In Reply to: Huge celebration by Iraqis around the globe posted by russsmith on January 03, 2026 at 10:18:45
both on Obama's watch and all a complete disaster.
We will see when you don't have entrenched terrorists running much of the country how it goes
But this is the actual comp:
After Manuel Noriega's removal in 1989, Panama transitioned to democracy, experiencing significant economic growth, increased foreign investment, and improved international cooperation, though persistent issues with corruption and inequality remained, with early administrations struggling with poverty and scandals before the country stabilized as a peaceful, growing hub.
Economic Recovery & Growth
Return of Investment: The service-based, dollarized economy saw foreign direct investment return, boosting sectors like banking and trade, especially after U.S. sanctions were lifted.
Growth Spurt: The economy averaged strong annual growth (around 6%) in the years following the invasion.
Challenges: Early recovery saw rising unemployment, and while the economy grew, benefits weren't equally shared, leaving inequality high.
Political Stability & Democracy
Democratic Institutions: Panama established stable democratic processes, holding peaceful, fair elections and witnessing smooth transitions of power.
International Relations: Cooperation with international bodies improved significantly, aiding efforts against money laundering and corruption.
Corruption Issues: Despite progress, corruption remained a significant challenge in politics, with later administrations focusing on combating it.
Social & Humanitarian Aspects
Poverty & Homelessness: The U.S. invasion itself caused displacement, leading to early administrations like Guillermo Endara's focusing on poverty relief and aid, though scandals tarnished the period.
Middle Class: The middle class began to recover and grow, but remains a relatively small portion of the population.
In Summary
Panama successfully transitioned from dictatorship to a stable democracy with a thriving economy, becoming a key regional business center, but has continually battled issues of corruption and income inequality