German president visits Central America

“Latin America is not just anyone’s backyard,” German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier stated during his first visit to Panama on Monday. His comment was clearly directed at the United States, following President Donald Trump’s reassertion of the Monroe Doctrine and capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro in January. Steinmeier is also visiting Guatemala and Mexico this week to promote economic partnerships—and, ultimately, to turn Latin America into Germany’s backyard.