The United States in Honduras, 1980-1981

"The transition from the Carter to the Reagan presidency created marked changes in United States policy toward Central America." "As United States ambassador to Honduras, Jack Binns witnessed the mounting confusion brought about by the pursuit of separate agendas by various agencies and freelance policy practitioners." "Goals for the Honduran transition to democracy were undermined, and conditions became increasingly chaotic, leading at last to the machinations of Iran-Contra.". "Ambassador Binns's account of these events sheds new light on the shadowed corners of U.S. policy during those difficult years. He demonstrates how the seeds were sown for the later problems with CIA operations and the collapse of Congressional oversight. He provides important lessons for the future of democracy, human rights, and the conduct of foreign policy."--BOOK JACKET.