Goñi says Nisman shed "light on a corrupt system of secret influences and covert agents across the government."
But there is strong evidence that Nisman was himself a part of that shady system and answered to one of Argentina's spymasters, Jaime Stiusso.
People should not let their fascination with Nisman's death overshadow the much greater tragedy of the 85 deaths and hundreds of injuries from the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires (or, for that matter,the bombing two years earlier that killed 29 at the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires).
The sad fact is that -- over 20 years later -- those terrorist acts go unpunished.
In the wake of the Charlie Hebdo killings, many Argentines marveled that in just two days the French police had identified the killers and tracked them down. As opposed to the AMIA case, where 20 years later Argentine officials, police, judges and prosecutors are only pointing fingers and making excuses. The sad, sorry tale of the AMIA "investigation" is almost as horrifying as the bombing itself.
Granted, Nisman had a tough job with many obstacles. And he worked in a country where impunity is the norm (by some estimates, Argentina's conviction rate for reported crime is only 2%). Still, after ten years leading the "investigation," Nisman had very little to show for his "efforts."
International jurists should take over the AMIA case and proceed to put on trial the Iranian suspects -- in absentia, if necessary.
But there is strong evidence that Nisman was himself a part of that shady system and answered to one of Argentina's spymasters, Jaime Stiusso.
People should not let their fascination with Nisman's death overshadow the much greater tragedy of the 85 deaths and hundreds of injuries from the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires (or, for that matter,the bombing two years earlier that killed 29 at the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires).
The sad fact is that -- over 20 years later -- those terrorist acts go unpunished.
In the wake of the Charlie Hebdo killings, many Argentines marveled that in just two days the French police had identified the killers and tracked them down. As opposed to the AMIA case, where 20 years later Argentine officials, police, judges and prosecutors are only pointing fingers and making excuses. The sad, sorry tale of the AMIA "investigation" is almost as horrifying as the bombing itself.
Granted, Nisman had a tough job with many obstacles. And he worked in a country where impunity is the norm (by some estimates, Argentina's conviction rate for reported crime is only 2%). Still, after ten years leading the "investigation," Nisman had very little to show for his "efforts."
International jurists should take over the AMIA case and proceed to put on trial the Iranian suspects -- in absentia, if necessary.
10
It would be nice if the pope was more outspoken about events in his wealthy but misgoverned native country.
4
Is it possible that Nisman was promised intelligence to support his "evidence" that implicated Cristina Kirchner in the Iran cover-up in the murder of those at the Jewish center? That promised evidence was not delivered to back up his evidence.
Given his close relationship with the CIA and Mossad, one would tend to believe that given their silence on the matter, Nisman may have become a liability. In essence, he couldn't deliver on his promise.
Whether he was murdered, or committed suicide, we probably will never know.
Given his close relationship with the CIA and Mossad, one would tend to believe that given their silence on the matter, Nisman may have become a liability. In essence, he couldn't deliver on his promise.
Whether he was murdered, or committed suicide, we probably will never know.
5
Nisman was supposed to be investigating the bombing of the Jewish xenter. This crime was abetted by Menem who was the President at the time and was covered up by the intelligence agency that apparently proivided him with this new evidence against current president Kirchner in cooperation with their friends and conspirators in Iran. Kirchner a month before the "suicide" had dismissed the head of that spy agency so they had every reason to try to make her look guilty of the "suicide". Part of the setup included a crudely placed clue of an indictment against Kirchner that Nisman supposedly was going to file conveniently placed in his garbage. I don't think it would take Perry Mason to figure out that Kirchner wasn't resposible for the bombing or involved in the original cover up that Nisman was supposed to be investigating.
3
I am being witness of the development of the contents of this editorial in my beloved country.
As a lawyer, I was very interested in the case that Dr. Nisman was prosecuting, regarding the AMIA bombing, and also his political consequences and ramifications. But it is not the lawyer in me who write this words, is the citizen in my who comment on this.
We are very sad over here, we have an absolut distrust in our institutions, we believe that our people will rise, we always do, after all the facts that this editorial have named, as people we prevail, and it is not because we don't care, it's because we no longer believe in the people in charge.
Events related to Dr. Nisman death, on the other hand, has burn among the "psyche" and has set up a series of events leading to an involvment in the citizens to care about this case. Nobody believes from moment zero he has commited suicide, everybody on the streets, on bars, on law firms like my own, believe he was killed. By whom?. People have different theories about that, but as a Nation you can hear it as a whole saying "We are not buying this".
So I am here commenting this to give avail to the words ofthe editor. Yes, sadly, we believe he was "suicided". February 18th, in an unprecendent event in Argentine History, the people are gonna walk, alongside the Judicial State Power, asking for results in Mr. Nisman investigation.
But we, sadly, don't believe such thing is possible.-
Dr. David L. Tieso
Lawyer.
Buenos Aires.-
As a lawyer, I was very interested in the case that Dr. Nisman was prosecuting, regarding the AMIA bombing, and also his political consequences and ramifications. But it is not the lawyer in me who write this words, is the citizen in my who comment on this.
We are very sad over here, we have an absolut distrust in our institutions, we believe that our people will rise, we always do, after all the facts that this editorial have named, as people we prevail, and it is not because we don't care, it's because we no longer believe in the people in charge.
Events related to Dr. Nisman death, on the other hand, has burn among the "psyche" and has set up a series of events leading to an involvment in the citizens to care about this case. Nobody believes from moment zero he has commited suicide, everybody on the streets, on bars, on law firms like my own, believe he was killed. By whom?. People have different theories about that, but as a Nation you can hear it as a whole saying "We are not buying this".
So I am here commenting this to give avail to the words ofthe editor. Yes, sadly, we believe he was "suicided". February 18th, in an unprecendent event in Argentine History, the people are gonna walk, alongside the Judicial State Power, asking for results in Mr. Nisman investigation.
But we, sadly, don't believe such thing is possible.-
Dr. David L. Tieso
Lawyer.
Buenos Aires.-
13
The comments about this article from Argentines are almost more important in explaining the situation than the article itself. Argentina is a very polarized country. Those who side with Kirchner, los kirneristas, have a completely different interpretation of events than the opposition. They even don't agree on the history of the country. One example is the events surrounding the military dictatorship of 1976-83. The kirchneristas omit the anarchy, terrorism and national fear that occured during the years leading up to the military coup. Many of them were montoneros and ERP who participated in terrorizing the police and the public. So it should be no surprise that there is no trust or confidence in an honest investigation of the AIMA bombing in 1994 or the death of Nisman. Therefore I regret to say that this beautiful country that I know quite well, is on a path to more failure, chaos and internal hatred.
