One of the most high profile countries to which former NSA contractor Edward Snowden has requested political asylum is Ecuador. Analysts have commented over the past week about the political and economic implications President Rafael Correa’s decision could have in regard to relations with the United States. Vice President Joe Biden called President Correa and urged him to reject the request. The Ecuadorian Consul in London at first approved a safe pass so that Snowden could safely travel from Russia to the South American country. But later Correa’s administration said that the consul never had authorization to issue such a pass. Correa has since then stated that in order for the government to consider Snowden’s request, he would first have to be on Ecuadorian soil or in an Ecuadorian embassy. NACLA Radio’s Alex Hall spoke with John Coatsworth, Latin American Historian and Provost of Columbia University. He says that Ecuador is a strategic destination for Snowden. That’s because President Correa has a reputation for prioritizing sovereignty over friendly relations with the United States.
Music courtesy of Los Angeles-based musicians Anthony Calonico and Alex Talan.
