Venezuela’s challenge

Highlighted Story: "Venezuela’s Internal affairs: a challenge to US Policy Makers" By Luis Fleischman

Hugo Chavez’s ambitious foreign policy is and continues to be a threat to US interests as well as to the peace and stability of the region. As we, at the America’s Report, have extensively reported, Chavez seeks not only to consolidate absolute power at home but also expand his ideological agenda abroad which consists of duplicating his regime in neighboring countries. After two Colombian military operations that uncovered Chavez’ long-suspected support for the FARC, the Venezuelan leader is trying to give the impression of being a "changed man" fearing that in the local elections that will take place on November 23, the Chavistas may lose. To avoid this outcome he gave instructions to the country’s general comptroller to illegally disqualify more than 400 candidates for office.

It has been reported that Chavez has given $33 billion abroad to influence the electoral processes of neighboring countries by supporting populist, pro–Chavez presidential candidates. 

Hugo Chavez and allies: Rafael Correa (Ecuador) and Evo Morales (Bolivia)

Furthermore, the foreign policy of this new alliance is to achieve not only economic independence from the United States but also remove American influence from the region. At the same time he seeks to establish alliances with countries that are either hostile to the US, such as Iran and radical Islam or that compete for global influence with the United States like China and Russia.  

After two Colombian military operations that uncovered Chavez’ long-suspected support for the FARC and liberated the ex-presidential hopeful, Ingrid Betancourt, from a six year old captivity at the hands of the FARC, Chavez is trying to give the impression of being a "changed man" (as Libya did it a few years ago). Chavez flew to Colombia to meet with President Alvaro Uribe and spoke of peace and conciliation. Only a few months earlier Chavez threatened Colombia with military action. Afterwards he met with Spain’s King Juan Carlos in a conciliatory effort.   This followed after last year’s Spanish-American summit, when the Spanish King urged him "to shut up." These mollifying moves are inspired by Chavez’s correct perception that the West may see this as a sign of real change as similar gestures by thugs like Colonel Muhamar Khadaffi of Libya have done. Chavez is very much afraid that in the local elections that will take place on November 23 in Venezuela the Chavistas may lose. If this happens this will represent another setback for Chavez and a delay in his attempt to exercise total control over his country. That opportunity was denied to him last December when he lost a referendum that would have given him the right to be re-elected for life plus other presidential powers. Thus, Chavez is dreaming of a great electoral victory that could provide him with the power to consolidate his domestic absolutism and then continue to expand his influence beyond his own borders.

Main News:

• New Decrees from Chávez Mirror Spurned Measures. Dissenting student movement rebuts high court decision on banning . Venezuelans protest against ban. Chavez Obtains Russian Fighter Jets. Venezuela buys additional USD 1 billion in Argentinean bonds. President of Belarus Security Council visits Venezuela. Chávez announces upcoming agreement to buy Banco de Venezuela.
• Venezuela among the 10 largest buyers of Russian weapons.
• Chávez to attend UN General Assembly.
• Two killed as summit cancelled in Bolivia protests.
• Brazil and Argentina leaders ratify "strategic alliance." Brazil changing military strategy to rapid strike force.
• Argentine president tough stance scares investors. Argentine farmers and officials agree after months of strife. Argentine vice president cheered by farmers at Palermo show (in opposition to Kirchners).
• Uruguay ‘s ruling coalition leads in vote intention with 42%.
• Ecuador: 47% back Correa’s draft constitution.
• Sierra Leone minister removed in connection with Venezuelan drug.
• US indicts Colombian terrorist.

Click here to view the Americas Report (PDF)

Nancy Menges
Editor in Chief – "Americas Report"

Nicole M. Ferrand
Editor – "Americas Report"

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