Evo Morales Faces Legal Challenges

 

Evo Morales is facing legal challenges. A judge called for his arrest for alleged relationship with a teenage girl while president. Evo Morales was the first indigenous president of Bolivia. Seeking to run for office again, the courts are also trying to stop him. The timing of these cases appear to have a political motivation. Evo Morales is still a popular political figure in Bolivia. He was removed by a coup and the basis of removal was just an accusation of electoral fraud. The opposition did not provide evidence of Evo Morales doing anything criminal. Evo Morales is being targeted both by the coups and other nefarious actors. An assassination attempt was made on his life in 2024 . President Luis Arce  might be orchestrating a campaign of lawfare against Morales. Law enforcement so far has not enforced the warrant for his arrest. The changes of sex trafficking or sex with a minor would be difficult to prove in court. The victim did not bring the charges to the court, which makes the situation more suspicious. Political opponents are being criminalized. Evo Morales is determined to get the nomination as the MAS Party presidential candidate. The courts want to prevent him from getting a third term. Evo Morales had to go into exile in Argentina due to the political persecution. The outcome of the election is not certain. If Evo Morales can avoid being imprisoned by his political enemies, he has a chance to win the presidency.   

Ecuador and Guatemala's Involvement In Haiti

 

Haiti is facing occupation from other countries in South America. Guatemala and Ecuador are getting more involved in the Caribbean nation. The justification was that the mission is to stabilize Haiti has a number of armed groups and gangs. While crime has been a problem, this is an internal matter for Haitian law enforcement. Gangs or armed groups are not directing there violence at Guatemala or Ecuador. Haiti does not pose a security risk to any of these countries. UN missions and foreign occupations have never helped Haiti. Kenya's mission to Haiti has also generated controversy in Africa. The Haitian National Police seeking foreign assistance proves that it no longer has independence. The United States appears to be outsourcing imperial projects to proxies in Latin America. What appears to be gang violence could morph into resistance against foreign military occupation and interference. The violence began in 2021 and was a reaction to Prime Minister Jovenel Moise refusing to relinquish power. His assassination led to a series of puppet governments. The Monroe Doctrine never disappeared, but changed with the geopolitical shifts. Haitians are taking up arms against being occupied and foreign interference in domestic affairs, Ecuador and Guatemala could be attempting to partition Haiti. Guatemalan and Ecuadoran troops are not there for human rights. Gaining more influence in the Caribbean is the objective. Haiti is not the same as Colombia in terms of violence. Foreign countries should not get involved in the policing Haiti. The advisors sent are going to have more of a command role and limited mechanisms exist to stop violence directed at the public by Central American soldiers.    

Colombia Has Prohibited Child Marriage

 

Child marriage has been outlawed in Colombia. After 17 years of advocacy groups working to make this possible, the bill was passed. Marriage is now prohibited for anyone under the age of 18. Certain countries still allow child marriage. This puts girls at risk for violence and sexual exploitation. The practice harms girls advancement in education and prevents economic opportunities in adulthood. Colombia is estimated to have about 4.5 million girls married before the age of 18 according to Unicef data. Child marriage remained more prevalent in rural communities. The economic strain that certain families face make then marry off their daughters to someone more wealthy. The reason child marriage effects girls more than boys is due to a culture of machista. The culture of male dominance does not allow girls and women much personal freedom. The challenge now is chaining attitudes about women and girls roles in society. Ensuring the law will be recognized will be difficult for law enforcement. The connection between poverty and child marriage has been noted. Social welfare programs, expansion of employment, and more public education can contribute to the fight against child marriage. Colombia had to act seeing as child marriage was becoming a public health concern. Child brides, just like adults can be subject to domestic violence. Getting pregnant too young can increase risk of death during childbirth. Colombia is the latest South American country to ban child marriage. Only 12 countries have a ban on child marriage in Latin America. Colombia could inspire activists in other countries to get legislation passed to protect girls from  child marriage. 