6
For just one example from Argentina's past, see Penny Lernoux's 1980 book, "Cry of the People", originally subtitled "United States Involvement in the Rise of Fascism, Torture, and Murder and the Persecution of the Catholic Church in Latin America." The book is heart-breaking. As the recent NYTimes article on Central America points out, the situation in all of Latin America today is hardly new - Lernoux writes "Argentina in the late 1970s was a land of sheer, open terror." Lernoux's survey dates from 1964, to include events in Brazil. In Honduras, repression of aid movements led to such choices as castration or the bread oven. (Honduras is one of the countries that recently exported children to our border.) While names of former Central American dictators are largely forgotten, such as Somoza of Nicaragua, their imprint on their lands still affect today's citizens - and the United States. Do we still remember the meaning of "El Salvador"? The fate that befell the nuns who helped the poor? Once we interpret today's events in historical context, we can understand the particular small group of enlightened men and women who operated in those places at that time, martyrs to an idea. It's over. Or is it?
19
Dear Margaret --
I would be very hesitant to talk about "the persecution of the Catholic Church in Latin American". I was living in Buenos Aires in the seventies and routinely saw in the news the cardinals and bishops next to the Military Junta in every official event. There were written materials circulated in churches who admonished the parishioners to stay away from politics of this world and concentrate on the bliss of the afterlife. Repeatedly, one could hear high church dignitaries encouraging the defense of the christian and occidental world against the perils of communism and atheism. All these Catholic Church officials were welcomed by the military regime.
There were quite a few decent, courageous priests and nuns, disenchanted by the actions of their church, who were tortured and/ or disappeared for their work with the indigent. But we know that the same thing happened to many other decent and courageous people with no church affiliation.
Josefina Alvarez
Santa Fe, New Mexico
I would be very hesitant to talk about "the persecution of the Catholic Church in Latin American". I was living in Buenos Aires in the seventies and routinely saw in the news the cardinals and bishops next to the Military Junta in every official event. There were written materials circulated in churches who admonished the parishioners to stay away from politics of this world and concentrate on the bliss of the afterlife. Repeatedly, one could hear high church dignitaries encouraging the defense of the christian and occidental world against the perils of communism and atheism. All these Catholic Church officials were welcomed by the military regime.
There were quite a few decent, courageous priests and nuns, disenchanted by the actions of their church, who were tortured and/ or disappeared for their work with the indigent. But we know that the same thing happened to many other decent and courageous people with no church affiliation.
Josefina Alvarez
Santa Fe, New Mexico
11
And much of those horrors have the U.S. to thank for devastating intervention in Central America and South America. I would guess the average American has no knowledge of this slice of history. I have had colleagues outright call me a liar when mentioning these events. My answer? Go look it up. The information is there for those who care to find it.
The U.S. is seeing the results at their doors now.
The U.S. is seeing the results at their doors now.
11
Continue to allow the powers "that be" to control legislation and regulation of the economy in the pro monopolistic anti consumer fashion they have for 35 years and this kind of "democratic" Autocracy is your future America. Murders of innocent bystanders and all.
I gotta think someone as smart as Mr. Nisman had copies and dispersed them to trusted places. Based on how things have always gone in Argentina as the article lays out so well, it would have been supremely foolish to hold all the cards himself with no backup.
Maybe the assassin's waited until the last minute to see if he would contact whomever it is/was that has copies before killing him?
I gotta think someone as smart as Mr. Nisman had copies and dispersed them to trusted places. Based on how things have always gone in Argentina as the article lays out so well, it would have been supremely foolish to hold all the cards himself with no backup.
Maybe the assassin's waited until the last minute to see if he would contact whomever it is/was that has copies before killing him?
2
If Nisman distributed copies, the recipients are probably reluctant to come forward. It is the rare person who has the fortitude to go against the powerful without concern for his/her life.
2
From reading the article and the 49 comments below, it is easy to see why the Falkland Islanders have no desire to become part of Argentina, and why the UK is somewhat sceptical when President Kirchner tries to talk about sovereignty.
5
Since when is the UK better? After all, the Old World has been an excellent teacher to all these bozos
4
The only book I read about Argentina was of his imprisoning by Jacobo Timmerman in the 1960s or 1970s. Juan Peron is an image I had. I didn't memorably read about Eva, though enjoy the song. They have gauchos and steak is plentiful. The Falklands in the 1980s, odd atmosphere hole over Patagonia and currency crisis are negatives from news reports. Many people are of Italian and German descent with a sprinkling of Jews. I luv the new Pope, who once was a bouncer. In other words, it's blah, and who hasn't
got conspiracies.
got conspiracies.
You still miss the talks between the gangster D´Elia and the iranian in charge of the deal that was reached for CFKirchner with the collaboration of Mr Timmerman.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
2
That leaked chat is astonishing in its banality. The "great conspirator" Delia is not even aware the Memorandum has been signed with Iran. Some conspirator!
"Argentina’s political saint, Eva Perón" ?, seriously? .....
2
The powerful, murder people who threaten them. Hmmm, we would never do such a thing in America. Or would we? We have, we do, and we will continue to. We incarcerate and torture without due process, as if there could be due process for torture. We use drones to attack perceived enemies, killing countless innocents in the process. J. Edgar Hoover ruled the FBI not that long ago and he destroyed many people perceived to be enemies of the "state."
So don't read about Argentina and think, "it can't happen here."
So don't read about Argentina and think, "it can't happen here."
30
Does anyone cry for Argentina? Only Argentine witnesses to local gangsterism, corruption, and incompetence.
1
How can there be an end to this tradition of political murders when the perpetrators are never brought to justice and the survivors can never know justice unless they can exercise their own retribution? The killers in Argentina seem to enjoy impunity when they kill political opponents because the society is more embarrassed about bringing leaders into court for misdeeds performed on behalf of wealthy and powerful constituencies than they are concerned about perpetuating their murderous habits.
10
Since i am a 25 year old Argentinian, English is my second language so I apologize in advance for grammar mistakes.
it's funny that this article comes from the US where four of its presidents were shoot to death while Argentina never lost one. But that is a cheap "shot", let`s go with that for the irony.
First of all, Nisman's denounce is in hands of a judge so his murder doesn't affect the course of the investigation. In fact, the full text is online.
Second, you mention that Peronist or kirchnerist are corrupt or undemocratic, but in the last presidential election Cristina Fernandez reached 54% of the votes and the second candidate, 17%!!!!
If Peron or Kirchner were authoritarian what is left to be said about the six military dictatorships the country suffered most of the times with the only purpose of overthrowing Peronist social and economical reforms. Most of the political prisoners during the 1976-83 military dictatorship mentioned in the article were Peronist or "lefties". During the 1955 military uprising Argentinian Air Force fighters bombed Plaza de Mayo, wounding or killing over 400 of its own citizens.
You can't reduce Peronist administrations to something fishy and ignore the Laws and reforms that have caused most of the hate from Corporations, the Military and the Media towards the party. And that is a substancial Truth often eluded by the press and the opposition.
it's funny that this article comes from the US where four of its presidents were shoot to death while Argentina never lost one. But that is a cheap "shot", let`s go with that for the irony.
First of all, Nisman's denounce is in hands of a judge so his murder doesn't affect the course of the investigation. In fact, the full text is online.
Second, you mention that Peronist or kirchnerist are corrupt or undemocratic, but in the last presidential election Cristina Fernandez reached 54% of the votes and the second candidate, 17%!!!!
