United States charged Noriega in the United States on drug charges and Noriega was not about to leave his throne in Panama to face those charges in the United States. 

One of the main concerns in the Panamanian invasion was the concern for the approximately thirty-four thousand American citizens in Panama. The United States and then President Bush were afraid that the Anti-American rhetoric used by Noriega would incite violence against these students. This idea was furthered by the fact that leading up to the intervention, harassment toward American citizens had exponentially increased. 

Stats:

American Special Forces Killed 11

American Special Forces Deployed 4,150

American Soldiers Killed: 23 

American Soldiers Deployed 23,000

American Civilians Killed 3

Panamanian Troops killed: 314

Panamanian Civilians Killed 300

Analysis

This military action was well planned and well executed. The strike was quick and efficient as the casualities were relatively low on both sides of the field. The reason for the intervention was suspicious because Noriega was once on the C.I.A. payroll, however the rouge Noriega was no longer helping the United States but hurting it making him disposable. 

All of the objectives of the mission ousting Noriega, protecting American citizens, and restoring American military prominence were accomplished in this mission. 

The Bottom Line:

This was a good intervention. It boosted the image of the American military both domestically and abroad. It was effective and the government, despite having shaky motives, was able to convince the public that the intervention was for the best.