“The title of the book is not going to make anyone happy,” said Caceres. “Those who believe it was a military coup d’etat will not like the word ‘good’, while those who believe it was a ‘constitutional transition of power’ will not agree with the word ‘coup.'”

Caceres noted, “My intent is to try and move past the unwinnable debate about whether it was or was not a coup, and instead try to focus on understanding the reasons for Mr. Zelaya’s ousting and some of the implications for the future of Honduras.”

Honduras is known as the classic “Banana Republic” – a characterization of a politically backward country ruled by a tiny wealthy class. The phrase was coined by the North American writer O. Henry in his book, "Cabbages and Kings". It conveys the image of a nation plagued by military coup d’etats… historically undeniable in the case of Honduras.

The controversial overthrow of President Manuel Zelaya on June 28, 2009 represents a watershed in Honduran history. Was President Zelaya an innocent victim of the military and judicial systems, or did government officials act wisely in rescuing Honduras from a president intent on remaining in power indefinitely and dismantling the country’s democratic institutions?

Although it awakened memories of past coups, it is unclear whether this was a traditional or a “hybrid coup,” featuring some elements of what the world tends to associate with coups, but lacking others. The collection of short essays in this book offers personal insights on these questions and on a wide range of events, themes, and philosophical struggles that defined the political crisis in Honduras.

Marco Caceres di Iorio is the editor of the online newspaper Honduras Weekly. He is also the cofounder of projecthonduras.com, an international network of volunteers involved in humanitarian development projects aimed at empowering the people of Honduras. He directs the annual Conference on Honduras in the town of Copan Ruinas in northwestern Honduras. He was born in Tegucigalpa.

From: Reuters News.