Noam Chomsky - The Crimes of U.S. Presidents

Indictable Offenses of US Presidents

In this transcript, Noam Chomsky discusses the actions of several US presidents that could be considered indictable offenses if the Nuremberg principles were applied.

Eisenhower's Actions

• Eisenhower overthrew the conservative nationalist government of Iran with a military coup and overthrew the first and last democratic government in Guatemala by military coup and invasion.

• These actions led to years of brutal dictatorship in Iran and massive atrocities in Guatemala that are still continuing after almost 50 years.

• He also conducted a major clandestine terror operation in Indonesia to break up the country and undermine Indonesian democracy.

Kennedy's Actions

• Kennedy invaded South Vietnam, authorized napalm, began using chemical weapons to destroy food crops, and drove millions of people into concentration camps.

• In Cuba, he engaged in a massive campaign of international terrorism that almost led to the destruction of the world.

Johnson's Actions

• Johnson expanded the war in Indochina, leaving three or four million people dead.

• He invaded the Dominican Republic to block what looked like a potential democratic revolution there and supported Israeli occupation.

Ford's Actions

• Ford endorsed the Indonesian invasion of East Timor which became about as close to genocide as anything in modern history.

Carter's Actions

• As Indonesian atrocities were increasing, Carter increased his flow of weapons to Indonesia.

• When Congress imposed human rights restrictions on weapon sales to Indonesia, Carter arranged for Israel to send US Skyhawks instead.

US Aggression in the Middle East

In this section, Noam Chomsky discusses the history of US aggression in the Middle East, starting with President Carter's aid to Israel and continuing through the Bush and Clinton administrations.

US Aggression under Carter and Reagan

• Carter raised military aid to Israel to more than 50% of total aid worldwide, which Israel used to attack their northern neighbor and increase integration of occupied territories.

• Reagan was condemned by the International Court of Justice for unlawful use of force in Nicaragua.

US Aggression under George H.W. Bush

• The invasion of Panama killed about 3,000 people and was done in order to kidnap a disobedient thug who had been supported by the United States right through his worst atrocities.

• The Bush administration refused opportunities for diplomatic settlement before attacking Iraq. The attack was carried out criminally under the laws of war.

US Aggression under Clinton

• Clinton sent cruise missiles to Sudan that destroyed a pharmaceutical plant, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths.

• During Clinton's presidency, Israeli settlements paid for by US taxpayers continually increased while past UN resolutions were declared "obsolete and anachronistic."