Chavez seeks alliance with Russia for protection from U.S.

What? He can't do that. If he signs the agreement then he won't be able to use fear of an imminent US invasion as a way to push his agenda through the government. If he actually convinces his people that the US is no longer able to invade...then what's he going to do?

imminent US invasion" I am sure once GWB is out, Chavez will stop accusing it of this mythical invasion.

Still, this is actually a smart move for him. He lost out on the leader for life vote, but having Russia's backing, he could just take it.

Chavez really needs to stop digging himself deeper. His people will not stand the dictatorship he will lead them into. Russia will only make matters worse and all other Central American Countries will eventually break ties with them.

Chavez... Ain't he that fella that had some kind of seizure at the United Nations?

I hope he is better.

USAR

He is a fruit loop, but a fruit loop with a whole lot of oil......Now why did we invade Iraq again? Can we say, the Administration dropped the ball on this guy by taking their eye off their backyard?

Can we say, the Administration dropped the ball on this guy by taking their eye off their backyard?" No, its because Venezuela porque lasninas son las masbellas! There is not denying that.

Anyway, Hugo is a hypocrite, firstly, trade has actually doubled in the last two years between the US and Venezuela; one of the main problems he has is the war in Afghanistan, say the US has no right to be there but here he goes and chumming up to the same people that occupied the place as well as killed how many in Chechnya? He also didn't take too kindly to Bush for supporting a coup against him...even though that is how he first came into power!!!

Like El Presidente Hugo Chavez, Iran ALREADY has an agreement for mutual defence with both Russia and China. Chavez is a rat, but a smart rat.

"strategic alliance with Russia"

Let's ask all the countries that have a strategic alliance with Russia how it's benefiting them, and ask all the countries that have a strategic alliance with the U.S. how it's benefiting them and I bet the answers will be interesting. Choose careully, Hugo, heh heh.

Mr. Chavez:

In the words of Al Jolson, "You ain"t see nothing yet!"

The wars of tomorrow will last as much as five minutes. Nuff said.

The US and Russia would both sell weapons to just about anyone for political or monetary gain. Why isn't the US offering Chavez something for a crack at Venezuela's oil. We may not like the guy's politics but that certainly hasn't stopped us from dealing with other less than clean world leaders.

I don't blame Chavez for seeking his military weapontry and protection from Russia. Most countries like to know that they are under somebodies wing.

It's like Isreal under the wing of the United States. But I wonder if Russia gives away a $30Billion package, with an additional $167,000,000 this year above the $30Billion package.

I'm surprised he waited this long to seek this friendship relationship with Russia. < :-)

@usaexpat: The U.S. already gets plenty of Venezuela's oil. It's sold under the Citgo brand name.

Eventually the world will tire of this little boy crying wolf.

Bring back the days when the CIA had a free han to do what needed to be done.

OssanULTRA - Bring back the days when the CIA had a free han to do what needed to be done.

And what would you advocate they do?

If I was Chavez, your statement alone would make me seek protection from Russia, against the biggest warmongering nation in decades. A country that would start a war based on lies could be capable of anything with a CIA as you suggest. < :-)

Dont take it so seriously. I'm just an old fart longing for the good old days.

Hehe, a story like this really brings out the Bush and America haters doesn't it.

Looks like a chess move just in case MCsame gets in.

Regardless of what one thinks of Chavez, Venezuela's deals with Russia make sense from his perspective. Although Venezuela is one of the five founding members of OPEC, it's oil production is less than one-third that of Russia, so strengthening its ties with Russia and Russia's largest oil companies may have significant long term benefits for Venezuela. As for the deal to purchase weapons, the US stopped selling weapons to Venezuela and Chavez needs them to protect his government from its enemies, real and imagined, including the people of Venezuela.

Molenir at 03:48 AM JST - 24th July

Hehe, a story like this really brings out the Bush and America haters doesn't it.

Who are the bush haters and America haters you are referring to?

