Peru and Venezuela

Hugo Chávez is back at it again. For somebody that criticizes the U.S. for meddling in other countries affairs he is sure not practicing what he preaches. While harshly attacking the U.S. he has conveniently adapted many of the strategies that the U.S. has used for centuries to advance its causes across the region. From verbal scare tactics to petro-bribery he makes sure that he is more than just heard.

Chávez has the innate ability to get under peoples skin and very few resist the urge to fight back. We all know someone who manifests this behavior be it a friend, co-worker, or neighbor. Try as we might we consistently fall into their trap and cannot resist lashing out, which is exactly what they desire.

This whole situation is currently unfolding in Peru. As Peru moves closer to its runoff election between Ollanta Humala and Alan García, Chávez has begun to escalate his rhetoric and become bolder with his actions. Recently, he has been very up front in supporting the candidacy of Peru’s Nationalist Candidate Ollanta Humala. In addition to supporting Humala, he has simultaneously been criticizing the potential opponents of Humala. His harshest criticism has been reserved for Peru’s former President Alan García, the probable opponent of Humala.

His attacks on García have been unrelenting and he has classified García as a lying, thieving, git to put into words of an English friend of mine. True or not, Chávez has let his ego get the best of him this time. By calling out García, Chávez has perhaps bitten off more than he can chew. Say what you want about his policies but García is one of the most skilled orators and craftiest politicians in the Western Hemisphere, on par with former U.S. President Bill Clinton. As the saying goes García could sell ice to an Eskimo.

The spat has also involved the current Peruvian administration of Alejandro Toledo. In a tit-for-tat both countries have withdrawn their ambassadors. Remember that international diplomacy is nothing more than four year olds fighting over a toy in the sandbox. Its mine, no its mine, you are playing dirty, no you are. Use larger adult words and you have what some would call an international diplomatic crisis. They are now at the stage where they begin to throw sand at each other. Sadly, there is no mother who can enter and put some order and discipline to the situation.

Now it is time to take a step back form the sandbox and watch these two children have at it.