Central America: The Next Phase Noam Chomsky Z Magazine, March,
1988 Setting the Stage  By a slim majority, the House on
February 3 rejected a Reagan administration request to renew US
government (USG) aid to the proxy army. CIA supply flights into
Nicaragua are to continue through February, probably at peak
intensity, while the illegal surveillance flights are subject to
no limits. Contra supporters and fund-raisers (Robert Dole,
General John Singlaub, etc.) announced that they would renew
their efforts, reporting that they were "swamped by offers of
money and support" after the congressional vote.1 The private
and clandestine networks may be reactivated, to be exposed years
hence with appropriate laments.  The Reagan administration had
prepared for the contingency. After the August 7 accords were
signed, CIA flights increased to 2-3 a day to provide a reserve
stock of arms and supplies. In November, John Negroponte was
appointed Deputy National Security Advisor. Closely associated
with Honduran General Alva