Military

Leading El Tiempo had this opinion piece by Rudolf Hommes (8/28): "The establishment and media in the United States believe that that country is the world's policeman.... The theme of the majority of articles and publications that appear in the U.S. about Colombia is that here the government is not competent enough to warrant confidence.... The conclusion of these analyses is that if the Colombians are incapable of restoring order, others will have to intervene to do it.... We Colombians...are committing a major historical mistake in buying this story.... Doesn't anyone realize that the worst thing for the country would be to become a U.S. protectorate, or even worse, a Venezuelan satellite?... If Pastrana is not to be the leader, who is?... Pastrana has to face the problem and put Tirofijo, Chavez, Castro, Fujimori and Madame Albright in their places, even if it is too late. If he does it, the country will support him, but the country will not support him if he continues acting as if nothing were happening."

VENEZUELA: "Venezuela, Cuba, The FARC And The U.S."

Centrist El Globo carried this op-ed piece by Jesus Paz Galarraga (9/2): "The title alone indicates that we are going to refer to the statements by U.S. State Department spokesman James Foley. Once again, our northern neighbor displays its pattern of interventionist behavior in dependent and underdeveloped countries. This is not some isolated occurrence; were it so, Mr. Foley's 'warning' that dovetails nicely with the international media campaign against President Chavez would be quite a coincidence....

"Arising from the drug issue are other political proposals which cannot be ignored by even the clumsiest observer. Such is the case for Venezuelan-Colombian affairs; our country is the most interested one in reaching a peace. One-third of Colombian territory is occupied by the guerrillas, and Venezuela is and has been the target of abductions, kidnappings, lost airplanes, etc.; President Chavez, logically, is willing to take on an active role through direct contact with the guerrillas, be it in Venezuela or in Colombia (with President Pastrana's consent, of course). Chavez, Fidel Castro and other leaders have been mentioned as potential mediators. This has led to another political misrepresentation. The Colombian press has stated that Bogota and Washington fear a possible 'political-military axis' composed of Cuba, Venezuela and the FARC guerrilla. It has also claimed that Fidel Castro, Hugo Chavez and FARC would try to 'create political instability in the region, form an axis against Washington to confront potential military aggression, and control strategic territory in the hemisphere.' What do you think of that?...

"All of this does not mean we suffer a pathological phobia of U.S. governments, much less the American people. We simply think that understanding based on common respect should not be a mere diplomatic phrase, but a fact.... Without demagoguery, but with firmness, doctrine, consistency and courage, we would like to maintain the best relations with the USA and every nation in the world."

"Calm And Good Sense"

Leading, liberal El Nacional published this editorial (8/25): "Drug czar, General Barry McCaffrey, is on one of his frequent trips to the Southern Hemisphere, this time visiting Buenos Aires and Brasilia. The topic is no secret. It is Colombia: what to do about the Colombia crisis, narcotrafficking and, we suppose, the guerrilla. One topic McCaffrey has made no attempt to hide is Latin American participation in a probable intervention.... As is evident, the international press is full of news and accounts, some legitimate, some probably trial balloons. They are contradictory and misleading, but it is difficult to believe they are not a serious sign that something is going on--going on fast--regarding the Colombian conflict.... It's difficult to see

how the Colombia conflict will develop. It's no easier to imagine the role to be played by Venezuela. President Chavez has said that he does 'not want to intervene in Colombian affairs,' and he is also 'opposed to intervention by other countries.' This is a position consistent with Venezuela's permanent interests: non-intervention and not supporting any intervention. This is an intelligent position that undoubtedly will be supported by the whole nation."

"Colombia's Troubles Grow More Complicated"

Popular El Mundo carried this comment (8/25) by Moises Moleiro: "Based on some strange movements lately, and, as always, on the pressure exerted by Republican congressmen, the United States seems to have dark intentions regarding Colombia. Or so can be inferred from the attempts in the U.S. media to discredit President Pastrana...this from a country with almost 50 million drug users.... If these [intervention] plans are true, it will be not only a crime against what is right, but an inexcusable political mistake.... A U.S. military intervention would not relieve any of Colombia's troubles, but would exacerbate all of them. The United States does not even have the necessary political pretext; this would be the first time in human history that another country were invaded simply because drugs are grown there.... What's more, any possible intervention would provoke a wave of Latin American outrage."

