Venezuela, Iran & others: a coalition? (New title)

[91bravojoe]

Bad boy Hugo refuses to accept as 'Ambassador' the individual who has publicly assailed his government, and accused it of arming drug sellers in Columbia. The psuedo-Ambassador also said he would “safeguard American economic interests and investments,” should he serve in Caracas. I' m sure most host countries would welcome such advance planning.

http://venezuelanalysis.com/news/5886

On an earlier occasion, nominee Palmer had stated:

When asked what his top areas of concern are, Palmer cited “threats to human rights and fundamental freedoms” in Venezuela, including threats to “freedom of expression and of the press, the right to own private property, and freedom of association for civil society.” He further criticized “the increasing centralization of power in the executive branch,” and President Chavez’s “explicit rejection of the separation of powers.

http://venezuelanalysis.com/news/5560

Just right for a working relationship.

The context includes some of the Wikileaks material, such as this summary of US intentions to "reassert US leadership in the region":

Kelly, who played a primary role as "mediator" during last year's coup d'etat in Honduras against President Manuel Zelaya, classifies President Hugo Chavez as an "enemy" in his report. "Know the enemy: We have to better understand how Chavez thinks and what he intends...To effectively counter the threat he represents, we need to know better his objectives and how he intends to pursue them. This requires better intelligence in all of our countries". Further on in the memo, Kelly confesses that President Chavez is a "formidable foe", but, he adds, "he certainly can be taken.

http://venezuelanalysis.com/analysis/5870

Further:

Kelly also revealed the pressure Washington has been applying to Mercosur (Market of the South) to not accept Venezuela as a full member in the regional trade bloc. "With regard to Mercosur, we should not be timid in stating that Venezuela's membership will torpedo US interest in even considering direct negotiations with the trading bloc.

Economic warfare always a crucial diplomatic effort.

Congratulations to the Obama administration for using the Foreign Service Apparatus to demonstrate continuity with little Bush.