Ecuador Set to Reconsider Foreign Military Bases Amid Shift in Global Security Landscape

The proposed constitutional amendment would allow Ecuador to host foreign military bases, which were banned in 2008 following a long-standing dispute with the US over the presence of American troops in the country. The ban was enacted after a series of protests and demonstrations against the US military presence. The proposed amendment has sparked intense debate, with some arguing that it would help Ecuador combat narco-trafficking and improve regional security, while others see it as a threat to the country's sovereignty. President Lasso has been a vocal advocate for the amendment, arguing that it would allow Ecuador to better combat narco-trafficking and protect its citizens. "We need to take a more effective stance against narco-trafficking, and this is one of the ways to do it," Lasso said in a recent statement. "We cannot do it alone; we need the help of other countries, especially the United States." The proposal has also been met with skepticism by some Ecuadorians, who argue that it would undermine the country's sovereignty and lead to a loss of control over its military. "This is a very sensitive issue, and we need to be careful about how we approach it," said Maria Rodriguez, a local activist. "We don't want to become a pawn in a larger game of regional politics." The vote on Sunday is expected to be closely watched, not only in Ecuador but also in the region. The outcome will have significant implications for Ecuador's relations with the US and other countries in the region. If the amendment is approved, it could pave the way for the establishment of US military bases in Ecuador, which would be a significant development in the country's history. The proposed amendment has also sparked debate in the US, with some lawmakers expressing concerns about the implications of hosting military bases in Ecuador. "We need to be careful about how we approach this issue," said Senator Bob Menendez, a Democrat from New Jersey. "We need to make sure that any agreement we reach with Ecuador is in the best interests of both countries." The vote on Sunday is expected to be closely contested, with both sides of the debate mobilizing their supporters. The outcome will be a significant development in Ecuador's history, and its implications will be felt far beyond the country's borders.