"A Little Vietnam, Or A Big One?"

Popular tabloid Ultimas Noticias (8/25) carried this op-ed by Domingo Alberto Rangel: "An event similar [to U.S. involvement in Vietnam] will take place--or is taking place already--in Colombia. The United States has deployed a number of 'advisors' in Colombia.... But this U.S. interference will not stop the guerrilla's rise. More weapons and advisors will be needed in Colombia. That won't work either. Then the United States will face a dilemma. Either it undertakes an intervention even larger than the one in Vietnam, or it gives up its incursions in Colombia.... In the end, Colombia will win. It will win because its is a just cause. It will be a nation defending its sovereign rights. The current war will turn into one of national liberation [against the United States]. And Colombia will not be alone; twenty other Latin American nations are obliged to show solidarity with it."

"Madeleine's Muse"

Caracas's leading, liberal El Nacional ran an op-ed (8/24) by editorial board member Beatriz de Majo: "Anyone who disbelieves that the United States will do its utmost--as Albright declares in her famous article--to strengthen the Colombian Army so that it can confront and attack the narco-guerrilla, is also naive.... What is not yet clear is how the cooperation and agreement commonly promised to our neighbors is going to happen. Albright states very clearly that all cooperation should go beyond a simple fight against drugs.... The time has come to highlight hemispheric solidarity and the adherence to democracy and justice claimed as Bolivar's heritage, and join Colombia in an enthusiastic and committed way in the fight for national peace, which is, concurrently, the fight for rights and the eradication of the drug culture. Such action will eventually lead to more peace on our borders, more security for our citizens, and fewer drugs in our environment."

"Who Wants To Be Laos Or Cambodia?"

Popular El Mundo carried this op-ed by Felipe Mujica (8/21): "The presence of almost 1,000 'advisors' in Colombia puts the conflict on the brink of tremendous change. The State Department's 'reassuring' remarks that these advisors are not on the front line only offend our intelligence.... Such circumstances open the door to what President Chavez has rightly labeled the 'Vietnamization' of the Colombian conflict. Backed by a multilateral intervention, the military solution--the same strategy that has failed for more than 50 years--would be imposed again, this time with U.S. choppers and joined by uniformed Latin Americans. Lamentably, some

foreign ministries in the hemisphere have been touched by this choice. And this is because some of them think that a solution to Colombia's plight without the guerrilla's complete defeat could spark underlying violence in their own societies. Others view the 'NATO-ization' of the Colombian conflict as an opportunity to curry favor with the hemispheric superpower. Both of them are wrong. The 'domino effect' of the Colombian war's internationalization would sweep the entire region away.... If Colombia becomes a Vietnam, we will have the dubious honor of emulating Laos and Cambodia as 'relievers,' 'sanctuaries,' and areas for the conflict's spread."

"A Threat To The Whole Region"

Centrist El Globo ran this op-ed by Franklin Barriga Lopez (8/20): "Pre-emptive measures--fundamentally, strengthening the military presence along borders--are necessary and timely. Since it is an internal conflict, and in accordance with most Colombians' desire (based on recent surveys), Pastrana's government should openly ask the international community for help in order to preserve legitimate rule and to stop, once and for all, the ongoing narco-subversion."

"Colombia's On Fire, And Its Neighbor Is No Fireman"

Business-oriented Economia Hoy (8/20) carried this opinion piece by regular writer Jesus Sanoja Rodriguez: "Because if the United States views us as a bridge--and, along the way, an obstacle to the global fight against drug-trafficking, then the United States is free to 'decertify' us or demand help that [infringes upon] our sovereignty, such as using our air space. Let him who has eyes see: It is very clear that in the U.S. fight against drug-trafficking in Colombia, Washington and the DEA will seek to involve us as suits their national interests.... Venezuela will be the one harmed; because of its shared border with Colombia and bilateral agreements and disagreements, our neighbor status and our relations will turn dangerous."

