Venezuela Update: Ohmigod, Obama Shook Chavez's Hand! He Took His Book!

UPDATE: A senior Obama administration official told CNN late Saturday that Chavez had asked Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to consider the return of US and Venezuelan ambassadors to their posts in Caracas and Washington. The official endorsed the initiative, "This is a positive development that will help advance U.S. interests. And, the State Department will now work to further this shared goal."

Have just emerged from academic conference limbo to see this video of President Barack Obama accepting both a handshake and a book from Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez at the Summit of the Americas.

No doubt, we will now have lots of media frothing about Obama's appeasement of Latin America dictators through displays of courtesy, rather than, say, slapping Chavez across the face with a white glove and ripping the book to shreds. Already Newt Gingrich, who apparently was once a Republican Congressman, has made the magic link between smiling at Chavez, bowing to Saudi King Abdullah, and giving a loving kiss to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kv1NjuMwzQ8[/youtube]

Behind this flapping, there is one of the major foreign policy stories of this Administration. In sharp contrast to the macho posture taken by George W. Bush and his advisors --- which failed to overthrow Chavez and alienated many in Latin America as new governments emerged from Bolivia to Ecuador --- Obama's White House has decided to exert influence through discussion and partnership. Even before this handshake, a new Washington had accepted referenda in Bolivia and Venezuela that bolstered the Morales and Chavez Governments.

And, of course, there are the gradual steps being taken by Obama to ease the US isolation of Cuba, as well as his Friday declaration that “the United States seeks a new beginning” with Havana. Indeed, this may be Chavez's inadvertent contribution to American "engagement": by grabbing the media hot lights with his book presentation, he has taken criticism away from Washington's tip-toeing but still significant approach to a relationship with the former #1 Latin American Bad Guys.

Comments

[cany]

Well, need I remind you that many of the dictators in the world, Latin American or not, were emplaced by the US. Saddam Hussein, remember, was supported by America and don't forget that Rumsfield photo with THAT dictator and the amount of weaponry sold both to Iraq and Iran prior to Bush.

What would you have him do, slap him? Is the world's view of America better under Bush or Obama? Honestly, if you ARE honest, you would have to say that Obama is trying to heal some serious international wounds... wounds inflicted in the last eight or so years that have left America with a terrible international reputation where we were once a respected country. If you travel much, you would realize from conversations with other international travelers that the world has a very dim view of America and has since President Bush. That is not going to be fixed by maintaining a failed posture.

We need to sit down and TALK with these folks. We may not end up on the same side of the table on issues--even some issues--but we have to start that way.

Chavez shot his mouth off... no question. Do I support him? Sometimes, but most certainly not in all ways. It is shallow to fail to recognize that American intervention in Latin America produced VERY hostile reactions to American policy over several decades. That needs to be fixed and talking is the first step.

America has neither the dollars or will to be at war--literally or figuratively--with every country with whom we disagree. If we were, we would be at war with MOST of the world. The concept of isolation works under some circumstances, but not all. Wiping the slate clean and beginning anew is not an unwise approach. It may or may not produce good results. We cannot say right now, and I think you would agree.

All these things have to play out for a while to see where they are going.

[Mike Dunn]

What would you have him do, slap him? Is the world’s view of America better under Bush or Obama? Honestly, if you ARE honest, you would have to say that Obama is trying to heal some serious international wounds…

cany - I believe that this is exactly what Scott was trying to say. While Gingrich is trying to make hay out of Obama shaking hands with Chavez etc, the Obama administration appears to be making a genuine attempt to improve relations with Cuba, Venezuela and others.

As you say, talking is a good first step in improving America's standing with countries that got short shrift under the Bush administration.

[cany]

Oh dear me... perhaps I misunderstood the tone of the post:)

I really support our pres as he is the best president of my (55year) lifetime. That does not mean I agree with everything he does... i don't. For instance, I am REALLY disappointed with his DOI appointee, Ken Salazar. Terrible, terrible choice and believe me it will give us untold headaches until he no longer holds the office.

Thanks for the head's-up!

[Josh Mull]

Gotta say, I'm feeling pretty positive about this meeting. I remember a time when I was worried the US was going to assassinate Hugo Chavez, much less shake his hand.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVXuqcceOv4