The Honduran constitutional crisis drags on. But why should
anyone-other than Hondurans-care?
The latest controversy involved the postponement of a visit to
by an Organization of American States (OAS) delegation to
Tegucigalpa. After weeks of squabbling, both sides remain
recalcitrant. Ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya is no closer
to reinstatement, while the interim Honduran government remains
isolated.
The political confrontation may be unsettling for Honduras, but
it has had little impact on the United States. It is a good example
of a foreign crisis which isn't even a problem in America.
Washington's response should be helpful indifference. U.S.
officials should offer to assist negotiations but avoid taking
sides in a dispute in which America has nothing substantial at
stake.
The controversy began when President Zelaya, whose term was to
end in January, proposed a referendum to establish a National
Constituent Assembly to amend the Honduran consti...