Noam Chomsky - Turning the Tide U.S. intervention in

Free World Vignettes
notes that “for public relations, it is important to neutralize the ‘ARDE’
factor”—referring to the US-supported contra attacks from Costa Rica—
or this will weaken the “rationale for a vigorous U.S. response” to
Nicaraguan military actions; “our provision of assistance and
accompanying public and background statements can help to focus the
spotlight on Costa Rica as the victim of Nicaraguan aggression.” The
Washington Post quoted a Costa Rican close to President Monge as
saying that he had tried to handle border incidents by diplomatic means,
but was being “pushed to create a scandal” by the US. The State
Department report warned of the danger that “An effective rationale for
urgent U.S. military supplies could be dissipated somewhat if there are
no further attacks and press stories focus on mediation and lessened
tensions . . . Attacks against a small democracy with no standing army
put Nicaragua in a bad light.” Costa Rica had, in the past, sought to
defuse tensions, avoid confrontation, and fall back on the moral
protection of its unarmed neutrality,” the report continues, a course that
“still retains its strong attraction for many Costa Ricans.” This course
must be changed, with the US exploiting incidents arising from contra
attacks to make it appear that Costa Rica is the victim of unprovoked
Nicaraguan aggression, whatever the consequences for Costa Rica. 95
Classics in Politics: Turning the Tide Noam Chomsky
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