International affairs scholar James Peck indicts Human Rights Watch (Americas Watch) for whitewashing U.S. organized terror in El Salvador during the civil war. I would argue that they even tacitly supported it: "Unquestionably, Washington has tried hard to stop the [death squad] murders and disappearances," Americas Watch Executive Director Aryeh Neir wrote in 1983. "These practices are impervious to United States pressure, however." Blog: U.S.-Run State Terror in El Salvador Civil War: *Background * Running the War *Intelligence Work *Dirty Hands *Clearance Sweeps
In 1986, Americas Watch Executive Director Aryeh Neir acknowledged that "We organized, recruited, trained, guided, financed, and supplied the contras, and we speak to the world on their behalf." However, "That does not mean that we exercise control even though we provide essential support." Actually, yes "we" did: "in April 1982, U.S. operatives assumed direct command and control of the paramilitary campaign" (National Security Archive Senior Analyst Peter Kornbluh). So no, the Reagan administration is not absolved of responsibility for the Contras' acts of terrorism. Continued...