Refugees and internally displaced persons: (click here) ongoing drug cartel and gang violence) (2011)
Illicit drugs: major transit country for cocaine and heroin; in 2005, cultivated 100 hectares of opium poppy after reemerging as a potential source of opium in 2004; potential production of less than 1 metric ton of pure heroin; marijuana cultivation for mostly domestic consumption; proximity to Mexico makes Guatemala a major staging area for drugs (particularly for cocaine); money laundering is a serious problem; corruption is a major problem
Spanish (official) 60%, Amerindian languages 40%
It is an impoverished country. What do we know about impoverishment and population?
There is a population of nearly 15 million of which a full 36 percent are ages 0-14.
This is a problem that will not go away. The reason it is so stark at this point is because the USA has never had such a dramatic example of the migration out of Guatemala before. These young children are leaving because they have no means of staying with any degree of safety in their lives.
The USA knows a great deal about the drug trade in most parts of the world. Unfortunately, Guatemala is directly in the transportation route of the only land route connecting SA to NA.
The USA under President Obama has been doing it's level best to end the crisis.
These are Marines. They are deployed when the terrain and conditions are difficult and raw. There has not been an aspect to this crisis the USA hasn't tried to end for the people of Guatemala as well as the USA.
August 30, 2014
Staff Sgt. Travis A. Jakovcic, a UH-1N Huey crew member with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 467 (HMLA-467) looks back at another aircrew during takeoff at the Guatemalan Air Force Base at Retalhuleu, Guatemala, Aug. 22, 2012. AP/U.S. MARINE CORPS
Illicit drugs: major transit country for cocaine and heroin; in 2005, cultivated 100 hectares of opium poppy after reemerging as a potential source of opium in 2004; potential production of less than 1 metric ton of pure heroin; marijuana cultivation for mostly domestic consumption; proximity to Mexico makes Guatemala a major staging area for drugs (particularly for cocaine); money laundering is a serious problem; corruption is a major problem
Spanish (official) 60%, Amerindian languages 40%
note: there are 23 officially recognized Amerindian languages, including Quiche, Cakchiquel, Kekchi, Mam, Garifuna, and Xinca
It is an impoverished country. What do we know about impoverishment and population?
There is a population of nearly 15 million of which a full 36 percent are ages 0-14.
This is a problem that will not go away. The reason it is so stark at this point is because the USA has never had such a dramatic example of the migration out of Guatemala before. These young children are leaving because they have no means of staying with any degree of safety in their lives.
The USA knows a great deal about the drug trade in most parts of the world. Unfortunately, Guatemala is directly in the transportation route of the only land route connecting SA to NA.
The USA under President Obama has been doing it's level best to end the crisis.
August 30, 2014
Staff Sgt. Travis A. Jakovcic, a UH-1N Huey crew member with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 467 (HMLA-467) looks back at another aircrew during takeoff at the Guatemalan Air Force Base at Retalhuleu, Guatemala, Aug. 22, 2012. AP/U.S. MARINE CORPS
..."This is the first Marine (click here) deployment that directly supports countering transnational crime in this area, and it's certainly the largest footprint we've had in that area in quite some time," said Marine Staff Sgt. Earnest Barnes at the U.S. Southern Command in Miami....
The Marines aren't necessarily there alone. There are US agencies in multiple places throughout the area to bring intelligence to the fighting force. This is difficult. If the drug cartels loose these routes they lose their money. They are vicious, guerrilla and very difficult to deal with even politically. It has been quite a task. At least these 50 thousand children are safe.
Currently, the American government are trying to educate the people of these countries to the dangers they face in leaving. It hopefully will have an impact and they will find a way to be strong and find the will to stand against the dangers surrounding their lives.
The Republicans need to stop complaining for political pandering and do the right thing and pass the bill for this humanitarian emergency. No Republican can state the President has done nothing to prevent this crisis. He has done everything humanly possible within his purview. Enough already.
Currently, the American government are trying to educate the people of these countries to the dangers they face in leaving. It hopefully will have an impact and they will find a way to be strong and find the will to stand against the dangers surrounding their lives.
The Republicans need to stop complaining for political pandering and do the right thing and pass the bill for this humanitarian emergency. No Republican can state the President has done nothing to prevent this crisis. He has done everything humanly possible within his purview. Enough already.
