Customer Reviews

In the Time of Tyrants

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I found a copy of the Time for Tyrants in Panama in 1999, and read it in total fascination. I had my own background having visited the country periodically since the period of Torrijos in the 70s, and was a frequent visitor in the period 1986 to 1989, while my firm was trying to complete a contract there.

The book provides a no holds barred detailed account of how the systematic corruption developed under Torrijos and how the torch or key to the cash box was passed to Norriega.

The book records the initial visits by Torrijos to Sweden in the 70s related to major power projects which started the cash flowing, and thereby established the rewards for those that controlled the government. Torrijos and then Norriega set up and maintained the system of total control by non elected individuals.

An important element of this book by Koster and Sanchez is their description of how the US government supported the various tyrants as part of their Canal policy throughout this period until the last year of so of Norriega's reign.

During the last two years of Norriega up to the American invasion the book details the murder, torture, kidnapping and destruction of democracy that were directly orchestrated by Norriega, and the failure of the half hearted attempts by the US government to control or remove him.

As the book recounts, the last two terrible years of Norriega were not necessary. The US government could have dealt with the problem earlier, and avoided the misery that fell on Panama.

During my visits through 1988-1989 I was witness to the abuse of Norriega's "dobermans", and the resistance, especially from the white collar segment of the population. Panama was a seriously dangerous place for everyone at that time.

Koster and Sanchez also imply that there is a culture in Panama that made this saga posible. That Martin Torrijos (son of Omar) could be a credible and nearly successful candidate for President in the 1999 elections illustrates this message only too well.

An insightful view of a little known aspect of a period still affecting our culture.