During the 1980s, just after the end of the Cold War began and only six weeks after the fall of the Berlin Wall, tensions between the United States and Panama were reaching an unprecedented level. The United States had a long history of intervening on behalf of the region to help ensure stability long before the creation of the Panama Canal. Due to the Panamanian leader's threats against not only the United States, but also the viability of the region through the peaceful operation of the canal, the United States intervened once again. Operation JUST CAUSE was born and became one of the shortest, most successful, and most complicated conflicts in United States history. During the 24-hour conflict, it was the organization, planning and rapid execution of joint operations that eradicated Panama of its ruthless leader Noriega. Operation JUST CAUSE was an ensuing conflict between the United States and the Panamanian Defense Forces (PDF) led by Manuel Antonio Noriega. Between 1987 and 1989, American foreign policy underwent constant change due to ongoing problems with the Panamanian military and its political climate (Grant, 1992, p. v). In 1977, the United States' initial intention was to cede sovereignty of the Panama Canal to Panama in its entirety by the year 2000 in order to help stabilize the country while easing anti-American sentiment in the country. interior of the country. In the late 1980s, Noriega became heavily involved in drug trafficking. It was clear that the US strategy to bring stability to the country through the treaty was under threat. The United States tried to indict Noriega for drug trafficking and imposed sanctions on the country - neither, which was successful...... middle of paper .... .. troops of the 82nd Airborne Division, 75th Ranger Regiment, and five Special Operations Forces (SOF) battalions. A second wave of 7,000 additional troops followed, consisting of the 7th DI and the 16th MP Brigade. The end state of the OPLAN 90-2 was to engage and/or seize 27 predetermined targets. Nearly half of the targets were to be attacked simultaneously, the other half were to be seized a few hours later. Rapid apprehension of these targets would allow the United States to take control of Noriega's forces and control the country within 24 hours. Works Cited US Army Center of Military History (CMH). (2006). Operation Just Cause: The Panama Incursion [data file]. CMH Publication 70-85-1. Retrieved from http://www.history.army.mil/brochures/Just%20Cause/JustCause.htm Grant, Rebecca. (1992). Operation Just Cause and the American political process.