THE PANAMA DECEPTION

In late 1989, U.S. troops stormed tiny Panama, ostensibly to nab drug thug/disgruntled CIA employee Manuel Noriega. The invasion force was absurdly huge, damage to civilian targets extensive, and the cocaine pipeline survives to this day. What really lay behind this seldom-discussed war? Trent's disquieting documentary sketches a sinister White House conspiracy to dominate the strategically important isthmus into the next century. Rare on location footage and interviews allege thousands of hidden Panamanian casualties, the devastation of communities, a big lie disinformation campaign (scenes of “nonexistent” mass graves are not for the squeamish) even combat tests of advanced secret weapons. No more farfetched than Iran-Contra, Trent's trenchant expose may well preview shadow wars to come. Narrated by Elizabeth Montgomery, with guest spots by Ramsey Clark, Roberto Duran and The Plain Dealer. 1992 Academy Award Nominee. C.C.