Are they haters or just expressing their points and positions and are actually very strong Americans? < :-)

Chavez is the toad in Toad Hall & gradually the people of Venezuela are seeing this. He did have the people behind him once, but as with all crazy people he is going too far. In Latin America however the people are always ready to get a bit more crazy. Well there is nothing on TV worth watching & nothing much else to do. Chavez is pushing the people that matter in Venezuela to the point that they will do something about him, with or without US help. The people in the street will have to face the army in the street again & next time Chavez will not come back from the dead, it is only a matter of time.

The most important thing is that the US stay out of this. If the US makes any move that is seen as going against Chavez all it will do is unify the country & that is really not at all helpful.

Molenir. "Bush & American haters"?

Can you not take a step back & see that the US has earned all that it gets? There are some very, very good things about the US & American people, but this side of the US tends to get lost behind a lot that is really very, very wrong about the US. You need to step outside the blickered view of being an American & try to see your country as we see it. Sometimes yes, there is an element of hate from some, but for most inteligent people there is a disapointment & sadness that what could be is being wasted. THAT is what you are seeing as "hate".

Sorry, that should be "blinkered view"

Let's ask all the countries that have a strategic alliance with Russia how it's benefiting them, and ask all the countries that have a strategic alliance with the U.S. how it's benefiting them and I bet the answers will be interesting. Choose careully, Hugo, heh heh.

Cuba is still under a dictatorship just 90 miles from the States. Now how did it benefit them? Hugo is looking to stay in power if he gets a Russian alliance of sorts then he wins in the eyes of his supporters. Again the Administration would have dropped another ball when it comes to the US backyard! Well done GW!

Here's an idea. Render oil worthless by finding alternative sources of energy and Chavez becomes irrelevant.

Helter-Skelter

And what do you think such a wonderful idea would do to the rest of the world? If that were the answer to Chavez it was a bit over the top.

Granted for quite different reasons it really would be a good thing.

Again the Administration would have dropped another ball when it comes to the US backyard! Well done GW!

Why is Chavez the Bush administration's problem? What a large backyard we have. He strikes me as Venezuela's problem.

JB has it right. Chevy is looking for a way to stay in power and reap the benefits. Upon gaining support from the USSR, Castro was up against a lot of opposition. It wasn't too long after that that he was able to pave a way for himself. Seems Chevy is looking for the same path. At least that is what being said at street level.

imagawa

And what do you think such a wonderful idea would do to the rest of the world?

I would imagine the entire rest of the world, other than the OPEC nations perhaps, would benefit from the elimination of fossil fuels as an energy source.

undecidedbout08 Why is Chavez the Bush administration's problem? What a large backyard we have. He strikes me as Venezuela's problem.

Shall I count the ways the Bush Administration has dropped the ball in our backyard.

OK let me first tell you that Chavez is a dangerous nut. He is more dangerous that Saddam ever was.

Ok ready fro some down home S.A. edu-macation my dear lad. Can I have some West by god Virgina mountain music please?

Now let us count the way

Fernando Armindo Lugo Méndez happy new ultra left wing Presidente of Paraguayan....Ball dropping. BTW he was supported by Chavez elected 2008.

Tabaré Vázquez Presidente of Uraguay guess what he is a leftist and take a wild guess who helped his party with oil money? Elected 2004

Juan Evo Morales Ayma a left wing nut as there ever has been one. I will give you a guess as to who funded his election? Can you say Hugo Chavez! Shall we continue? Yes we will!!!

Lovable picture of some of the folks that love Bush and thank him every day for dropping the ball in his backyard. If you love him so much say hi to all the folks in the photo op.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schafik_H%C3%A1ndal

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva President of Brazil can you say leftest. Come on all you Bush supporters say the happy word of the day, Leftist! Elected 2003.....Now when did we hit Iraq? LOL

Hell if Bush and his folks stay in office any longer we may lose Colombia also to the lefties!

Be brave take a look at the site I posted. You will love the photo op that is there.

Skipthesong, dont follow a party because you think it is for you, follow your eyes. This President has given away his back yard for nothing. Sad and this will be his legacy............

Ok will any Bush loving right wing person please reply to my comments. Or am I right that Bush took his eye off his back door and the milkman moved in.

I feel like the kid that came to play but everyone ran away.<BG>