FOR THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, THE ISSUE OF HUMAN RIGHTS ABROAD IS A SMOKE SCREEN

Washington just announced that the U.S. would strengthen economic ties with Argentina. The stated rational for the move is that the government of Mauricio Macri has proved to be, in the words of Deputy Security Advisor Ben Rhodes, a “strong voice for democracy and human rights in Latin America.” What better example of how the issue of human rights is a smoke screen that justifies U.S. policy in favor of economic interests and geopolitical objectives. “Democracy and Human Rights?” Is it because Macri is repealing a law that prevents monopoly control of the communications media? What about Macri’s clamping down on freedom of expression in Argentina? It would seem that Macri’s fervent support for the Venezuelan opposition is what qualifies him to be a champion of Latin American democracy.