If Peron or Kirchner were authoritarian what is left to be said about the six military dictatorships the country suffered most of the times with the only purpose of overthrowing Peronist social and economical reforms. Most of the political prisoners during the 1976-83 military dictatorship mentioned in the article were Peronist or "lefties". During the 1955 military uprising Argentinian Air Force fighters bombed Plaza de Mayo, wounding or killing over 400 of its own citizens.
You can't reduce Peronist administrations to something fishy and ignore the Laws and reforms that have caused most of the hate from Corporations, the Military and the Media towards the party. And that is a substancial Truth often eluded by the press and the opposition.
17
Just to clarify:
1) Te fact that the Nisman case is in the hands of another prosecutor does not mean the case was unaffected by the killing. The fear that many well known prosecutors are publicly expressing and the ongoing threats to judges investigating the government is evidence of that.
2) Cristina Kirchner won elections. However, it has no effect on whether she is corrupt or democratic. As we all know, dictatorships from North Korea and to Cuba regularly hold elections. Most Argentinians, however, suspect the government of Kirchner is deeply corrupt. There is plenty of evidence for that. And General Peron's violations of civil liberties, persecution of free press, and incarceration of opponents is well documented.
3) Military dictatorships were authoritarian and violated human rights. It does not mean that civilian governments were automatically democratic or not corrupt.
1) Te fact that the Nisman case is in the hands of another prosecutor does not mean the case was unaffected by the killing. The fear that many well known prosecutors are publicly expressing and the ongoing threats to judges investigating the government is evidence of that.
2) Cristina Kirchner won elections. However, it has no effect on whether she is corrupt or democratic. As we all know, dictatorships from North Korea and to Cuba regularly hold elections. Most Argentinians, however, suspect the government of Kirchner is deeply corrupt. There is plenty of evidence for that. And General Peron's violations of civil liberties, persecution of free press, and incarceration of opponents is well documented.
3) Military dictatorships were authoritarian and violated human rights. It does not mean that civilian governments were automatically democratic or not corrupt.
14
"The effect of all this on Argentina is unlike anything else in recent times. Mr. Nisman was only a prosecutor, but his death is dressed in the awed stupefaction of a Kennedy-level event."
The entire article is about how this is so much a part of the fabric of politics there that it has its own word. How then can the article conclude that it is so unlike anything else that it inspires stupefaction on the level of killing JFK?
This simply makes no sense. The conclusion is a non sequitur.
The entire article is about how this is so much a part of the fabric of politics there that it has its own word. How then can the article conclude that it is so unlike anything else that it inspires stupefaction on the level of killing JFK?
This simply makes no sense. The conclusion is a non sequitur.
12
I understood that although the "suicides" had a name now, the death of Mr. Nisman really shook up the people, right on the heels of the revelations he made in the media days before. The Spanish and Latin American press were all over that story, and there were protests in Argentina. I'd say Argentinians are taking Mr. Nisman's death pretty hard.
4
Methinks Argentina has yet to develop any genuine western-style democratic traditions. Progress has been but, needs to be made. The current state of political affairs is still quite sad.
6
Argentina stalled when its military removed the elected government just before WW1. It has never recovered. It was one of the world's richest countries, and has since been looted and fought over until it has been a wreck for a century. During the Cold War, the US supported this dysfunction, because it was at least not communist; that helped extend it, but it was the native product of a military coup much like Italy and Germany, with similar philosophy dressed up in high language.
19
I have gotten used to the figurative overuse of the word "epicentre", but when it is actually misused where it has a technical meaning, I want to say something, The epicenter if an explosion is the location projected to the earth's surface, like when a nuclear bomb is detonated above a city. Presumably this bomb was not detonated underground or in the air, so it doesn't have an epicenter,
3
The allegation that the "suicide" or "induced suicide" of Alberto Nisman might favor the presidency of CFK is puerile, to say the least, as even the most basic political analysis of the situation immediately shows. If the current press coverage is any indication, you have to agree that CFK is by far the person who has less benefited from Nisman´s death. Like her or not (and by now it´s apparent the NYTimes likes to portray her as some sort of tyrannical monster), CFK is surely an extremely intelligent politician that has been democratically elected twice by the vast majority of the population in transparent elections. It´s clear that even if we´re to believe that she would ever had somebody assassinated for political reasons, she´s intelligent enough to know that Mr. Nisman was "untouchable" due to his close ties with the Mossad, the CIA, and the US Embassy in Buenos Aires. (By the way, the NYTimes coverage has blissfully ignored the Wikileaks investigation that years ago showed Nisman servile behavior toward the US secret service and its agents in Buenos Aires. Just do a search in The Guardian online archives about this).
Any intelligent person can gather at this point that Nisman´s bluff about Iran and CFK had been strategically planned in alliance with powerful people who want to bring down CFK´s presidency and force her to resign early, exactly the opposite of what most American media and their readers have mindlessly concluded.
Any intelligent person can gather at this point that Nisman´s bluff about Iran and CFK had been strategically planned in alliance with powerful people who want to bring down CFK´s presidency and force her to resign early, exactly the opposite of what most American media and their readers have mindlessly concluded.
14
Couldn't have said it better myself.
2
"CFK is surely an extremely intelligent politician"
Her actions, statements and policies prove the opposite. Just look at her twitter feed as an example of how 'intelligent' she is.
Her actions, statements and policies prove the opposite. Just look at her twitter feed as an example of how 'intelligent' she is.
14
Like many of her predecessors, she's incompetent, corrupt, self-serving and perhaps associated with criminal enterprise. If you spend a lot of time in South America, you discover that this isn't uncommon, including in "worldly" Argentina.
10
It seems that periodically we Americans take some fleeting notice of the fact that Argentina is a corrupt cesspool. Then we see something shiny and forget all about it.
Argentina is a beautiful country with friendly open people. Really everyone at some point should visit BA, Patagonia and the Pampas. Really wonderful. And yet, paradoxically, the mafioso mentality of bribes, double dealing and hyper factionalism seems culturally embedded.
Argentina is a beautiful country with friendly open people. Really everyone at some point should visit BA, Patagonia and the Pampas. Really wonderful. And yet, paradoxically, the mafioso mentality of bribes, double dealing and hyper factionalism seems culturally embedded.
22
The Nazis threw people from windows. It was called defenestration. Of course they said it was suicide/
11
Actually, defenestration has a long history in Central European politics, especially in Prague. The two most famous incidents were in 1419 and 1618; in both cases, radical Protestants (Hussites in the the first case, Calvinists in the second) threw Catholic officials out the windows of a government building. The first case, which inspired the second, 13 people died, whereas all three victims of the second case survived (no mob outside to finish the job). A later version of a Prague defenestration was the death of Jan Masaryk in 1948; commies behind that one, no doubt.
1
The AMIA massacre is just one more Iranian-Hezbullah atrocious crime for which the world looks the other way. And so was the mass killing at the Israeli embassy two years earlier.
Alberto Nisman didn’t forget, and he didn’t forgive. He insisted on ruining the two-for-the-price-of-one sale: get rid of some Jews and get your oil cheap. Nobody was surprised when he was found dead. Just one less Jew.
