Fascist attacks in Bolivia

The US has recently been involved in a truly disgraceful campaign of provocation and manipulation in the republic of Bolivia. While they have been vociferous in their condemnation of Russia's occupation of South Ossetia, the American government have been actively promoting independence for the region of Pando, centre of opposition to Bolivian president Evo Morales.

Now, fresh news arises about "fascist" assaults on state infrastructure and peasant markets in Santa Cruz, Pando, as well as other towns and cities outside the region. The death toll as a result of these attacks is officially 28 but there are reports of bodies on roadsides and dumped in the country: the number of dead really isn't known.

But it's not just the US who are to blame for fanning the flames of insurrection in Bolivia: Brazil has already agreed to do business with an independent Pando, assuming they control the region's mineral reserves.

There are fears that the right-wing led disturbances migh lead to a coup d'etât in Bolivia, an event which would surely benefit Bush's government. It seems clear that strikes and martial law will do little to subdue the far-right attacks... with the support of the US, expect Pando to be a class war zone for quite some time.

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