The cables aren't kind to Martinelli. They describe him as a man of "limited attention span" who "makes strong impulsive decisions with minimal information." They cast him as vindictive, authoritarian, fixated on spying on his political foes and contemptuous of checks on what one cable calls his "hyper-presidency."
CABLES RELATED TO THIS STORY Cable: Panama's importance to U.S. interests
Cable: First impressions of 'fractious' Panama government
Cable: Wiretap quest shows 'dark side' of Panama's president
Cable: Panama's president puts DEA wiretap program at risk
Cable: Panamanian minister asks for U.S. security help
Cable: Colombian offer sows doubt and confusion in Panama
Cable: Burgeoning crime and gang problems in Panama
Cable: 'No one feels responsible or accountable' in Panama
Cable: Corruption at Panama's Tocumen International Airport
Cable: Panama's intel chief shows anti-U.S. bias
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Read more: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2011/04/26/112845/cables-offer-dim-view-of-president.html#ixzz1KkB32uKq