Alberto Nisman didn’t forget, and he didn’t forgive. He insisted on ruining the two-for-the-price-of-one sale: get rid of some Jews and get your oil cheap. Nobody was surprised when he was found dead. Just one less Jew.
9
Hi UKI GOÑI,
"The wiretaps included a call from someone close to the president, speaking from inside the presidential palace, allegedly transmitting a secret message to Iran". Follow the CRIME TALE this time not the money this time.
Iran after its revolution has been like this, supporting TERRORISM around the world including death squad in Iran itself, the HANGING JUDGES hang innocent people on CRANES. Would you believe that.. Not only that, they send their terrorist militias in the middle east to kill non-Shiites.
How long the world tolerates their killing machines? How long President Obama tolerates their massive DECEPTIONS on their nuclear program? I am in no position to enforce my power as a single scholar. But the US, Europe can. But how? More sanctions and threat those Ayatollahs in Tehran that if they do not behave like other nations of the world, they will loose their grip on power in Iran. By this, the world actually is serving the Iranian people at the first place and the world in the second one.
Does anyone knows that those Mullahs collect 20% of the income of their populations - 140 million people around the world. That would generates billions of $$ each year. Actually those Mullahs have their own LAS VEGAS without gambling. There are more dirty things those Mullahs do to their populations that I respect the reader not to mention them because they are really DIRTY and they are part of their SECT behavior.
"The wiretaps included a call from someone close to the president, speaking from inside the presidential palace, allegedly transmitting a secret message to Iran". Follow the CRIME TALE this time not the money this time.
Iran after its revolution has been like this, supporting TERRORISM around the world including death squad in Iran itself, the HANGING JUDGES hang innocent people on CRANES. Would you believe that.. Not only that, they send their terrorist militias in the middle east to kill non-Shiites.
How long the world tolerates their killing machines? How long President Obama tolerates their massive DECEPTIONS on their nuclear program? I am in no position to enforce my power as a single scholar. But the US, Europe can. But how? More sanctions and threat those Ayatollahs in Tehran that if they do not behave like other nations of the world, they will loose their grip on power in Iran. By this, the world actually is serving the Iranian people at the first place and the world in the second one.
Does anyone knows that those Mullahs collect 20% of the income of their populations - 140 million people around the world. That would generates billions of $$ each year. Actually those Mullahs have their own LAS VEGAS without gambling. There are more dirty things those Mullahs do to their populations that I respect the reader not to mention them because they are really DIRTY and they are part of their SECT behavior.
7
While the Saudis chop off the heads of innocent people in the middle of street intersections, then arrest anyone who records it. Nice bunch to talk about Iran.
10
Mr. Thompson,
The Iranian regime leads the world in executions, on a per capita basis. And many of those victims were innocent.
Your defense of Iranian crimes in NYT comments is quite consistent.
The Iranian regime leads the world in executions, on a per capita basis. And many of those victims were innocent.
Your defense of Iranian crimes in NYT comments is quite consistent.
3
I didn't defend Iranian crimes, I condemned Saudi crimes, and the hypocrisy of a Saudi making that complaint of anyone else.
4
"Suicided," also referred to as " murdered."
7
The United States could have ended up just like Argentina had it not been for that first generation of leaders who saw themselves as obligated to trust in well made laws and institutions to guide the country instead of exceptional men. The temptation of victorious leaders is to devote themselves to guiding their countries until they have achieved stability, great prosperity and national greatness which only they could possibly achieve, and it leads to an endless series of leaders who see themselves as national heroes who do not operate under any constraints save their overthrow by other saviors of their nations.
9
The central problem in Argentina is it's Constition, meaning the politicians are guaranteed IMMUNITY in accordance to it's Constition, as such the corruption runs rampant.
In other words there is no respect for the law of the law and this Immunity voids out the purpose of a Republic (Check and balance system)
Today (I live in Argentina) Cristina Kirchner is a dicator enforcing her facist policies and her Kirchneristas are the brown shirted SS.
In 2007 Nestor Kirchner executed a Judicial coup within the Magistrates, which is a judical committee selecting which judge precedes over which case. A Judicial coup is by far more powerful and effect than a Military coup.
In other words there is no respect for the law of the law and this Immunity voids out the purpose of a Republic (Check and balance system)
Today (I live in Argentina) Cristina Kirchner is a dicator enforcing her facist policies and her Kirchneristas are the brown shirted SS.
In 2007 Nestor Kirchner executed a Judicial coup within the Magistrates, which is a judical committee selecting which judge precedes over which case. A Judicial coup is by far more powerful and effect than a Military coup.
11
you are right!!! And it is painful to leave in this dictatorship.
Argentina is not a dictatorship. People can say anything in the media, even insult the President or wish her death.
What dictatorship. I see tons of Argentinean tourist walking the streets of NY. Everyday. I kust came back from Miami and I would say Argentineans were coming in hordes. That doesn't happen in a dictatorship.
How often are the internal politics of small countries merely the flapping reactions to more powerful world actors in pursuit of their own interests? It is almost the entire story of modern history. When De Kirchner nationalized a large portion of Argentina's oil reserves a few years ago, I wondered how long we would have to wait for the counterattack, and what form it would take. Taking wealth away from the powerful is the most heinous and unforgivable sin in today's world. It is why the US has continued to economically strangle Cuba for fifty years after its revolution, while going on to negotiate with North Korea and Saddam Hussein.
Watch closely, the drama is playing out now, but the real motives and methods will be carefully concealed and then a useful political narrative will be constructed and distributed through the press.
Watch closely, the drama is playing out now, but the real motives and methods will be carefully concealed and then a useful political narrative will be constructed and distributed through the press.
15
What astounds me is the brazenness of the act. It does not seem the conspirators of these acts are too worried about getting caught. It seems they relish the publicity. Perhaps they hope the publicity will instill even more fear through the populace.
31
Uki Goñi says there is a political culture in Argentina's modern history that embraces the liquidation of individuals, who pose a threat to the government or leadership. State authorities are said to be adopting "invisible mechanics" to silence "troublesome witnesses " or tenacious prosecutors.
The "dirty war" and the junta's legacy have left an open wound, that takes time to heal. Although the country is rich in resources, it has fallen prey to boom and bust cycle, due to government corruption and mismanagement.
Fortunately the civil society is still functioning!
The "dirty war" and the junta's legacy have left an open wound, that takes time to heal. Although the country is rich in resources, it has fallen prey to boom and bust cycle, due to government corruption and mismanagement.
Fortunately the civil society is still functioning!
4
There has to be found some way to bring the main actors under control.
What about doing something like the "Domesday Book"?
If it could be done properly it would at least identify who the main actors probably are in any event that affects their "business".
Come to think of it such a book would be very useful in the USA as well.
What about doing something like the "Domesday Book"?
If it could be done properly it would at least identify who the main actors probably are in any event that affects their "business".
Come to think of it such a book would be very useful in the USA as well.
