Noriega's Panama

Christopher Morris

Black Star

Story Summary, General Manuel Noriega has ruled Panama with an iron hand during his reign. His power resides in his control of Panama's military forces and until 1988 was blessed with the support of the United Startes which used him in its so called 'War on Drugs'. During 1988 the opposition against Noriega's power crystallized and protestors demonstrated vehemently against his rule. Some of his support erroded as a result of his indictment in Miami, Florida for drug dealing. Despite his troubles, Noriega was defiant against the efforts of both the United States and his Panamanian adversaries and succeeded in maintaining his rule by political repression. Caption, General Manuel Noriega, military strongman of Panama at a political rally in the town of San Martin. March 1988.

Christopher Morris, "Noriega's Panama," in POYi Archive, Item #17421, http://archive.poy.org/items/show/17421 (accessed April 20, 2025).