The Challenges Facing President Xiomara Castro

 

Honduras is still recovering from the coup that occurred in 2009. President Xiomara Castro faces both domestic and external challenges. The end of the extradition treaty with the United States signals a major shift. Honduras is asserting its national sovereignty and independence. Latin American nations that are politically left no longer want to align themselves with the United States. The internal affairs of Honduras show that there is internal opposition that does not want change. A video was made pubic which showed her brother-in-law allegedly asking for campaign donations from a drug trafficker. The video is at least a decade old. It was not President Xiomara Castro asking for donations or seeking help from criminal elements. Charges have not been made and no trial has taken place. This has not stopped some who want to see her resign. The National  Anti-Corruption Council appears to be pushing for the president's removal. The National  Anti-Corruption Council has not provided evidence of criminal activity. Without evidence or an investigation the claims are nothing more than accusations. The sudden accusations many suspect are politically motivated. Carlos Zelaya might be guilty of aiding gangs, but nothing in the video suggest President Xiomara ordered the transaction. Speculation also arises that there is a plot  from the United States to have President Xiomara Castro removed. President Xiomara Castro faces internal threats from gangs and the right-wing. The United States is the biggest external threat, seeing as Honduras wants to assert itself in South America.      

President Alberto Fujimori Accuses Generals of Assassination Plot (1992)

 

Former President Alberto Fujimori passed away from cancer and  Peru remains divided about his legacy. Despite trials, questions remain about the extent of the criminal activity of his administration. Alberto Fujimori in 1992 accused some of his generals of an assassination plot. Doubts remain if these generals were actually attempting coup or assassination. Around April of 1992 Alberto Fujimori launched the self-coup. President Fujimori dissolved the Congress and the judiciary and the military assisted. It makes no sense that a military would help enact authoritarianism with a person they allegedly wanted to assassinate. During the self-coup a new Peruvian  Constitution was created. The reason for Peru's struggles were related to economic instability and the fight against the Shining Path. The accusation of an assassination plot was made in November around the time elections were restored. The image of a few rogue generals trying to depose the government scare people to vote. President Alberto Fujimori won reelection in 1995, but that would not have been possible with out the change to the Peruvian Constitution in 1993. The change allowed him to run for another term. President Alberto Fujimori never provided evidence of the assassination plot. Imposing authoritarianism was justified by the administration as protecting Peru's national security. What was happening was the government abusing power.   

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro Gets 51% of The Vote

 

The National Electoral Council stated that President Nicolas Maduro won 51 % of the vote. The NEC also revealed that Edmundo Gonzalez got 44%. The opposition has made the claim of electoral fraud, but has not produced evidence. The Maduro administration has faced external inference and internal discord. Much of the internal dispute comes from right-wing political factions. President Nicolas Maduro's administration has presided over a struggling economy. The reason is sanctions imposed by other countries. Venezuela has some of the largest oil reserves in the world. This makes the country a target of larger powers. Nicolas Maduro wants to continue the revolutionary Bolivarianism of Hugo Chavez. The challenge is he lacks the charisma and skill of the former president. What works in his favor is survival. President Maduro has been able to avoid being victim of regime change or internal intrigue. The administration has been in power 11 years. The reason Venezuela survives is because it allies itself with other leftist governments. Nicaragua and Cuba are two countries that are essential to Venezuela's regional diplomatic ties. Brazil and Colombia are also going to become more important to Venezuela overtime. The best chance of fighting sanctions is expanding connections with African and Asian nations. Turbulence in the Middle East could elevate the importance Venezuelan oil. The US might have to normalize relations and lift sanctions to get access to it. President Nicolas Maduro still has to navigate regional hostility, threats from the EU, and right-wing plots.      

Crisis In Bolivia

 

Bolivia almost had another coup. Compounded by economic challenges it has not maintained stability. This has been the case since 2019. The overthrow of Evo Morales left Bolivia subject to a far-right turn in politics. Although the attempted coup was thwarted, questions remain. These events are going to have an impact on the 2025 presidential election. The coup attempted has been traced to general Juan Jose Zuniga. Others have accused President Luis Arce of trying to do a self coup. This is not new to South America. President Alberto Fujimori of Peru did this in 1992.  So far, there is no evidence to prove this claim. The biggest concern is the growing split in the Movement for Socialism. Evo Morales wants to run for office once more, but the Constitutional Court is barring him. The motivation is a political one. The changes made under former president Jeanine Anez remain in place. The election of Luis Arce was a sign of a return to normalcy. Inflation and other economic concerns are the center of attention. The average Bolivian is being harmed by slow economic growth. Arce only presented the illusion of a return to a stable nation. Bolivia is experiencing a shortage of US dollars, a decrease in foreign reserves, and a fiscal  deficit. One reason general Zuniga attempted a coup was that he accused the government of impoverishing Bolivia. President Luis Arce was an economist and was appointed economic minister in 2006 by Evo Morales. The assumption was that he would be able to solve Bolivia economic hardship. Bolivia is rich in natural resources and should be able to generate more business. Slow economic growth contributes to coups and political factionalism in MAS. If these concerns are not address Bolivia could lapse into greater instability.  

