Latin America’s radical grassroots (part 2)

In our article "The Radical Grassroots" published on March 28, 2007, we discussed the potential situation generated by the emergence of new available masses represented in new populist movements in Latin America, formed by people who have been rather marginal in the political arena in the past. We also discussed the penetration of Islamists and Iran in the area as well as the role of Hugo Chávez as a catalyst and promoter of alliances between these groups and radical Islam. We saw that Hezbollah Venezuela is a pro-Chávez organization formed in the Wayuu Indian community, which converted to Islam.   Hezbollah Argentina is differing from its Venezuelan counterpart as it is not based on the Indian community but it includes radical rightists and populist elements both of which have close relations with local Arab Shiia’s and the Iranian regime. In this piece we continue to explore this issue and try to understand the deeper meaning of these partnerships, particularly in Argentina.  

NEWS:

• Hezbollah claims it receives money from Argentina.
• Venezuela: assuming chair of OAS Permanent Council (Organization of American States). (Organización de Estados Americanos – OEA). High stakes: Hugo Chávez plays the oil card.
• Cuba and Venezuela turn against Ethanol.
• Brazil: "Castro’s biofuels views are outdated." Rio’s governor to call the army to help fight violence.
• Ecuador: Correa predicts win for Constituent Assembly. Ecuador wants Brazil to help to enter the biofuel market. Venezuela’s PDVSA and PetroEcuador to partner to develop oil reserve in Ecuador. Congress reconvenes.
• Cuba and Spain renew bilateral ties during Havana Talks.
• Bolivia: violence over natural gas. Morales’ MAS for Assembly deadline.
• Colombia: car bomb hits police headquarters killing one injuring 34 people.
• Perú may go to The Hague over Chile maritime border issue.

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