Circumstances continue to become more confrontational and difficult in Nicaragua. In the aftermath of the events referenced in our previous entry here, “Tentative and Fragile,” no resolutions have been reached and neither side in the conflict has backed down. (Does this sound familiar? ) The result at this moment is that university visits have been cancelled, uncertainty prevails and tensions remain very high. In chaotic conditions like this, it’s hard to discover reliable, insightful knowledge of what’s really going on. But WPF has come across an analysis (with names removed) that gives a pretty balanced report, and we offer it here as a sort of informational post for those who seek a reasonable summary of events to the moment.
The writer quoted below is of some significant standing in Nica professional society, possessing some credibility in terms of his/her knowledge of recent events.
11. We are facing a civic revolution and it is up to all of us to learn how to take it to a glorious end.
As I was saying this is a small summary of the position of the sectors that will be in what is today a not so clear and possible dialogue, and I believe that we are seeing some light on a topic that has been unfocused. I leave you with a phrase that Dr. Medina [President of the Autonomous University of Managua, and named by the Church to the dialogue] said today:
“I have never seen in my history such a great opportunity to make a change in Nicaragua.”
For the present there are many conditions being required of an administration which has demonstrated little desire to comply with any demands made of it; indeed, intimidation and control through force has been its central tool. Is it possible that it could capitulate to the protesters’ requirements? Is a Korean-style reconciliation possible? There is a large demonstration called for today (May 9th), and the students have asked private enterprise to let their workers off so they can participate in the demonstration. The Peasant Movement has said that they will attend as well. It will start at the cathedral and follow a route which, in the past, the police did not allow them to take. So it will be interesting to see what happens in response to the demonstration.
As usual, U.S. news sources have provided very little mention of the turmoil in this land. Our country seems to have a boundless supply of disinterest in what happens there. But the outcome bears close monitoring, for the security and safety of Nicaraguans as well as the stability of our Central American neighborhood. The U.S. may be courting isolation, but in reality it does not exist….