Claudia Sheinbaum Elected President of Mexico

 

Mexico has elected Claudia Sheinbaum as their next president. This is the first time in Mexico's history that they have elected a woman as head of state. While some celebrate the electoral victory, there are some harsh political realities. The border crisis is an ongoing challenge. Migrants and refugees cross in to Mexico from Central American countries. Mexico has a number of its citizens who leave the country. Crime and the violence of drug cartels are the biggest push factors. The high rates of femicide make Mexico unsafe for women.  Economic concerns are another. Mexico must do all that it can to stop migration and citizens from relocating. The reason Claudia Sheinbaum was able to get 60% of the vote was due to specific policies. The Morena Party puts emphasis on social welfare programs. This has helped a portion of the Mexican population get out of poverty. If Claudia Sheinbaum wants to have a successful administration this policy must continue. Sheinbaum has been involved in politics since the year 2000. She is not a new political figure, but offers the possibility of effective change. This is limited, because a Mexican president can only serve one term of six years. The Mexican Constitution imposed sexenio. The reason for this was to prevent presidents from becoming authoritarian. Claudia Sheinbaum cannot run for reelection in six years. A head of state cannot not make vast progress in a short period of time. Being a leftist, it is curious to see what her policies will be regarding Venezuela, Nicaragua, Colombia, Honduras,  and Cuba. The assumption Mexico will have enhanced diplomatic  relations with these countries. This complicated by the fact Mexico is an ally of the United States, a country seeking regime change in South American countries. President Claudia Sheinbaum will have to navigate the regional politics of Central and North America.  

Ecuador's Drug Gang War

 

Drug gangs are becoming more powerful in Latin America. The biggest gang Los Choneros has been responsible for car bombings, assassinations, and kidnappings. Much of the spike in violence comes from the shift in drug consumption and the reach of  other cartels from other countries. Peru and Columbia are the largest cocaine producers, but Ecuador was an area of drug transit. When FARC in Columbia demobilized a power void was created. Europe also wanted more drugs from the area. Smugglers saw a business opportunity in drug transit. Mexican and Venezuelan gangs began infiltration in the 2010s. Another powerful drug gang emerged known as Los Lobos. Both Los Choneros and Los Lobos are enemies. The two gangs have a hatred for government. The police are not able to fight all the factions. This is why the military is being deployed in certain regions. The war on drugs in Ecuador has become actual combat. The government has now declared that criminal gangs are terrorist organizations. What this means is the military will takeover more law enforcement duties. The concern becomes an increase in civilian death during anti-criminal gang operations. The military taking on a law enforcement role could open the path to authoritarianism. President Daniel Noboa's solution is to militarize law enforcement and build more prisons. The state of emergency that was declared is a potential threat to the civil liberties of the Ecuadorian citizen. El Salvador is also facing similar challenges. The result is more migration to from South America to North America. Ecuadorians at some point might have to flee the country due to internal armed conflict.    

Ancient Engravings Found In Brazil

 

The Amazon  has struggled with a drought. What the lack of water exposed were ancient rock  engravings. Brazil's history goes back far. South America also has a history of ancient civilizations just like  Rome or Egypt. The engravings of  human faces are thought to be from 2,000 years ago. Jaime Oliveira an archeologist of the Brazilian  Institute of Historical Heritage stated this is a significant discovery. The area they were found was Praia das Lajes in the Negro River. The discovery highlights the need to do more study of the ancient  Brazil. The human faces have various expressions and it makes observers wonder what the purpose of the rock engravings  were. The engravings could be a mere decoration or be part of some form of cultural representation. The art might have been part of a religious ritual. The indigenous peoples of Brazil's history is not completed documented. When the Portuguese made contact in 1500, the Amerindian  population was under threat. Much of their history was preserved through oral traditions, but colonizers never respected it. Brazil has a total of 305 Amerindian ethnic groups. Each has a unique history. The newly discovered engravings should be used as a means of generating interest in the history of indigenous peoples. Brazil's history contains an element of mystery and wonder. The people who made the art remains unanswered. There is no evidence which of the 305 ethnic groups made the rock engravings.   