"Coded Messages"

Leading, liberal El Nacional said (8/18): "Republicans attack President Clinton and his administration for the unflattering results of its anti-narcotics policies. Probably for this reason, General Barry McCaffrey's perspective has radicalized. He kept repeating in Caracas that Venezuela 'could face severe problems with narcotrafficking.' He referred to the Venezuelan position of not permitting overflights of U.S. planes based in the Antilles.... The Colombia issue affects us profoundly, so we must address all of its dimensions. It is not a problem exclusive to the government; it must receive a wider and more considered analysis."

"Colombia: A Fatal Optimism"

Ramon Pinango, political scientist gave this view in liberal, leading El Nacional (8/19): "What can Venezuela do?... Only a strategy based on a harsh realism, which some might label pessimistic exaggeration, can allow us to look for solutions, such as requesting the intervention of international organizations to try to avoid Colombia's drama from spreading to our country."

"Washington: With What Authority?"

Freddy Yepez penned an op-ed in Caracas' centrist El Globo (8/19): "Throughout the world there is talk about a possible U.S. intervention in the Colombian armed conflict, as if the United States has the right.... But this article deals with the arrogance and disrespect shown by U.S. authorities in trying to impose conditions on President Hugo Chavez concerning his vision and management of Venezuelan diplomacy regarding Colombia's armed conflict.... I have no doubt that a U.S. armed intervention in Colombia brings with it the idea of creating an adverse situation in Venezuela in search of President Chavez's fall."

ARGENTINA: "Chavez's Steps Forward And Steps Back"

Jorge Elias, daily-of-record La Nacion's international analyst on special assignment in Caracas, commented (9/3): "The (Venezuelan) economy, overwhelmed by recession, received the impact of the measures adopted by the assembly, where Chavists represent 92 percent of the seats.... Markets have accumulated losses for over 5 percent, August inflation --with consumption being adjusted to the crisis--has been 1.5 percent...and unemployment is around 16 and 20 percent. The political crisis impacts on private analysts' reports who consider Chavez's excessive accumulation of power as dangerous."

"Mercosur Or 'Narcosur'?

Historian Armando Alonso Piñeiro wrote an opinion piece for pro-government La Prensa (9/3): "Before leaving (Argentina) for Washington, the so-called anti-drug czar publicly expressed his concern about the increase in Argentine consumption and drug-trafficking. Without any purpose of underestimating this fact, it calls our attention to the fact that (McCaffrey) does not show the same concern about the greatest consumer market in the world...precisely the United States. Although in recent years the U.S. drug consumption must have been reduced, the money circulating within the country because of drug-trafficking has considerably increased."

"Does There Have To Be An Intervention In Colombia?"

Vicente Gonzalo Massot, executive director of La Nueva Provincia from Bahia Blanca, who is a former secretary of defense, wrote an opinion piece for daily-of-record La Nacion (9/3): "An X-ray of the Colombian case would show us that for the time being, the internationalization of the conflict has transformed it into a hemispheric security problem for Washington. This has triggered a U.S. hidden intervention...expecting the results which could be obtained by President Pastrana in his negotiation with guerrillas. If such a negotiation failed--and it is difficult to imagine how it could be successful--'the right to humanitarian meddling' would cover the formalities demanded by the post-Cold War to justify a full intervention. Then the consensus of Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries would be missing. In the middle of an extraordinary event in Latin America, would it be so difficult for Washington--if determined to do it--to gain consensus among its near and remote neighbors South of the Rio Grande?"

"Initiatives For The Colombian Crisis"

An editorial in leading Clarin read (9/2): "The OAS has not played the role it should have during a crisis like the Colombian one, which has direct consequences in the region and, particularly, on those countries which border the area occupied by the guerrillas. Therefore, this situation poses the need for governments--with Colombia's priority initiative--to make efforts aimed at elaborating joint initiatives to treat a problem of mutual interest, recovering leadership in regional negotiations."

"Combat Readiness In Venezuelan Congress"

Jorge Elias, daily-of-record La Nacion's international analyst on special assignment in Caracas, commented (9/1): "Decisions made by Chavez now--in replacement of the (Venezuelan) congress--may turn out null if the Bolivar constitution is defeated in elections. In the meantime, the whole situation has an economic impact which cannot be disregarded. Inflation is controlled by lack of consumption and the balance of payments is stabilized by the increase in oil prices, but this government does not have a concrete plan and there is a negative perception which affects the country risk and drives investors away."

