U.S. policy toward Colombia, Venezuela and Latin America

All week, New America Foundation Senior Fellow Andres Martinez discusses Hugo Chavez, recent economic developments in South and Central America and the state of U.S. relations in the region with Angelo Rivero Santos, the deputy chief of mission of the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

July 18, 2008

DUST-UP

Obama, McCain and Chavez

Today's question: How might U.S. relations with South and Central American nations change after Barack Obama or John McCain takes over as president in January 2009? What does the ongoing panic over immigration indicate about U.S. politics? Click here to read the entire week's exchange between Martinez and Rivero.

July 17, 2008

DUST-UP

Colombia gets tough on terrorists

Today's question: Just a few months ago, Colombia stood on the brink of war with its neighbors; now, with his recent victory against the FARC, Colombian President Alvaro Uribe is enjoying much more widespread support. What does that mean for the region? Previously, Rivero and Martinez discussed Hugo Chavez’s meetings with U.S. adversaries, why U.S.-Venezuela relations are perceived so poorly and recent economic and political trends in Latin America.

July 16, 2008

DUST-UP

Chavez's unsavory allies

Today's question: Why does Hugo Chavez seem to enjoy meeting with controversial world leaders such as Syrian President Bashar Assad, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the late Saddam Hussein? Previously, Martinez and Rivero discussed why U.S.-Venezuela relations are perceived so poorly and recent economic and political trends in Latin America.

July 15, 2008

DUST-UP

What soured the U.S.-Venezuela alliance?

Today's question: The United States and Venezuela have normal economic relations; in fact, trade has increased between the two countries over the last few years. So why are relations between Venezuela and the U.S. perceived as being so bad? Previously, Rivero and Martinez discussed fiscal and political developments in Venezuela and neighboring nations.

July 14, 2008

DUST-UP

Which way, Latin America?

Today's question: Are Latin American nations moving toward neo-liberal free markets or a 21st century form of Bolivarian socialism? All week, Andrés Martinez and Angelo Rivero Santos discuss U.S. policy toward Venezuela, Colombia and other Latin American nations.