In 2011, Manuel Noriega returned to Panama after 22 years of imprisonment in the United States and France for money laundering, racketeering, and murder. The former general's return to his home country is an important step of closure for the Panamanian people who were affected by Noriega's harsh rule. Many Panamanians still resent Noriega and want him to face justice in Panama for crimes against his own people. Presently, he is in Panamanian prison.
Since the invasion of Panama, the relationship between the United States and Panama has improved. In 1999, only ten years after the United States invaded Panama, the Torrijos-Carter Treaties expired giving Panama complete control over the Panama Canal. The canal had previously been a neutral territory. Panama has one of the fastest growing economies mostly due to the canal. The United States feeds off of Panama's growth because of its location in Central America and its roll in global trade. Panama is vital to U.S. defense and trade.
Since the invasion of Panama, the relationship between the United States and Panama has improved. In 1999, only ten years after the United States invaded Panama, the Torrijos-Carter Treaties expired giving Panama complete control over the Panama Canal. The canal had previously been a neutral territory. Panama has one of the fastest growing economies mostly due to the canal. The United States feeds off of Panama's growth because of its location in Central America and its roll in global trade. Panama is vital to U.S. defense and trade.