"Venezuela's Red Beret Democracy"

Ivan Briscoe, the independent, English-language Buenos Aires Herald's international and political columnist, opined (8/31): "The fault of a military reformer lies not so much in the message, but in the message's bearer.... Yet it is still hard to deny that Chavez, and only someone like Chavez, could provide the political direction to alter the totally corrupted, perpetually self-serving elites which happened to preside over Venezuela, and had done so for nearly fifty years.... Chavez certainly recalls previous failed military folk...and his reforms...could do much to destroy confidence and stability in the country's institutions for years, but at the same time, the red beret has a point: A temple turned sour and mercantilist is not really a temple."

"Colombia's Problems"

An editorial in the independent, English-language Buenos Aires Herald read (8/31): "Colombia's problems, and Colombia as a problem, are half a century old, and the terrifying fact is that the only solution offered is the long-term view of General McCaffrey. There is nothing for the immediate future."

"McCaffrey Prepares A Summit"

Maria O'Donnell, daily-of record La Nacion's Washington-based correspondent, wrote (8/31) "U.S. anti-drug 'Czar' Barry McCaffrey will continue to push forward the idea of a regional response to Colombia's problem: After his Latin American tour, he is now organizing a summit with his hemispheric counterparts. One of the most urgent problems he wants to solve results from the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Panama.... In order to compensate the loss of Howard Air Force Base...the United States is in search of a fourth location in Central America."

"Do You Know Who Stopped By?"

Raimundo Orlando, editor-in-chief for pro-government La Prensa, commented (8/31): "McCaffrey admits that the Colombian collapse needs therapy, but an appropriate and slow one. This is why he toured America like a doctor in a clinic, feeling, in each country, the pulse of its present and future leaders. Because Clinton is already walking the last portion of his administration and he (faces) election times, and he knows that his erroneous decision in foreign policy today will tomorrow become a dangerous national legacy for his successor. Now he knows this better. The humanist, or the czar or the hard-liner who visited us told him so."

"The U.S. Set Its Eyes On Salta"

In its "Zona" supplement, leading Clarin (8/29) had this by its international analyst Oscar Cardoso: "The project being discussed between Washington and Buenos Aires has two possible scenarios...Salta and Misiones, and its origin is linked both with the fight against drug-trafficking and with the military control of the world that the Pentagon is redesigning to make up for the loss of its historical presence in Panama.... President Menem seems to have thought that an advance in the granting of those facilities would demonstrate not only the seriousness of Argentina's desire to become part of NATO, but also his willingness to commit himself beyond formalities and even beyond the few remaining months of his term of office."

"Always The Vietnam Ghost"

Left-of-center Pagina 12's international analyst Claudio Uriarte said (8/29): "The interventionist prospect in Colombia is blocked by the regional rejection.... Which leaves one with a half-way prospect--the intervention already being practiced, with the reconstruction and reinforcement of the Colombian army, combined with a blockade of bordering supply routes to the FARC. What

is already happening, what does have regional support--as did not happen in Vietnam. It is a sort of 'gray intervention.'"

"Washington's Strategy Arrives Late"

Business/financial El Cronista's international analyst Guillermo Ortiz wrote (8/29): "The Colombian crisis is not exclusively military, but it has features resulting from an implosion of the government, deepening of the domestic conflict and increase in violence.... McCaffrey said that the Colombian situation is 'complex, dangerous and changing,' and no one ignores that it is a disintegrating nation of almost 40 million inhabitants, less than three hours away from Miami by plane."

"A General Having A Political Pulse"

Daily-of-record La Nacion's (8/30) international analyst Jorge Elias held: "McCaffrey is looking for a balance between Clinton's formal trust in Pastrana's peace strategy and the distrust of the members of the U.S. Congress and Pentagon hard-liners about the region of 42,000 square kilometers granted by Pastrana to the FARC as a truce which was never achieved."

"Other Messengers On Intervention"

Leading Clarin's political columnist Daniel Santoro wrote (8/27): "Even though McCaffrey, during his entire Latin American tour, denied the possibility of a U.S. military intervention, other messengers from Washington have already made informal consultations with the government, the opposition and the armed forces regarding this maximum-level hypothesis for the medium term."

