Clare Sammells
Miguel Centellas
Maria Bruno
Sara Simon
Chris Exner
Kate McGurn Centellas
Claudine Vallières
Jonathan
Andres Vaughan
Donna YatesThe U.S. diplomat who allegedly asked a Fulbright scholar to collect intelligence will not be returning to Bolivia. It has been reported in the Associated Press and, more critically, in the Prensa Latina.
Filed under: International Connections, Media, Press, and Internet, U.S.-Latin American relations
I posted this in the earlier thread ….
For what it’s worth, here’s an update on the Fulbright scandal …
It seems (according to embassy officials) that van Shaick wasn’t asked to spy in Bolivia, per se. But rather he was warned that many Venezuelan & Cuban aid workers in Bolivia may actually be spies. He was asked to be wary of this, and then to report any suspicious activity. Clearly, the latter part of that request crosses the line. But it seems the story was perhaps a bit more nuanced.
Of course, this could all be spin. And, again, it seems clear (from previous statements van Shaick and the ABC reporter had made) that they did have an ideological axe to grind. So it seems both the embassy AND van Shaick were playing politics.
Still, I’m glad the embassy official has been recalled. Bolivia is a sensitive place and should be staffed by sensitive people.
There is, of course, the interesting question of a double standard. I wonder why people who support US interests are quick to decry Venezuelan operatives … while those who support the “Bolivarian” revolution are quick to decry US operatives. But few are willing to denounce **both**.
I don’t think you understand my motives, at least. I’m a U.S. citizen, and the actions of the American government both affect me and are paid for by me (through my taxes). Therefore I feel I have the responsibility and the right to address those policies.
I do not feel I have the same right to address the actions of the Venezuelan government or its citizens. I can comment on them, of course (as a complete outsider, since I have never even been there) but it is not the same level of personal involvement.
In other words, I view myself as a member of the “loyal opposition” of the United States, not as a supporter of any “Boliviarian revolution.” Perhaps we can invite Mr. van Shaick to join us here at the GT and give his point of view.