Haiti Could Be Invaded By Kenya

 

An African nation could be invading a Latin American country. The United States has convinced Kenya to sign a defense agreement to deploy troops in Haiti. The justification of  stopping gang violence and lawlessness has been used for an invasion. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin signed the agreement with Kenya's Defense Minister Aden Dulae. Kenya would be leading the mission into Haiti. The multinational force is not about restoring order or human rights protection. The United States is using other nations to be regional enforcers in Latin America. The intent is to keep an unpopular regime in power. Prime Minister Ariel Henry requested assistance from the international community to save his government. The United Nations has been supportive of military intervention. All the the UN missions in Haiti have left the country in a worse condition. The reason military intervention has not occurred sooner is because few countries want to volunteer. The only way to stop a military strike is if the UN Security Council does not approve a mandate. The way of hiding imperial designs is by having Global South nations engage in most of the fighting. The optics of  European countries occupying Haiti would increase suspicion of intent. Kenya has been involved in missions in Kosovo, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This is why the US reached out to Kenya. The interest in Haiti is in the untapped naturals resources in its territory. Iridium and gold are present in the country. Haiti has oil, but all of the sites are not fully explored. Natural gas potential has not been unlocked either. The reason Haiti is attacked by various nations is due to its wealth. Destabilization, corrupt government, and foreign occupation hinder economic development. A Kenyan led military mission will cause another humanitarian crisis in which Haiti cannot not recover from. What Kenya does in Haiti could cause controversy on the African continent itself.      

Protests Against Peruvian President Dina Boluarte

 

Peruvians are showing their frustration with the current administration. Demonstrations have spread across the country. Most of the protesters are either associated with leftist groups and labor unions. The discord is being generated from the ineffective leadership of President Dina Boluarte. The accusation is that her government has become more authoritarian. Legal question remain about the removal of former president Pedro Castillo. Evidence suggest that attempts were made to depose his government by right-wing factions. He could not bring stability and the biggest error was dissolving the congress. Dina Boluarte was not elected. One of the demands of protesters is that she either resigns or new elections to be held. The biggest motivation for public discord is growing poverty and wealth gaps. Peru is a major copper producing nation, but only a few people of benefited from this natural resource. Being a large metal producing country, more Peruvians should see an increase in their income. Rage has grown so much that the demands for a new constitution and the congress to be dissolved are being proposed by activists. Peru's government in response has deployed an estimated 24,000 police officers. President Dina Boluarte is developing a network  of repression to remain in power. If elections were held in the next few months, most Peruvians would not vote for her. Peru since 2017 has developed into an illiberal democracy. A former Free Peru Party member has now become a more conservative president. Dina Boluarte's power comes from the congress, police, and military. All those institutions are being weaponized against the population. Either a coup or uprising will end her presidency if elections do not take place. The only means of defense  the Peruvian public  has are demonstrations and suffrage.     

Mexico Recognizes Palestine

 

Mexico is recognizing Palestine. Plans are being made to establish an embassy in Mexico City. Getting more recognition from other countries could help the challenges facing the Palestinians in Israel. The bombings of the Gaza Strip , refugees, and racism have made conditions for the Arab population unsuitable. The continued occupation in the West Bank represents an expansionist policy. Mexico's recognition could be a diplomatic shift in Latin America. The Mexican Senate passed the resolution for recognition in 2021, but it appears plans are moving forward to make it official. The reason Mexico has sympathy for the Palestinian state is due to history. Mexico lost land in the Mexican War (1846-1848) and people were displaced from that conflict. The imperial legacy of the Monroe Doctrine still haunts Latin America. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador is taking a different approach to foreign policy. The direction is more oriented to the Global South. The right-wing governments of  South America tend to favor Israel at the expense of the Arabs. Guatemala was fast to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital. When left-wing governments were in power, they were allies to Palestine's aspirations. Between the years of 2010 and 2011 Brazil, Argentina, Chile Bolivia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Cuba, including  Nicaragua recognized a Palestinian state. Israel will attempt to counter these developments, but Mexico could be part of a growing pro-Palestine  block. Much of the situation depends on what government is in power in Mexico.     

