Chavez and the Iranian connection

In the aftermath of the Chavez electoral victory on December 3, 2006, the Venezuelan President proceeded to deepen the Bolivarian revolution he initiated in 1998.  Most recently, he announced the nationalization of the phone and the electric companies as well as deciding not to renew broadcasting rights to a TV station critical of his regime.

Moreover, Chavez has turned himself into the regional leader of "revolutionary populism". As such he has formed coalitions with newly elected populist leaders including Evo Morales of Bolivia and Rafael Correa of Ecuador. Both have looked to Chavez as a source of inspiration and as an ally regarding specific policies. Nothing epitomizes more this spirit than the speech delivered by Rafael Correa in his inauguration ceremony. In a well written, somewhat academic speech Correa lays out these policies including the reformulation of the state constitution and the creation of a Constituent assembly. While rejecting traditional parties and institutions, President Correa supports the development of regional alliances and South American integration, which include the development of an economy independent of foreign investment. It is also clear he wishes to form a political alliance against US influence.

NEWS:

• Iran’s Ahmadinejad visits Venezuela, Ecuador, and Nicaragua.  Iran, Nicaragua agree to strengthen relations.  Nicaragua’s Ortega seeks new IMF program.
• Mercosur summit in Rio de Janeiro.  Bolivia, Venezuela, Mercosur membership: end privatizations.
• Castro very ill, did not want colostomy.
• Peru and Veneuela to mend fences.  Peru, Columbia, negotiate for FTA with U.S.
• Columbia and Ecuador reach agricultural agreement.  Columbia military head onfesses.
• New Ecuadorian President Correa calls for "radcial revolution."  The significance of Venezuela and Ecuador’s nationalizations.  Ecuador minister: "life before debt."  Correa could limit anti-drug fight.  Venezuelan oil company in Ecuador.
• Bolivia: Cochabamba protests reach La Paz.  Bolivia cabinet probes Cochabamba.
• Venezuala and Ecuador intial energy agreements.  Many concerned by Venezuelan media restrictions.  Venezuelan banks forced to fund social programs.  Caracas asks OPEC to cut production.  Chavez has carte blanche for socialism.
• Second arrest warrant issued for Argentina’s Peron.

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