Dealing with Hugo Chavez: The Tough Path Forward in South AmericaFor more than a decade Venezuela President Hugo Chavez has taunted U.S. foreign policy-makers, first as a veritable mosquito in their ears, now as an increasingly serious cause for their concerns. According to some observers, in light of America's newly negotiated terms for its uses of military installations located throughout Colombia, he is stepping up his provocative rhetoric to new levels. In addition to his paranoia regarding the agendas of American forces stationed in his neighborhood, mounting obstacles to his ability to sustain the social programs that are the lifeblood of his waning popularity in Venezuela are prompting Chavez to employ some very vitriolic remarks. Learn more in Michael Smith’s article below. Horizontal Rule Here Dealing with Hugo Chavez: The Tough Path Forward in South AmericaBy Michael S. Smith II President Obama entered office pledging to shift the course of foreign policy away from the one set by President Bush. Rather than confronting anti-American dictators with tough talk, along with what some might call tougher policies, America’s new president announced his plan to take an altogether different approach. Change, so many Americans thought, was in the air as Obama announced his intentions to engage with words leaders who view America as their enemy. “We will extend a hand,” he proclaimed in the case of Iran, “if you will unclench your fist.”
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