[Close observers of Latin American affairs both in Washington and in the region say Rice's finesse made possible a turnaround in U.S.-Latin relations.] 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. |
At a moment when relations between the US and Latin America are at their lowest point since the end of the cold war, this fence proposal is viewed as a terrible affront. |
Brazil is an absolutely critical player in the hemisphere, ... There is a limit to how much progress the U.S. can make on any issue, free trade included, without Brazil's support and cooperation. |
Brazil is an absolutely critical player in the hemisphere. There is a limit to how much progress the U.S. can make on any issue, free trade included, without Brazil's support and cooperation. |
But now the test is, 'Can he follow through?' ... Ultimately, he will face real decisions. |
Clearly in Latin America, things are not happening the way the United States would like to see them happen. And the question is: Will the US try to be more engaged and be supportive of the people who believe in the same thing as it does, or will it react to these trends as threats to the US, which could turn them into a self-fulfilling prophecy? |
good theater and even better politics. He has been waging this battle in Latin America, in an effort to extend his political influence and build a counterweight to the United States, and now, in a display of great audacity, he is appealing directly to the considerable underclass in the United States. |
He's got lots of money and clearly has grandiose schemes, seeing himself as an important global player. There is a reality to it. Oil is at record prices, and he's willing to spend both in Venezuela and in the region. But the question is, how much influence is he gaining? |
I haven't seen any indication of a willingness to tolerate Morales' positions, and you have to remember that eradicating coca is a core element of U.S. drug policy. This is where the passions are greatest, especially in Congress. |
I think he's saying that the U.S. doesn't have to control everything ? that the U.S. is able to sort of yield, and when it does, things can go well, |
I think they're not as quick to dismiss his bluster as they used to be. |
If he governs by really carrying out his agenda, which is quite a radical agenda, I think it's going to be very difficult for him. |
If Morales fully carries out his proposed agenda, the consequences would be likely to be quite problematic. His supporters may be happy, but Bolivia's economy would not be viable. |
If the opposition parties are seen as not being constructive and blocking everything Morales tries to do that would not be in their own interests. |
If Uribe's allowed to run he's in an extremely strong position, but it's not necessarily a foregone conclusion. |