The Portuguese authorities allowed ~150 CIA flights carrying "al-quaeda sympathizers" to Guantanamo (and other places) [1].
Now they deny right-of-passage to a flight carrying the president of Bolivia. Because? Well, you know, doing otherwise would upset the American authorities. It's realpolitik.
[1] - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extraordinary_rendition#Portug...
I am really surprised at how great the gap has become between the US Government's rhetoric and actual policy on human rights, foreign policy and government transparency.
I just hope that Americans realise this and demand change sooner than later.
The ability of the US government to bend other governments in a certain direction, is like a leak in and of itself, as I surely did not expect so many governments, including mine in germany, to be this intimidated by the US powerhouse.
Apparently the US government is trying to see just how craven and vindictive it can be.
As Snowden says, they want to intimidate the next leaker.
I love my country (USA) but I feel like like we are on such a stupid path. I get the "make the rich people a lot richer" thing, but we need to get our act together and do it quickly. I think that Snowden is screwed, but he has given us a chance, very small chance, to get our act together and bow out of this Empire thing.
Possibly was an actual plane malfunction according to another comment on HN (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=5981267)
Radio exchange at http://audioboo.fm/boos/1482009-bolivia-air-force-fuerza-aer...
It's terrifying how far European "leaders" are willing to go to suck up to the US Government.
That's certainly a good way for Snowden to see where his friends and his enemies are, and at the same time expose to the world how much leverage the US has with many countries.
Can anyone think of another time this has ever happened? Two countries denying airspace to an official transport from a third country with no existing war or conflict involved? Bonus points if the head of state is onboard, but I'll accept other examples with only lesser officials involved.
It's absolutely shocking.