Venezuela and Colombia have had rocky relations for several months now, ever since Colombia announced that it would allow the US to develop military bases there, officially to help in anti-drugs operations.
Venezuela's president Hugo Chavez has famously resisted American influence, particularly during the Bush era. When the news was released, Chavez began saber-rattling, freezing diplomatic ties with Colombia, and has continued to claim Colombian conspiracy against Venezuela, including apparently arresting spies in late October.
Recently, Chavez has moved 15,000 soldiers to the Colombian border, apparently to combat Colombian paramilitary forces. Chavez has Bolivian President Evo Morales as a close ally, who similarly seeks to limit American military presence in the region. Both leaders insist that combating drugs is but a cover for the spread of American influence. Chavez considers it a possible springboard move for an invasion of Venezuela.
Colombia has appealed for support from the UN, and the Organization of American States. It is currently the last of the US' direct allies in South America, where the US has had a long history of assisting the government in cracking down on the cocaine growth and trade, grown largely by local mafia and the ostensibly-Marxist Farc rebels.
The official US position has not yet been firmly decided. It may be prudent to wait for a UN Resolution, although Russia's support for Venezuela in recent months may prompt them to veto any restrictive or punitive measure. Russia has recently completed several arms sales to Venezuela, cooperated in military exercises in Venezuelan waters, and extended a $2 billion loan. In a show of similar support, Venezuela diplomatically sided with Russia in the Georgia conflict of 2008 and recognized the alleged puppet states of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
Since election, President Obama has managed to largely improve relations with Chavez, who during the Bush administration constantly criticized the United States, and particularly its dipolmatic policies (including supporting the United States' "Rogue States" such as Cuba and Iran). When first elected, Chavez had supported Obama, but has recently reverted to his familiar suspicion during public speeches.
Therefore it is difficult to know whether this is bluster, intentional, or simply Chavez's apparent unpredictability. Nevertheless, yesterday's speech carried serious words: "Let's not waste a day on our main aim: to prepare for war."
Comments
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What a perfect way to hide and igonore the country's internal issues. Hey Chavez, what about getting some basic needs for your people, like water and food.
Chavez got alot of nerve talking bout the US when his ppl dont even want him in power.Dont get embarrassed by another country.you already got embarrassed when the king of Spain told you to shut up.Im a latina ans i dont even agree with what Chavez is tryin to do.He needs to take a seat somewhere and stop tryin to be at war with the whole world or he will find what hes looking for!!!!!!
He is great.. US should care for it`s problems and not so sent Army all over the World.. God with you Shaves
When it comes to the War on Drugs, the United States is the most corrupt there is! I live in the United States and I am a honest hard working person, and I even live in fear! No one is safe from this disastrous drug policy that causes wars, death, misery, broken families, lost chance of education, lost chance of employment, loss of family, loss of freedom, loss of your entire life! The War On Drugs is inhumane, its no wonder Venezuela doesn't want the DEA over there pushing their citizens around. When will everyone realize that the War on Drugs is the WORST policy in modern time!
Hey Chavez, we can see through your rhetoric easily.
Invest in some infrastructure instead of declaring war, solve your issues instead of disguising them you buffoon.
The masses in Venezuela LOVES Chavez, It was us who took the street when he was removed from power in 2002. No one in modern history has done that much for lower income people in my country. Lack of democracy in Venezuela? Whomever says that has never been in my country and watch or listen to the radio. He's not perfect there is no question, but he is not the vilain that people claim he is. The war on drugs... It's a joke the U.S is in good terms with many of the cartel in Colombia. They presence is nothing but smoke and show. People do a little research before casting a stone to Chavez, be critical and do not take all that nonesense in. Chavez has a lot to do for his people true. But he cares about the poor and for once does something to improve our daily lives.
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