Here at Global Americans, we cover the Americas, so we don’t feel it’s appropriate to weigh in on the debate over President Trump’s decision to move the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. But two Latin American countries—Guatemala and Paraguay—decided to follow suit and relocate their embassies as well.
It’s hard not to interpret President Jimmy Morales’ decision to relocate the Guatemalan embassy as a shrewd political move to curry favor with members of the Trump administration and key Republicans in congress. Indeed, the move coincides conspicuously with unprecedented attacks on CICIG—the United Nations body investigating corruption in Guatemala that has recently moved closer to Morales’ inner circle—from conservative lawmakers including Senator Marco Rubio.
Guatemala was also one of only seven countries to vote with the U.S. and Israel on the issue of embassy relocation in a vote at the United Nations. It remains to be seen whether the Guatemalan president will be able to escape CICIG’s investigations, whose targets now include his brother and son. But to us, Morales’ maneuvering seems like an attempt to build a reservoir of good will in high places in anticipation of a bumpy road ahead.