Peronism & anti-Peronism muddle the political landscape & the courts. Argentina has democratization NGOs. I interviewed 31 of them for my book, and they have moved beyond the Peronism debate. The political parties need to do the same.
Where is Zen (Rufus Sewell) when you need him? There is a dark resemblance between the intrigues in Argentina and the twisted plots of the late Michael Dibdin. In early Rome they worried about "who will guard the guardians?" We must remember that because you are accused of paranoia doesn't mean that someone is not out to get you. In Argentina paranoia is reality.
Let's count Argentina as an extremely dangerous force for potential evil in South America. You may have heard the expression if it smells rotten and looks rotten, then it is rotten. Argentina is Rotten. An international travel and product boycott should be the first steps to force the present government out! There are many decent Argentineans, their protests are increasingly being heard as well.
3
Ridiculous comment. compared to the political deaths in Colombia and Venezuela, to name but two other South American nations, Argentina is paradise. Go vent your prejudices in the Daily Bigot.
The facts that were patchworked into this article read much like a death threat made up of magazine cut-outs.
Automatic writing is interesting when performed by the likes of William Burroughs, but hardly makes good journalism.
What is the thread behind the deaths of Febres, Duarte and Nisman? The author won't bother saying, because simply, there isn't one.
That powerful people may eventually kill their rivals, or that some deaths are never going to be explained, is part of the human condition, not a sign of Argentina's exceptionalism.
As for the "corrupt system of secret influences and covert agents", the WikiLeaks on Argentina reveal that Mr. Nisman was very much a part of it.
Automatic writing is interesting when performed by the likes of William Burroughs, but hardly makes good journalism.
What is the thread behind the deaths of Febres, Duarte and Nisman? The author won't bother saying, because simply, there isn't one.
That powerful people may eventually kill their rivals, or that some deaths are never going to be explained, is part of the human condition, not a sign of Argentina's exceptionalism.
As for the "corrupt system of secret influences and covert agents", the WikiLeaks on Argentina reveal that Mr. Nisman was very much a part of it.
4
Argentina is another example to show that religion has no moral compass. No matter what religion, religion has become a masquerade for criminal acts and enterprise, and a tool for amassing wealth and power. Even conferring sainthood by Popes is more for personal prestige. Creation of "Fast Track" by Pope John Paul II for Mother Teresa is a case in point. Justice, honesty, love, tolerance, fairness and the like are being sacrificed at the altar of religion.
2
The problem is not the religion - it's the people. If they choose not to follow it . . .
It makes you appreciate our own corrupt practices. Sure, we steal and kill ourselves, but not so blindly. Wink, wink.
Cui bono?That's the question that should be the starting point of all inquiries on the Nisman death.
Anybody who's taken the trouble to read Nisman's accusations of a "secret deal" between the Argentine government and Iran should be surprised at the enormous gap between the accusation and the "proof" presented. There is nothing of substance there.
The proposition - that the Iranian suspects would walk free - in exchange for an oil for grains deal between Iran and Argentina is, in itself, illogical as none of the mutual benefits are feasible. 1) The Argentina government never did ask (or is in a position to ask) for the Interpol arrest warrants on the Iranians to be lifted. Only the independent judge in charge of the case can do that. 2) The "oil for grains" deal is equally unfeasible. The Argentine government doesn't commercialize grain, that is down to the private sector. Plus, Argentine refineries can't handle Iranian crude, the sulfur content is too high.
Nisman cut short his holidays in order to make these accusation. Why the rush in a case he's apparently been working for for at least a year? The revelations that the last calls before his death were made to the shady ex intelligence officer implicated in all this might hold the clue. Mr Nisman must have been promised some firm evidence to back up his claims, hence his early return. He made his accusations public, expecting this evidence to be produced. None was forthcoming.
Anybody who's taken the trouble to read Nisman's accusations of a "secret deal" between the Argentine government and Iran should be surprised at the enormous gap between the accusation and the "proof" presented. There is nothing of substance there.
The proposition - that the Iranian suspects would walk free - in exchange for an oil for grains deal between Iran and Argentina is, in itself, illogical as none of the mutual benefits are feasible. 1) The Argentina government never did ask (or is in a position to ask) for the Interpol arrest warrants on the Iranians to be lifted. Only the independent judge in charge of the case can do that. 2) The "oil for grains" deal is equally unfeasible. The Argentine government doesn't commercialize grain, that is down to the private sector. Plus, Argentine refineries can't handle Iranian crude, the sulfur content is too high.
Nisman cut short his holidays in order to make these accusation. Why the rush in a case he's apparently been working for for at least a year? The revelations that the last calls before his death were made to the shady ex intelligence officer implicated in all this might hold the clue. Mr Nisman must have been promised some firm evidence to back up his claims, hence his early return. He made his accusations public, expecting this evidence to be produced. None was forthcoming.
10
Given Mr. Goñi’s background of exposing the truth, I’m a little surprised at some omissions. But then again, he probably wasn’t accorded enough space by the New York Times for his editorial.
Omitted from the article is that the “Grupo Clarin” is an enormously powerful media group (Newspapers, CableTV, Radio, etc.) determined to bring down the Kirchner presidency just as they tried to do with her former husband, President Nestor Kirchner. This anti-Kirchnerism campaign is akin to the days when the conservative right, backed by Fox News, tried to bring down the Clinton presidency. Only in Argentina, it’s more vicious.
No other presidents have done more to solve the 1994 bombing of the Jewish Center. There are other media reports (not from Mr. Goñi) that suggest that the Kirchners are anti-Semitic. I am an Argentine Jew and don’t believe this. Hector Timerman, President Kirchner’s Foreign Minister who also stands accused of a cover-up, is Jewish. Back in the 1990’s, before they entered politics, the Kirchners were denouncing Iran as complicit in terrorism. Long before the U.S. or even Israel did so.
From Wikipedia page about Mr. Goñi:
“In Argentina, President Néstor Kirchner ordered the repeal of a secret directive of 1938 prohibiting Argentine diplomats from granting visas to Jews fleeing from the Holocaust in Europe.”
Given The Times’ unrelenting support of Paul Singer’s vulture fund, I am not surprised they didn’t give him enough space to expand on the story.
Omitted from the article is that the “Grupo Clarin” is an enormously powerful media group (Newspapers, CableTV, Radio, etc.) determined to bring down the Kirchner presidency just as they tried to do with her former husband, President Nestor Kirchner. This anti-Kirchnerism campaign is akin to the days when the conservative right, backed by Fox News, tried to bring down the Clinton presidency. Only in Argentina, it’s more vicious.
No other presidents have done more to solve the 1994 bombing of the Jewish Center. There are other media reports (not from Mr. Goñi) that suggest that the Kirchners are anti-Semitic. I am an Argentine Jew and don’t believe this. Hector Timerman, President Kirchner’s Foreign Minister who also stands accused of a cover-up, is Jewish. Back in the 1990’s, before they entered politics, the Kirchners were denouncing Iran as complicit in terrorism. Long before the U.S. or even Israel did so.
