It could have been worse if Bush had been embarrassed, or humiliated. |
It looks like we are headed for a collision. Chavez realizes that the U.S. doesn't have an idea of how to deal with him. |
It remains unclear how pragmatic Morales will actually be once in office, and whether he'll be able to strike the formula of accommodating both his base and national and foreign capital that have a strong stake in Bolivia's economy. Finding that balance will pose the most severe test of Morales's political skills. |
It's given new life, and of course great resources, to this fear that's hung around Washington for decades, of (Cuba) exporting revolution. |
It's given new life, and of course great resources, to this fear that's hung around Washington for decades, of [Cuba] exporting revolution, |
It's going to be an uphill battle. |
It's still a big question how he's going to govern. Clearly if he wants to be a successful president, he doesn't want the same fate as some of his predecessors. |
Morales is acutely aware of the symbols, both in terms of the indigenous identity of the country and by setting the standard for cutting salaries. |
More than any other leader, he is shaping the agenda and setting the terms of debate in the region. Chavez has the initiative, he's on the offensive, and everyone else is reacting to what he says and does. |
Much in the way Fidel Castro did for a half century, he said what a lot of Latin Americans would like to be able to say about the United States in a public forum, but don't and can't afford to. |
Palacio thought he could pursue a different course, have a greater emphasis on a social agenda. But I think he's encountered real obstacles, not just within Ecuador but in the international community. I think he's wanted to have it both ways, but that's proven to be extremely difficult. |
Perhaps you need someone with a profile like (Morales') to reconcile this very fractured country. Everybody wants him to succeed, even the elites. |
Relations are probably at their lowest point. Things have gotten very bad. The two governments are on a collision course. |
She saw the problem, acted well and wisely, and cleaned up the mess. It repairs relations with key countries like Brazil and puts the United States in a much better position to play a leadership role going forward. |
So far, it's a stage of exploration and posturing, and certainly could turn into something more serious. But it's very hard to predict right now. |