theglobeandmail.com
Panama Celebrates Canal Anniversary Amid Trump's Reclaim Threat
Panama celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Panama Canal's handover from the U.S. on Tuesday, amid President-elect Trump's threats to reclaim it due to increased fees, and the death of Jimmy Carter, who negotiated the 1999 handover deal.
- What are the immediate implications of President-elect Trump's threat to reclaim the Panama Canal for U.S.-Panama relations and global trade?
- Panama celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Panama Canal's handover from the U.S., coinciding with the death of former President Jimmy Carter, who negotiated the deal. President-elect Trump, however, threatens to reclaim the canal, citing increased fees and a perceived unfair treaty.
- How has the Panama Canal's operation and economic significance evolved since the 1999 handover, and what factors contribute to current disputes?
- Trump's threat to retake the canal stems from his belief that the 1977 treaty was disadvantageous to the U.S. Panama's President Mulino countered these claims, asserting Panama's sole control and highlighting the canal's expansion and increased traffic since the handover. Experts suggest that Trump's threat lacks legal basis.
- What are the long-term implications of climate change and evolving global trade dynamics for the Panama Canal's operations and geopolitical significance?
- The future of the Panama Canal hinges on the Trump administration's actions and potential diplomatic solutions. Climate change impacts, including droughts affecting canal operations, further underscore the need for proactive management and infrastructure improvements to maintain efficiency and profitability.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing emphasizes Trump's threat, presenting it as a significant and immediate concern. The headline likely highlights this aspect. While the anniversary celebration is mentioned, the focus is on Trump's controversial claim and the potential for conflict. This framing potentially overshadows the significance of Panama's successful management of the canal and its economic importance to the country.
Language Bias
The article uses fairly neutral language but some word choices could be subtly biased. For example, describing Trump's threat as "decrying increased fees" could be softened to "expressing concern over increased fees." The phrase "foolishly gave the canal away" reflects Trump's viewpoint without attribution; a more neutral phrasing would be "agreed to the transfer of the canal".
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on Trump's threat and the anniversary celebration, but omits discussion of the economic benefits and challenges faced by Panama in managing the canal since the handover. It also lacks details on the specifics of the 1977 treaty and the exact nature of US rights under the neutrality agreement, beyond stating that it doesn't allow for the canal's return. While acknowledging the expansion project and increased fees, it doesn't offer a comprehensive view of the canal's financial performance under Panamanian management.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the situation as either the US reclaiming the canal or Panama retaining full control. It doesn't explore potential compromises or alternative solutions, such as renegotiating fees or clarifying the scope of the US's existing rights under the neutrality treaty. The framing ignores the complex geopolitical and economic realities.
Gender Bias
The article primarily focuses on male figures (Trump, Mulino, Carter, Torrijos, Quijano, Gedan, Vásquez). While this might reflect the individuals involved in the political and administrative aspects of the canal, a more balanced representation could include the perspectives of women involved in the canal's operation, economy, or local communities affected by its management.
Sustainable Development Goals
The 25th anniversary of the Panama Canal handover symbolizes a successful transfer of sovereignty and a commitment to international law. While Trump's threats challenge this, Panama's assertion of continued control and the existing treaties highlight the importance of upholding agreements and peaceful resolutions. The event underscores the significance of respecting national sovereignty and negotiated agreements.