From Wikipedia page about Mr. Goñi:
“In Argentina, President Néstor Kirchner ordered the repeal of a secret directive of 1938 prohibiting Argentine diplomats from granting visas to Jews fleeing from the Holocaust in Europe.”
Given The Times’ unrelenting support of Paul Singer’s vulture fund, I am not surprised they didn’t give him enough space to expand on the story.
5
I'm with you. Instead we she realize there's a cesspool in the USA (banks, financial instututions, morgage companies, just read this week's series on real estate purchases in nyc with laundered money from everywhere) and the rest of the world (like HSBC, and other European banks doing business with other criminals)
For Latin Americans to eliminate economic, political and social corruption, they have to set up a "judicial court" similar to the Civil Rights court. Otherwise, corruption and under world killings will continue like situations similar to the latest case of Argentina.
Christina is laughing and her accuser is dead with the documents of her corruption evidence is his hands. No wonder a former president of Peru, (Alan Garcia Perez) once stated: "Once you become president, you don't have to worry about money. Money comes to you by itself."
Christina is laughing and her accuser is dead with the documents of her corruption evidence is his hands. No wonder a former president of Peru, (Alan Garcia Perez) once stated: "Once you become president, you don't have to worry about money. Money comes to you by itself."
5
President Christina Fernandez is still quite delusional. She sees conspirators behind every tree and bush. First it was blaming President Obama for Argentina's technical credit default last year. And now, once again, it is the usual cast of characters for Mr. Naisman's death. Why is it always "them"…someone else to blame?
http://thetruthoncommonsense.com
http://thetruthoncommonsense.com
5
I'm no shrink, but "I know I could get killed for this" doesn't sound like something a suicidal person would say.
13
"As rich as an Argentine" stopped with Peron, (Saint) Evita and their legacy. It all went down from there. Chavez copied their model and look what happened to Venezuela.. As an Argentinian who emigrated to the US, I look back and almost long for the years under the military junta. At least we could go out without fear of being kidnapped or killed for a box of cigarettes. At least Buenos Aires was clean, glamorous and safe and we didn't default.
Yet, the majority chooses the Peronism with its tradition of populism, corruption and favoritism.
America get this: You can't impose democracy on cultures that may need another 100 years of dictatorships to appreciate freedom and human rights.
Yet, the majority chooses the Peronism with its tradition of populism, corruption and favoritism.
America get this: You can't impose democracy on cultures that may need another 100 years of dictatorships to appreciate freedom and human rights.
4
As if this is not all fallout from the previous right-wing dictatorships.
4
Maybe YOU could go out without fear of being kidnapped. Others who expressed opinions that the military didn't like didn't enjoy such a carefree attitude.
You "almost long for the years under the military junta"?
As an Argentine who also emigrated to the U.S., I say shame on you for being so cavalier as to say this!
You "almost long for the years under the military junta"?
As an Argentine who also emigrated to the U.S., I say shame on you for being so cavalier as to say this!
4
Argentina's government has been and continues to be a disaster.\
Just ask its citizens!
Just ask its citizens!
11
I am it's citizen. Ask me. I disagree. So does 30-50% of the population here. Don't speak for us, speak for yourself.
2
True.
I have visited Buenos Aires and have talked with many people who live there. In general they think their government is a disaster.
The people who, in general, do not are those who economically benefit from the corruption. And there are many.
The people who, in general, do not are those who economically benefit from the corruption. And there are many.
2
"Only last month, Judge Claudio Bonadío, handling charges against the president regarding irregularities in a hotel business she owns, received a death threat assembled from cutout letters."
Is it any surprise that people handling charges against the president receive death threats or are dead? Hard to believe Kirchner has nothing to do in these cases.
Is it any surprise that people handling charges against the president receive death threats or are dead? Hard to believe Kirchner has nothing to do in these cases.
23
Judge Claudio Bonadio is one of the leaders of the spurious network of intelligence agents, judges, and prosecutors that was appointed to these position by former President Carlos Menem as part of a vast operation to co-opt the judicial system and flood the Supreme Court with friendly justices that followed direct orders from Menem to legitimize his constant abuse of power and the rampant corruption that pervaded the privatization process of all of the state-owned companies in the 90s. Bonadio is actually the perfect example of all that has been wrong with the justice system in Argentina for decades. Wrong example RoseMarie, the complexities of what's going on in Argentina can hardly be reduced to this kind of superficial reading based on what the media, including the New York Times, has been publishing.
2
So Argentina persists as a fascist/Mafia-run country parading as a democracy. Why?
15
Maybe support for their right-wing governors by the United States of America.
2
"If you touch Cristina there will be trouble".
"If you try to accuse Cristina we will react fiercely".
These were statements made by militantes kirchneristas.
A government based on huge lies, a government that denies poverty, inflation, child mortality, unemployment and many more inconvenient social indexes. This has been going on for 12 years. Thats why we dont believe in them. Thats why they have become the prime suspects of this murder.
"If you try to accuse Cristina we will react fiercely".
These were statements made by militantes kirchneristas.
A government based on huge lies, a government that denies poverty, inflation, child mortality, unemployment and many more inconvenient social indexes. This has been going on for 12 years. Thats why we dont believe in them. Thats why they have become the prime suspects of this murder.
60
And Grupo Clarin? What did they say? What have they been saying?
1
Very brave of Uki Goni to write here "How Argentina 'Suicides' the Truth". Yes, finally Mr Nisman's murder (read 'suicide') is a "Kennedy-level event". The entire government of Argentina is riddled from the inside, from the highest levels down. Rotten. Mr. Nisman had only four days of his life left when he exposed the Argentinian government corruption to the world. And the warrant for the Argentinian President's arrest was discovered in his garbage bin, after his death. He knew and said he could "get killed over this". And he was killed. It is past high time the government of Argentina was "suicided". Vile history -the horrors of Argentina's government for the past 80 years as a safe-haven for Nazis like Dr. Mengele and Eichmann, as a sinecure of untold riches for Perons, husband and wife, as a cesspit for "The Disappeared" As mysterious murderers of Buenos Aires's Jews. Bless good Pope Francis. Surely it is time for him to weigh in on the side of the angels, to decry the horrific desecrations and evils delivered by his motherland's government to our world?
62
Nisman was murdered by the K Maifia; Anibal called the shots (removing the 7 bodyguards the day Nisman was murdered - or tampering with the 40 security cameras of the building of which only 3 were functioning the day Nisman was killed, or tampering with the entrance log for the building - or removing (Berni - police chief; shown on youtube) Nismans private hard drive from his security boxes in the flat) The killer entered through the side service door from the A/C which is connected to another apartment which is rented by the government, the rental agreements show the flat is rented to a Chinese tourist, of which nobody has ever seen; the agreement was made 3 months after Nisman moved in. The decision to kill Nisman was made by the President. The entire investigation is one big cover-up
89
Certainty is the fingerprint of ideological obfuscation or of a political operation. I am amazed at how conspiracy theories are delivered with such confidence when information is so difficult to gather. I have to wonder, Mr. Gottlieb, is your keen insight grounded on ideology or do you have actual evidence that everybody else lacks? Both alternatives are troublesome.
