USS Honduras resumes operations after extended maintenance period

Honduras Elects New President with US Support

Nasry Asfura has been elected president of Honduras, and US President Donald Trump has expressed support for his victory. The election marks a significant development in the country’s history, as it appears to be returning to its role as a key partner for the United States in Central America.

As part of his campaign, Trump had threatened to cut off aid to Honduras if the outcome was not favorable to him. Following Asfura’s election, Trump hosted him at Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, where they discussed combating drug trafficking and irregular migration.

The US has a long history of involvement in Honduran politics, dating back to the 1980s when the country served as an important military base for US operations in Central America. The US also played a significant role in creating the conditions that have led to mass migration from Honduras.

In recent years, the US has taken steps to strengthen its ties with Honduras, including pardoning former President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was serving a prison sentence in the US for drug trafficking. Hernandez had been a key ally of Asfura’s during his presidency.

The relationship between the US and Honduras has been marked by controversy, particularly with regards to human rights issues. In 2009, the Honduran military overthrew President Manuel Zelaya, who had raised the minimum wage and implemented other policies that were seen as hostile to international corporations.

The coup led to a period of intensified impunity in Honduras, characterized by high levels of violence and femicides. The US government has been criticized for its role in supporting the coup regime.

Asfura’s election marks a new chapter in the relationship between the US and Honduras, with both countries committing to work together on issues such as drug trafficking and migration. However, the legacy of past US involvement in Honduran politics remains a contentious issue.

Source: Al Jazeera