A surprising moment at the Summit of the Americas in the past few days was Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez greeting President Obama very warmly, stating he wanted to be his friend, and presenting him with a book that discusses US exploitation of Latin America.
While it is always hoped that relations with all nations can be improved, it is important for our President NOT to be overwhelmed by this gesture, as I consider it basically just political theater. Chavez has been a heavy handed, autocratic leader and he associates with the Iranian President Ahmadinejad and with the Castro brothers in Cuba, as well as making deals with China.Â
There is no way to see Chavez as someone who could become a genuine partner with the United States. He cannot be judged as sincere, based on his outrageous behavior at the United Nations when he called President Bush a devil.   He has gained a reputation as a troublemaker in the Western Hemisphere, who uses his oil supply as a weapon in international affairs.
So my advice to President Obama: Don’t set out to reject any possibility of good relations with Venezuela, but also don’t get bamboozled by charm and gifts from someone who leaves the impression of being deceitful and untrustworthy.