Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, 3rd Edition, 3rd Edition

32The United StatesInvades Panama

Torrijos was dead, but Panama continued to hold a special place in my heart. Living in South Florida, I had access to many sources of information about current events in Central America. Torrijos’s legacy lived on, even if it was filtered through people who were not graced with his compassionate personality and strength of character. Attempts to settle differences throughout the hemisphere continued after his death, as did Panama’s determination to force the United States to live up to the terms of the Canal Treaty.

Manuel Noriega became Torrijos’s de facto successor. At first, he appeared committed to following in his mentor’s footsteps. I never met Noriega personally, but by all accounts, he initially endeavored ...