Why Brazil signed a military agreement with the US

[Derechos]

For the first time in three decades, the US and Brazil have a military agreement. Brazil is shopping for 36 new fighter jets, and the US is trying to counter growing Russian and Iranian influence in Latin America.

By Sara Miller Llana and Andrew Downie, Staff writer and correspondent / April 13, 2010

Mexico City and Sao Paulo, Brazil

The US and Brazil signed a military agreement Monday that both nations touted as an example of partnership and transparency in the Americas.

The defense pact, the first between the two nations since 1977, opens the door to more interchange on research and development, logistics support, education and training, and the acquisition of defense products and services.

It comes as US Defense Secretary Robert Gates sets off on a tour of Latin America, including visits to Colombia, Peru, and the Caribbean – seen as part of a broader effort to strengthen ties with allies, as well as shore up support in a region that has embraced Iran and made increasing arms purchases from Russia.

But it’s perhaps Brazil, where Mr. Gates had originally planned to visit before a schedule change, which has the most to gain from the deal reached Monday. “Brazil is going to get recognition, and that is very important. Future wars are going to be as much about the management of information and intelligence as they are about armaments. And Brazil doesn’t know how to do that. The US is the perfect country to help us minimize that risk,” says Fernando Arbache, an anti-terrorism expert in Sao Paulo who teaches at Brazil’s Naval Headquarters. “With this accord Brazil is aligning itself strategically with the US, like the European nations have done with NATO.”

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Americas/2010/0413/Why-Brazil-signed-a-military-agreement-with-the-US

[Bacchus39]

1. its part of the strategy to invade Venezuela???

had to throw that in there.


yep, its certainly in the US interest to maintain excellent relations with Brazil, Colombia, Chile, and Mexico. I'd even put Costa Rica in that mix too since its the stabilizing force in Central America

[protocol rv]

2. The US isn't about to invade Venezuela

Why would they do that? Can you imagine them stuck in our traffic jams? ;-)

[AlphaCentauri]

3. wondering if it is not just in US interest but also in the latin american interest

since freepers hate the UN on fears that it could became an international police but they rejoice when the US take such steps as policing the world.

LOL

[protocol rv]

4. What's a freeper?

I never heard the term. Is that like a "Tea Bagger"?