Argentina's Economic Crisis

 

Argentina faces economic hardship. The country appears to be seeing a form of hyperinflation. The Argentine peso is losing value. This explains why some might exchange their pesos for US dollars instead. The government has in response limited the number of dollars citizens can by at the current exchange rate. Politicians pretend that the recent development was some random act, but there ahs been a pattern of economic instability. The 2001 crisis proved that it was a combination of institutional failures, deposit freeze, and a default on public debt trigged economic turmoil. IMF policies have not secured the economy of Argentina. Just like in 2001, the new economic downturn will generate more poverty. People who were financially secure will see themselves impoverished. Many were not able to recover their deposits from the 2001 crisis. The Argentine public has grown even more suspicious of the banking system and government. The fear of the devaluation of the peso is present. There is also an indication that Argentina lacks hard currency and is not taking in more money. The crisis has made it more difficult for business to operate. Without specific costs known, running an establishment is not possible. Inflation will harm or eradicate small business, before bigger corporations. Argentina plans to accept an IMF $ 3.9 billion deal. IMF agreements have never solved Argentina's economic concerns and the new deal has limited chance of success. The economic crisis has gotten so severe that President Alberto Fernandez will not seek another term. Argentina's crisis is a warning to the global economy and the fragile nature of the banking system.       

Haiti Is At Risk of Military Intervention

 

Growing discord has spread across Haiti. This is the result of the ending of much needed subsidies of the public. The instability has increased the threat of France, Canada, and the United States invading the island. The UN peacekeeping missions appear like military occupations, rather than humanitarian assistance. Criminal gangs are a problem, but these groups are not powerful enough to depose the government. The protesters are frustrated with their government, which fails to make any progress.  Ariel Henry's leadership has brought more political challenges. The Haitian leader called for intervention to help keep him in power. This has been erroneously been presented as the country itself calling for invasion. Ariel Henry was not elected, but appointed himself prime minister. It can be argued legally Henry does not have the authority to be in office. Accusations have also been made linking Ariel Henry to the assassination of Jovenel  Moise. Haiti has not been able to gain control of its own affairs. This is due to regime change and neocolonial imperialism. The last major occupation was during the removal of President  Jean Bertrand Aristide. The UN Minustah force engaged in acts of violence directed at the Haitian population. Witness stated most of the atrocities were done by Brazilian troops. Allegations of rape, destruction of public health, and human rights violations have been made against the UN mission. Haiti must fight internal insurrection, corrupt government,  and foreign interference to regain its national sovereignty.  

Brazil's 2022 Prsidential Election

 

Brazil's presidential election has taken a fascinating turn. It has headed to a run off election. Luiz Lula Da Silva has made a political comeback seeking to return to the presidency. However, President Jair Bolsonaro performed better than the polls predicted. Polls have been under major scrutiny when it relates to election outcomes. Da Silva only got 48.4 % of the vote compared to Bolsonaro's 43.23%. To win the first round a candidate needs 50%. This is why Brazil went into a run off. The challenge with electoral systems of liberal democracy is that candidates do not get enough votes to avoid a run off. Even with an independent judiciary, legal challenges to results are a concern. There remain fears that Jair Bolsonaro will not accept the election results. He has not been shy about his admiration for the military government that ruled Brazil between 1964 to 1985. Compared to other Latin American countries Brazil had stability. This has been the case throughout its history, but that might change. Even if Luiz Lula Da Silva wins, he has to face right-wing opposition. President Jair Bolsonaro  could always make a return to office in the following years. Brazil's elections represents the wave of right-wing movements coming to power starting in the late 2000s. Who ever wins will also effect Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua.  

Gustavo Petro Elected President of Colombia

 

There has been a shift in the politics of Colombia. The country has elected its first leftist president. Colombia was under right-wing administrations for a number of decades. The country had struggled with problems related to narcoterrorism and civil war. Francia Marquez will serve as vice president to the Petro administration. Gustavo Petro was active in the M19 group a guerilla organization that fought the government. Gustavo Petro also was mayor of Bogota and currently served in the senate. Leftism is making a comeback, after a number reactionary governments spread across Latin America. Honduras was the first to fall by coup. Then came Brazil and there have been attempts to depose the government of Venezuela. Nicaragua and Cuba have been targets of external conspirators. Colombia might find itself a target of US interference considering it is a leftist government. Colombia has since 1964 been in conflict with a number of right-wing paramilitary groups and leftists guerilla forces. The peace deal with FARC did not end all hostilities. President Gustavo Petro must navigate  through a country plagued by political factionalism, conflict, and the threat of  a possible coup. While there are both domestic and foreign policy challenges, his election is a victory for Latin American leftists.  

