Russian influence is back in Latin America in a big way...

It's time to start worrying about what Russia's been up to in Latin America

by LINETTE LOPEZ

Russian influence is back in Latin America in a big way, along with a "clear return to Cold War tactics." And it's happening at a time when the US military admits that it faces a "near-total lack of awareness of threats and the readiness to respond" in the region.

Those assertions were made by Lt. Gen. Kenneth E. Tovo of US Southern Command in startling testimony to Congress this week. He added that Russia's aim is the same as it was in the Cold War: to "erode" US influence in the region.

This week, Russia Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is visiting Cuba, Nicaragua, Colombia, and Guatemala. According to reports, rumors are flying that Russia plans to sell fighter jets to Nicaragua's Sandinista government after helping them set up a topographic center. In Cuba, Lavrov and his counterpart reportedly discussed US aggression against regional ally Venezuela.

.................................


Read more: www.businessinsider.com