US Expands Military Presence in South America
The United States is expanding its presence in South America as part of its strategy to stop the influence of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

Sam Logan, investigative journalist and specialist in security and terrorism in South America since 1999, warns on the particular role Washington attributes to Paraguay in its plans.

A report on the web site aporrea.org links the project to the visit by US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld to Paraguay adding that this country could host the latest US military base in the region.

As second element he claims basic to sustain his allegations the increasing number of CIA agents assigned to the Triple Border (shared by Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay).

Logan quoted the consulting firm Intelligence Research that says the US plans to turn Paraguay into a "second Panama" for its troops.

He adds that Washington is not far from meeting its goal of controlling South America and extend the Colombian war."

His investigation says that before the beginning of the Bush" first term, the Pentagon has tried to modify its strategy at overseas military bases.

Under Rumsfeld"s direction the Pentagon tries to replace some of its largest bases with smaller blocks to show reliance in its latest military technology.

In Logan"s view they will consist of 12-strong groups to be spread through out larger areas.