Former Bolivian President Jeanine Anez Sentenced To Ten Years In Prison

 

Jeanine Anez was sentenced to ten year in prison for illegally taking   power and violating the Bolivian Constitution. The accusations against Evo Morales committing electoral fraud were false, inducing a crisis. Morales' removal hints to a lager conspiracy. The right-wing political factions and the US organized a coup against his government. Anez claims she is innocent and a victim of political bias. Her argument was that she became interim president, because the nation was in such turmoil. The elections of 2020 were held, but it was clear the Bolivia became more divided. Jeanine Anez was unable to get elected, because too many people saw her as a conspirator. The Morales presidency did much in terms of poverty reduction and protecting the rights of the indigenous people. When Jeanine Anez served as interim president the Movement to Socialism Party found itself being suppressed. Anez is not the only one who had a role in the coup. While she remans in prison various sympathizers are active in both the government and military. Another coup could happen if such conspirators are not dealt with. The political crisis in Bolivia was reminiscent of the Cold War era. Right-wing political figures and the military would depose leftist governments. This was done with the assistance of the United States. Rarely do nations jail their former leaders. Even if they are sentenced, they will never serve its full length. Bolivia is now faced with growing corruption, the threat of coups, and those active in intrigue on the behalf of external forces. The progress made in the 2000s and 2010s might disappear. The arrest and imprisonment of Jeanine Anez will not stop Bolivia's challenges. What it demonstrates is a leader can be punished for egregious actions. Constitutional violations must be taken seriously to prevent Bolivia from becoming authoritarian.   

The Status of The Trial of Jeanine Anez

 

The former interim president of Bolivia is going on trial. She has been changed in being an accomplice in the coup that deposed Evo Morales. Currently, she is being held in prison before the trial. Anez has been there for a total of 11 months. The conservative leader claims she is a victim of political persecution. There is a strong case that she illegally assumed the presidency, which would be a constitutional violation. Other charges include violence directed at the public. Jeanine Anez was not elected she declared herself president in 2019. Losing the elections in 2020, it was clear Anez was not a popular public figure. President Morales was not removed by legal means. He was forced to go into exile in Mexico. The claims of electoral fraud from the OAS report have been questioned regarding Morales' fourth term win. So far, there has not been evidence found that there was electoral fraud in the Bolivian 2019 election. That means the legitimate government was overthrown. Based on this information, Anez would have difficulty proving innocence. Combined with the fact that violence was directed at the indigenous population during the protests, more charges makes it a challenge for her lawyers. A narrative is being created that President Luis Arce is using the trial to strengthen his administration. The armed forces backed Jeannie Anez's seizure of power. Taking power by force and instigating violence are serious and should not be ignored. Whatever the outcome, this could further divide Bolivia. Currently, the trial is suspended. If found guilty, Jeanine Anez faces up to 12 years in prison.   

George Shultz Answers Questions About The Iran Contra Scandal (1986)

 

George P. Shultz (1920- 2021)  served as secretary of state under the Ronald Reagan administration. He went on Face The Nation to defend US policy in Latin America. The US was attempting regime change in Nicaragua by funding the Contras. The funds were generated from arms sales to Iran. Congress forbid this, but the Reagan presidency went ahead with covert action. Shultz in hi testimony denied having any knowledge of the arms for hostages agreement. The truth however was that he had knowledge of arms sales between December 1985 to May of 1986. The image of George P. Shultz being an honest figure in the Reagan administration  was more so a fabrication. Shultz during the interview states that the USA was being tough on terrorism and the arms embargo directed at Iran. The reality is that the US was sponsoring multiple terrorist organizations and armed groups globally. The scandal could no longer be covered up and members of Reagan's cabinet were charged. Shultz was able to avoid criminal charges, but that did not mean he was innocent of wrong doing. George P. Shultz was aware of the sale of TOW and HAWK missiles.