Analysts should not delude themselves into believing that Zelaya was bringing a clean slate to Honduras. But they also should not conclude that Zelaya lacks domestic support. In addition to mainly-urban protesters, a dormant mass of Zelaya supporters exists in rural areas. These people are often too poor and afraid to leave their communities. They will not protest but they will remain disillusioned. Those who are not appalled by the coup that unseated their populist president have become disgusted with the modus operandi of Honduran politics.
The item I cited in the open thread is more eye-opening:
In short, Micheletti's three-month reign as de facto president may be coming to an end. He has clearly been shaken by events, overplayed his hand and is now facing the defection of key elements of his coalition: the congress, the presidential candidates, the army and, quite possibly, the business community and the Supreme Court. All that's left now is a graceful, negotiated exit.
TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras - The general who oversaw the ouster of President Manuel Zelaya implored all sectors of Honduran society to join in resolving the country's deepening crisis Tuesday, a message that seemed aimed at calming an uproar over a government order suspending civil liberties. Gen. Romeo Vasquez's comments on Channel 5 television came hours after interim President Roberto Micheletti said he would accept congressional calls for him to reverse the emergency decree suspending civil liberties that he had announced on Sunday. But little had changed on Tuesday. Two critical broadcasters remained shuttered and police faced off with about 500 demonstrators who sat in the middle of a street after officers blocked them from marching. Micheletti also said he would allow an Organization of American States team whose arrival was blocked this weekend. The OAS hopes to persuade the coup leaders to bow to international demands they reinstate Zelaya, who was arrested and expelled from the country on June 28.
Gen. Romeo Vasquez's comments on Channel 5 television came hours after interim President Roberto Micheletti said he would accept congressional calls for him to reverse the emergency decree suspending civil liberties that he had announced on Sunday.
But little had changed on Tuesday. Two critical broadcasters remained shuttered and police faced off with about 500 demonstrators who sat in the middle of a street after officers blocked them from marching.
Micheletti also said he would allow an Organization of American States team whose arrival was blocked this weekend. The OAS hopes to persuade the coup leaders to bow to international demands they reinstate Zelaya, who was arrested and expelled from the country on June 28.
Honduran police and soldiers raided a building Wednesday that was occupied by farm activists and supporters of ousted President Manuel Zelaya. Fifty-four people were detained. The raid in the capital, Tegucigalpa, came despite overtures by the interim Honduran government that it would back down from Sunday's decree suspending some constitutionally guaranteed civil liberties. Police spokesman Orlin Cerrato said the raid of the National Agrarian Institute was meant to recover control of the building, which contained land title records. Detained farmer Jose Irene Murillo, 69, said he feared "they are going to destroy the records of the small farmers, because the big landowners want the land."
The raid in the capital, Tegucigalpa, came despite overtures by the interim Honduran government that it would back down from Sunday's decree suspending some constitutionally guaranteed civil liberties.
Police spokesman Orlin Cerrato said the raid of the National Agrarian Institute was meant to recover control of the building, which contained land title records.
Detained farmer Jose Irene Murillo, 69, said he feared "they are going to destroy the records of the small farmers, because the big landowners want the land."
