When countries throughout the world are recognizing the power of self- determination, the U.S. invasion of Panama contradicts the basic principles of state sovereignty.

Because it created the current chaos in Panama, though, the United States now is responsible for helping the country rebuild itself.

Gen. Manuel Noriega's regime was a brutal and oppressive one. This, however, did not give the United States the right to act as a big brother. Invading one country makes it easier for the United States to condone the invasion of another.

The United States achieved one of its primary invasion goals: to capture Noriega. But that goal was achieved at the price of putting Panama's economy into shambles, killing about 600 people and outraging many countries with the display of U.S. imperialism.

Bush said the invasion also aimed to protect the 35,000 Americans living in Panama. But the U.S. government could have asked Americans to leave the country and protected those who had to remain with troops already in place.

Not only did the invasion hurt Panama, but Noriega's imprisonment probably will not make a dent in the drug flow.

Panama is not the only country through which drug cartels can launder money and ship their substances. Other markets soon will mitigate any short-term inconveniences. Noriega's imprisonment more likely means another commercial plug for the war on drugs and a boost for Bush's public relations image.

The war-torn country has suffered greatly as well. Panama is seeking $1.5 billion as a "first installment" to rebuild its once strong economy, destroyed by U.S. economic sanctions and the invasion. President Guillermo Endara recently wrote to President Bush, asking for financial aid to create 24,000 new jobs and for loans to help businesses destroyed by rioting crowds after the U.S. invasion.

As an uninvited guest in the Central American country, the United States now has a duty to supply this type of aid. At the same time, U.S. military forces in Panama -- almost 26,000 troops invaded, more than double the number normally stationed there -- must end their occupation. For Panama to become secure, the Panamanians need to be able to define their own future.

Invading Panama has sacrificed the lives and businesses of the country. Now it is time for the United States to rebuild what it has destroyed.