Israel Melendez Ayala
Historian and freelance writer from Puerto Rico specializing in the island's military history and environmental impacts of U.S. bases; featured guest discussing remilitarization and Vieques.
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Dec 10, 2025 • 18min
US-Venezuela military buildup tests Puerto Rico’s painful past
In this engaging discussion, historian Israel Melendez Ayala dives into Puerto Rico’s complex military past and present. He reveals the reactivation of Roosevelt Roads and the local community's shock at the troop buildup. Israel underscores Puerto Rico's strategic importance to the U.S. and unpacks the long history of military activities in Vieques, highlighting ongoing environmental and health impacts. He also tackles the paradox of Puerto Rican citizenship and concerns about becoming a target in U.S.-Venezuela tensions.
