Samantha Cardillo

I.
Title: Us “violated Venezuelan airspace”
Date: May 19, 2008
Source: BBC News
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7409244.stm

II.
This article was about how Venezuela is outraged over and incident that occurred this past Saturday. Defensive Minister Gustavo Rangel said that a United States military air force plane flew all over Venezuela’s most prestigious military bases. When Venezuelans ordered the plane to identify themselves, the United States declined and continued to fly. Rangel claims that they have recorded proof of the conversation between ground control in Venezuela and the aircraft pilot. This incident occurred two days after Venezuela accused troops from Colombia, a US ally, of crossing into its territory. The foreign ministry said sixty Colombian soldiers were found crossing the Venezuela border on Friday. Venezuela claims that the United States has crossed the line this time and orders the United States ambassador to provide an explanation. United States officials have not yet responded.

II.
a. This article relates to the AP World History theme of development and interactions of cultures. This is because Venezuela is outraged over the uninvited military plane crossing their military base. The United States culture is overbearing Venezuela’s’.
b. Venezuela is a country who is very strongly opposed to the United States. They have never been allies and apparently will never be. However, the United States is allies with Columbia for quite some time now, along with Venezuela being allied with Iran. (United States enemy.)
c. This article was written by a British reporter.
d. Since this article was written from an outsider, it may be hard to fully analyze the situation. This is because since Britain is allies with the United States, they may be lessening the impact of this plane that flew over the Venezuelan military base. The reporter may feel some pride in their alley, therefore embellishing what truly happened.
e. In order to fully analyze this situation it would have been helpful to hear from a United States official. This is because this incident may have been a complete accident and they did not want this to get blown out of proportion. After all, this whole situation involves the United States.
f. I think that Venezuela may be over-reacting. However, I do believe the United States did cross the line, because if for example, Venezuela flew over an army base and did not identify themselves, the United States would have possibly sent armed forces into the sky. I think it will be interesting to hear what the United States will say.