Hugo Chavez: Looking for a Rumble in the Jungle?

Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez's decision to mobilize troops to the Columbian border in response to Bogota's assassination of a member of the guerilla group FARC has created a diplomatic crisis that many fear could lead to war. Skepticism abounds that Chavez has initiated the imbroglio to distract attention from Venezuela's domestic problems, or indeed to cover up his own ties to FARC. Strained relations between Chavez and many other world leaders only add to fears that this already unsettled region could be headed for a long conflict.

Hugo and What Army? A Show of Force in South America

FOREIGN POLICY WATCH - Matt Dupuis argues that Chavez's decision to mobilize troops to the Colombian border was a misguided overreaction. Colombia, Dupuis notes, is in a compromised position because its weak central government is unable to confront armed resistance from FARC. The inability of the two parties to reconcile has effectively divided Colombia, and has complicated Venezuela's relations with both sides. While there's hope that the need for trade and economic stability in the region will lead to a hasty resolution, however it seems unlikely that the situation will stabilize any time soon. ...

The war at home: Chavez against Venezuela?

VENEZUELA NEWS AND VIEWS - Daniel Venezuela argues that the real war is not happening on the Colombian border, but in the heart of Venezuela itself. This war, he states, is a constant quotidian battle for basic resources like food, money, and medical care. Summarizing South American editorials, he wonders if Chavez's recent actions are merely a way of distracting from his country's domestic problems and purging his armed forces, which have faced heavy criticism. Many in the region doubt that a shot will ever be fired, but domestic difficulties will continue unabated....

Where Is the US in the South American Crisis?

SECURITY DILEMMAS - After a brief summery of the events leading to the South American crisis, Seth Weinberger describes how other nations in the region have offered their services as mediators with little success. Weinberger argues that the United States is the country best equipped to help resolve the situation. However, the tenuous relations between the US and Venezuela in recent years could mean that such an intervention would do more harm than good. Weinberger hopes that, at the very least, this situation will teach the US a valuable lesson about maintaing good diplomatic relations....

3.23.08

10:43 PM -

Anonymous -

3.19.08

04:44 AM -

Anonymous -

3.7.08

11:54 AM -

arg

jb - what a sad state. It's a shame that so many people suffer for the poor decision making of a few.

11:34 AM -

Chavez won't stop

azp - Hugo antagonizes to no end. I can't speak to the legality of what Colombia did, but tank battalions to the border and such public bravado are clearly not in the interest that he claims to care about and lead

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