"The Other 9/11": Ariel Dorfman on 50th Anniversary of U.S.-Backed Coup in Chile That Ousted Allende

On the 50th anniversary of the US-backed coup in Chile, Democracy Now discusses the violent overthrow of President Salvador Allende and the subsequent dictatorship led by General Augusto Pinochet. Over 3,000 people were killed or disappeared, and many more were tortured. Chile's current President Gabriel Boric and Mexican President AMLO commemorated the event, calling for strengthened democracy in Latin America. The commemoration was marred by counter-protesters disrupting a march and desecrating graves.

A silent vigil marked the 50th anniversary of the Chilean coup, focusing on the role of women in the resistance. Women dressed in black carried signs with pictures of victims of the dictatorship. Alejandra Perez spoke about the ongoing pain of families searching for disappeared loved ones. The Chilean government recently launched a national search plan to find those who disappeared during the Pinochet dictatorship, though past efforts have left many remains unidentified.

Ariel Dorfman, a cultural advisor to Allende, shares his harrowing experience on the day of the coup and his subsequent exile. He narrowly escaped capture by not being at La Moneda on the morning of the coup. Dorfman explains his lifelong mission to tell the story of Chile and the coup, emphasizing the importance of memory and resistance. He highlights the ongoing struggle against Pinochet's legacy and the importance of democracy.

The discussion shifts to the significant role the United States played in the Chilean coup. Recently released documents from the National Security Archive reveal how President Nixon and Henry Kissinger sought to prevent Allende's presidency and later supported efforts to overthrow him. Kissinger's writings demonstrate his intent to undermine Allende's government, fearing the spread of his democratic socialist policies.

The Chilean coup had widespread repercussions across Latin America, influencing other military takeovers and the spread of neoliberal economic policies. Pinochet's Chile became a model for free-market fundamentalism, which later influenced policies in the UK and the US under Thatcher and Reagan. The period of repression and economic experimentation had long-lasting effects on the region and the world.

Ariel Dorfman discusses his new novel, 'The Suicide Museum,' which explores the enigmatic death of Salvador Allende. The book intertwines historical facts with fictional elements to delve into the deeper truths of Chile's past. Dorfman uses his alter ego to narrate the story, investigating Allende's death and the broader themes of memory and resistance against dictatorship and oppression.

Dorfman leaves the conclusion about Allende's death open to interpretation, respecting the complexity of the historical events and the characters' perspectives. He emphasizes the importance of keeping the memory of Allende's peaceful revolution alive and relevant to contemporary struggles for democracy and justice. The novel serves as a reflection on both historical and current issues, highlighting the ongoing relevance of Allende's ideals.

Dorfman reflects on how his exile shaped his life and writing. Forced to leave Chile, he became a bridge between cultures and a voice for the Chilean resistance. His experiences in exile allowed him to connect with a global audience and advocate for democracy and human rights. He acknowledges the profound personal and professional changes exile brought, shaping him into a storyteller who keeps the memory of Chile's past alive.