1
The real problem in Argentina is not learning how to lift the corner of the carpet discreetly to hide things like we have here in the US. It`s a technological failure. The monied interests and power brokers here in the US have developed a black hole under the carpet where all things that threaten their control get sucked up, never leaving a telltale lump. Truly investigative reporting died a long time ago and replaced by the Police Gazette style of pablum we get today.
45
A "Kennedy-level event"?
This op-ed is just another diatribe against Argentina that, unfortunately, the NYT seems now inclined to publish with regularity. Yes, Argentina as well as other South American nations including Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela and Brazil have had governments (or juntas as the case may be) that engaged in untoward official conduct. And so have we here in America.
Where are the op-eds about Israel's assassinations of Iranian and Palestinian leaders? Are they less criminal than Nisman's assassination?
This op-ed is just another diatribe against Argentina that, unfortunately, the NYT seems now inclined to publish with regularity. Yes, Argentina as well as other South American nations including Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela and Brazil have had governments (or juntas as the case may be) that engaged in untoward official conduct. And so have we here in America.
Where are the op-eds about Israel's assassinations of Iranian and Palestinian leaders? Are they less criminal than Nisman's assassination?
22
Oh please Bill.... Even though I am no fan of the US, especially the growing power of the elite class, at least thousands have not been killed, to facilitate that power! The cycle of corruption in Latin American remains unbroken, whether it is Mexico, Argentina, or Brazil, and sadly points to the problems caused by extreme inequality. Lets check back in another 50 or 100 years to see if any progress has been made?
10
I love how the Israel-haters use any opportunity to spew their seething hatred against Israel and the Jews, even when it's not relevant.
Bill, this is an article about Argentina. Rather than deflecting with your irrelevant screed, why don't you find a nice anti-Israel article to comment on. There are plenty in the NYT.
Bill, this is an article about Argentina. Rather than deflecting with your irrelevant screed, why don't you find a nice anti-Israel article to comment on. There are plenty in the NYT.
13
To understand this we have to go back in history to the fact that Latin America was colonized by Spain, a beautiful land full of wonderful people, but habitually and chronically governed by the greediest and most unscrupulous of plutocrats weilding their power in some of the most cruel ways history has ever seen, from the tortures by Torquemada during the Inquisition, the genocides against the indigenous advanced civilizations of the Andes, the awful civil wars of the 19th and 20th centuries between royalists republicans, culminating in the reign of Francisco Franco, who slaughtered hundreds of thousands of Catalans and Basques and liberal Spaniards, and his minions who survived and who occasionally rule Spain to this day, the un-indicted criminals who carried out his orders then became mayors and legislators going forward. The post-colonial history of South America, and North America below the US border, can only be understood in terms of its past, its origins: governance by the wealthiest of royalty willing to practice cruelty that's almost beyond belief.
84
You could have added -- the expulsions of Jews and those Muslims (hundreds of thousands) who did not convert to Christianity.
3
Argentina never threw off the yoke of being a colony of the Muslims (Spain was under the thumb of the Islamic empire for 600 years and Spains culture was clearly Islamic.
3
Italians, and not spaniards, probably make up the majority of the population of Buenos Aires. Certainly the influence is stronger. Jews have been persecuted and killed in history all over Europe. No one killed more natives than the ones that were killed above the Rio Grande; including the buffaloes herds - their subsistence. And no one has criticized their own people for mistreating natives, as the Spanish priest Bartolorme de las Casas. There have been Civil Wars everywhere - the North and South at war in the US? Spain was the first western country to be run by Russian communists, as they influenced and controlled the Republicans in power. Franco fought Communism and their killing of priests and destruction of churches, and wanted to keep Spain united and fought Basque and Catalans separatism to keep Spain united as it has been since Queen Isabella. Unfortunately, he became a dictator. Spain was invaded and occupied by the muslims for centuries and fought for Christianity and independence all that time. Thru history Spain was occupied by the Romans, the Visigoth, and the muslims, since the birth of Christ to about 1500. Fifteen centuries!!!
There are few saints in history and geography in this planet, they probably went to heaven or Mars.
This is not a Spanish based problem., It is an Argentine problem Involving Iran and Israel.
Why so much prejudice?
There are few saints in history and geography in this planet, they probably went to heaven or Mars.
This is not a Spanish based problem., It is an Argentine problem Involving Iran and Israel.
Why so much prejudice?
1
I knew what I was going to read even before opening the article. However, I was expecting a wider range of variety on its comments.
I was born in 1983, when democracy was recovered here, in Argentina. When I was a child I used to listen horror stories about our real darkness period, the one that elapsed between 1976 and 1983: the last dictatorship. At that time, murders just happened, people disappear without any explanation.
Comparison is powerful strategy for arguing. Nevertheless, it implies risks. In Goñi's article, I think we can not cross freely from one historical fact to another, just like that. Each context demands a complete explanation.
In a democracy environment, if a prosecutor dies, it represents not good news for anyone. Cristina Fernández de Kirchner is, certainly, the first affected. Political strategies usually go further than what our eyes can see. Despite of it, this government has only one problem: it keeps struggling with the most powerful people in order to get a proper distribution of incomes, as well as equal access to opportunities for all citizen.
A media monopoly is still struggling to show a sense of censorship, which happens to be quite distant to reality. Everyday, they can not only express themselves, but also dig a little deeper a grave for our most precious achievement, our beloved democracy.
I was born in 1983, when democracy was recovered here, in Argentina. When I was a child I used to listen horror stories about our real darkness period, the one that elapsed between 1976 and 1983: the last dictatorship. At that time, murders just happened, people disappear without any explanation.
Comparison is powerful strategy for arguing. Nevertheless, it implies risks. In Goñi's article, I think we can not cross freely from one historical fact to another, just like that. Each context demands a complete explanation.
In a democracy environment, if a prosecutor dies, it represents not good news for anyone. Cristina Fernández de Kirchner is, certainly, the first affected. Political strategies usually go further than what our eyes can see. Despite of it, this government has only one problem: it keeps struggling with the most powerful people in order to get a proper distribution of incomes, as well as equal access to opportunities for all citizen.
A media monopoly is still struggling to show a sense of censorship, which happens to be quite distant to reality. Everyday, they can not only express themselves, but also dig a little deeper a grave for our most precious achievement, our beloved democracy.
21
If this government keeps struggling with powerful people is because wants this power, the government is sick of power at any price.
1
Your comments are opaque. Are you arguing that Kirchner and her government should be defended as better than the dictatorship?
Are you arguing that "struggling with the most powerful people in order to get a proper distribution of incomes" (which we all know means the systematic distribution of Argentina's wealth to its poor on the backs of the middle and professional classes) is a good thing?
that Peronistas are still a good thing for Argentina?
Are you arguing that Argentinians and others should be anything less than revolted at Kirchner or her government's murder of Nisman to prevent their aid to murderous Iranian's secret?
Are you arguing that "struggling with the most powerful people in order to get a proper distribution of incomes" (which we all know means the systematic distribution of Argentina's wealth to its poor on the backs of the middle and professional classes) is a good thing?
that Peronistas are still a good thing for Argentina?
