Examines the reasons why the US and Nicaragua could not reach agreement between 1979 and 1990, detailing phases in Nicaragua's attempts to deal with the US' proxy war and aid to the Contras. Discusses diplomacy and counterrevolution 1981-1982, the Contadora meeting in 1983, the elections of 1984, the Arias Plan 1987-1988, Bush and the Sandinistas, and the 1990 elections. For those interested in Latin American history and politics, and international studies. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.