Hugo Chavez - Week 3

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/04/AR2005110401724.html

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez speaks against U.S. power and capitalism.  He presents a huge obstacle to the U.S. in  improving South American relations.  The U.S. Embassador to Argentina also noted that Chavez presents the greatest challenge to the U.S. in South America.  Additionally, Chavez recently aligned Venezuela with Iran in their attempt to undermine U.S. currency using the oil industry.  Voilent outbursts like the following..

"MAR DEL PLATA, Argentina, Nov. 4 2005 -- Anti-American demonstrators torched storefronts and battled police Friday in this Atlantic resort following a large, peaceful protest, spearheaded by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, over President Bush's plans to revive a free trade accord at a regional summit."

..these outbursts represent a serious problem for U.S. foreign relations.  Celebrities such as Maradona participated in the protest.  However, not all South Americans detest free trade and the U.S.  President Bush has sought allies in Peru and Colombia.  Sadly, it's apparent that winning a free trade agreement will not be a solution to the problem that is Chavez.  He represents a growing sentiment of defiance to U.S. power and "criticism, which he terms anti-imperialism, of neoliberal globalization and United States foreign policy."  We'll just have to wait and see what the U.S. will do to deal with Chavez.