Are you arguing that Argentinians and others should be anything less than revolted at Kirchner or her government's murder of Nisman to prevent their aid to murderous Iranian's secret?
3
I cannot agree more with your comment Jimena. Uki Goñi has always been a very tendentious writer and made a career out of outrageous conspiracy theories that are awfully condescending toward Argentina.
3
The simplest theory would be that someone in the government led by Christina Fernandez de Kirchner, or an ally like Cuba or Venezuela, killed Nisman. They had ample motive, given Nisman's accusations.
And if the government leaned to the right, it would be expected to prove its innocence.
But these are good progressive forces, and need not prove their lack of guilt.
And if the government leaned to the right, it would be expected to prove its innocence.
But these are good progressive forces, and need not prove their lack of guilt.
8
Ha, shortly after the US has finally decided to take up diplomatic relations with Cuba again, you - out of the blue - theorize that that nation has somewhat is fingers in it.
Yup, and right-leaning governments always 'prove' their innocence - examples shown by brutal military dictatorships in South America as well as all the former fascist ones of Europe, don't they?
Yup, and right-leaning governments always 'prove' their innocence - examples shown by brutal military dictatorships in South America as well as all the former fascist ones of Europe, don't they?
6
Hi Amanda: You are saying, need not prove their lack of guilt to whom? This story has been in the NYT pretty prominently for a while now - and your conclusion about government responsibility has been the obvious point of the coverage. In this case, if you are talking about the US media, your feeling of right wing victimhood is a little inappropriate. If you are talking about Argentine history, there have been plenty of right wingers who murdered with impunity, as long as their side was in power. It's apparently more about who is in power, not about "right" or "left".
2
As far as mysterious 'cause célèbre' deaths in Latin America, Argentina and Mexico are top run-up to first place.
The death of prosecutor Alberto Nisman will remain as perplexing as the public assassination in 1994 of PRI presidential candidate Luis Donaldo Colosio in Tijuana.
Latin America is a permanent scenario of magical realism so well depicted by Nobel Prize winner Gabriel Garcia Marquez in his inumerous novelas. Meanwhile, life goes on for millions of people living in the region.
Perplexing political motivated deaths reveal something else about Latin America's reality. Not a single country has been able to break the underdevelopment barrier and become an advanced nation.
The death of prosecutor Alberto Nisman will remain as perplexing as the public assassination in 1994 of PRI presidential candidate Luis Donaldo Colosio in Tijuana.
Latin America is a permanent scenario of magical realism so well depicted by Nobel Prize winner Gabriel Garcia Marquez in his inumerous novelas. Meanwhile, life goes on for millions of people living in the region.
Perplexing political motivated deaths reveal something else about Latin America's reality. Not a single country has been able to break the underdevelopment barrier and become an advanced nation.
38
Please, just do a simple google search on USA political assassinations. You will find at least over 50. And this is not including the failed attempts.
6
Melisa Lima - Don't make unsubstantiated allegations; cite examples.
6
"Politicians who were murdered" doesn't necessarily equate to "political assassination."
A beautiful country with much to offer, with many wonderful people has lost its way and lost its spine. A pity.
19
I worked for over 20 years in most countries in Central and Eastern Europe who were preparing for Accession to the European Union - without exception the people I worked with claimed that corruption in their country was "the Worst anywhere". Statements like "a corrupt system of secret influences and covert agents across the government. “It’s a structure that is repeated everywhere,” can describe most countries if only the media would carry out its investigative responsibilities. These tendentious observations seem to arise about countries which are not part of the "Washington Consensus". I would prefer a more evidence based article - conspiracy theories are easy.
31
Check Transparency International's ranking of countries by corruption. You will find Argentina ranked just below the notorious African countries.
13
Actually, Mrs. Fernandez de Kirchner's government is the one constantly claiming it is the victim of vast conspiracies.
9
Wonderfully put, Robert. Glad to see that some people still appreciate real investigative journalism based on hard evidence instead of vast generalizations and absurd conspiracy theories. I cannot agree more with you.
1
Men who are investigating the murder of Jews don't typically commit suicide. They have reasons to live.
97
Cry for Argentina for she is a beautiful country with exceptional people despoiled by a century of corrupt politicians. Richly endowed with natural resources she once was a major player in the world economic scene. If ever there was a case of what sleazy government can do to rob a country of its promise, Argentina is it. The ultimate blame lies with the people themselves who were manipulated by charisma rather than reality. The intrusive Argentine military is the enforcer of a police state against its own people and otherwise totally incompetent. And don't get on your high horse American. We are well on our way down the Argentine path.
126
Mr Schwartz, please bear in mind that the "reality" in which Argentina's vaunted place in the world economy had left ordinary people in such places as the meat-packing center of Berisso living by the mid-1940s was unsustainable. That "reality" made Juan Domingo Perón a logical choice.
4
Way to toss all credibility away with the old "America is just as bad too" comment.
I'm not saying there isn't corruption, particularly on the state level. But you are willfully ignorant to believe our government would support hundreds of Nazi's, cover up terrorist attacks on our own people, or "suicide" every high profile name that raises an eyebrow.
I'm not saying there isn't corruption, particularly on the state level. But you are willfully ignorant to believe our government would support hundreds of Nazi's, cover up terrorist attacks on our own people, or "suicide" every high profile name that raises an eyebrow.
4
After World War II Argentine was the 7th largest economy in the world and was thought to be "investment worthy". As Irving Schwartz points out nothing kills a country like bad government, often a reflection of a society whose culture was deflected by hubris and paranoia. His reflection that the USA is on the same path is prescient.
1
And the big winners in Mr. Nisman's death?
President de Kirchner, Iran and Hezbollah, and of course the five Iranian suspects charged with the bombing of the Jewish community center in Buenos Aires in 1994. Mr. Nisman's death should be added to the 85 dead in 1994.
Will the truth ever come out?
In Argentina, not likely.
President de Kirchner, Iran and Hezbollah, and of course the five Iranian suspects charged with the bombing of the Jewish community center in Buenos Aires in 1994. Mr. Nisman's death should be added to the 85 dead in 1994.
Will the truth ever come out?
In Argentina, not likely.
86
I'm not Kircher is a winner here. It's too obvious. It's like Clinton killing Ken Starr the day before the trial.
8
You honestly don't believe that La Kirchner is not behind this? Are you saying she was "framed" because it looks too obvious? It would appear that Argentina's literary tradition of Magic Realism has taken deep root in VT.
9
The other big winners are the representatives of the opposition parties. You are missing a big part of the story
4
The great nation of Argentina and home to the current Pope Francis The First, what can we say the soul this nation is on trial with itself - and there can only be one path and that is to correct, prefect its journey for in our world we are all in the game for better, or worst......
By the by suicides the truth is not an eloquence way to express what is our only virtue that is never ever to be violated - so yes in this case the truth is in error and must be resurrected - and it will - the easy way or the hard ..but faith is eternal ....
jja Manhattan, N. Y.