"Anti-Drug Czar, With Menem And Favorite (Candidates) To Succeed Him"

Daily-of-record La Nacion said (8/27): "The commitment which the general, known as the anti-drug czar, wants to obtain is a long-term and political one: not for an immediate intervention in Colombia, an action which the White House publicly rules out, but to gather confirmed regional support which will, of course, strengthen a future decision in any sense."

"The Anti-Drug 'Czar' In Argentina"

Gerardo Young, leading Clarin's political columnist, wrote (8/24): "Convinced that the conflict in Colombia is a long-lasting one...Barry McCaffrey will meet this Friday with Fernando de la Rua and Eduardo Duhalde, the two candidates to succeed Carlos Menem in the presidency.... With the idea of increasing its political or even military influence in Colombia, the United States needs support from countries in the region, not only now, but also for the upcoming months or years."

"The President Of Bogota"

Claudio Uriarte, left-of-center Pagina 12's international analyst, opined (8/23): "The [Colombian] state's monopoly of force is being questioned.... What is sad about all this is that Pastrana does not have much of a choice, because his army is weak and corrupt and the situation has been uncontrolled for decades. At this moment, the president is losing even more power--some 300 U.S. advisors have 'de facto' intervened in the armed forces, while the U.S. thesis of a cordon sanitaire to prevent guerrillas from entering bordering countries has already caused the shifting of Peruvian troops and the beginning of river and road interdiction operations of Brazilian supplies.... Colombia is a target of constant U.S. surveillance overflights.... And the Colombian government is an increasingly formal fiction."

"The U.S. Will Not Send Troops To Colombia"

Joaquin Morales Sola, daily-of-record La Nacion's international issues analyst, opined (8/20): "The first moments of confusion seem to belong to the past for the Washington government regarding the domestic crisis in Colombia.... Since the tragic experience in Vietnam, Washington may not send troops to die overseas without being sure that its government will then suffer a strong lack of popularity.... However, the Colombian internal war is a top priority conflict for the White House. Colombia has become the third country in the world in terms of the military help it receives from the United States."

"Colombia And Vietnam"

Raimundo Orlando, pro-government La Prensa's managing editor and drug specialist, commented (8/17): "Wanting to end drug-trafficking in Colombia is like wanting to cut down all the trees in the Amazon, and trying to eliminate Colombian guerrillas is a long-lasting and bloody challenge.... America must not be a hypocrite. The double front which the United States would encounter would not lead to a final solution either. But nobody can seriously believe that Colombia may fix its many and tough problems on its own."

BRAZIL: "The Agony Of A Democracy"

Center-right O Estado de S. Paulo's editorial (9/3) said: "Democracy in Venezuela is just waiting for the mercy shot.... There is no longer harmony or balance between the three branches [of government]. Actually, there is only one power, since the constitutional assembly is nothing but the faithful executor of President Hugo Chavez's will.... In order to fight corruption and inefficiency, which have indeed permeated the judiciary and the legislative branches, Colonel Chavez is killing those institutions.... Chavez's popularity, however, will be as ephemeral as that of almost all national-populist caudillos, and social reactions will soon emerge to force the colonel to take off his sheep's skin.... The same way that only the Germans who had not read or taken Mein Kampf seriously deluded themselves with Hitler's intentions, only those who have not paid attention to the `Bolivarianist' program will become surprised with Chavez.... [During his visit to Brazil tomorrow] Colonel Chavez is not expected to obtain the government of Brazil's support for his attempt to mediate the situation in Colombia--an initiative that more disturbs than calms the local process--or for the course he is setting for Venezuela. Undoubtedly that nation needs reforms capable of recovering the institutions and of fostering economic growth. But such reforms must be carried out within democratic limits, which are limits that Mr. Chavez apparently ignores."

"Poverty And Frustration Led Venezuelans To Support Radical Change"

An op-ed page byliner in center-right O Estado de S. Paulo by Venezuelan Ambassador to Brazil Milos Alcalay said (9/3): "The building of a new democracy is the challenge Venezuela is facing in order to arrive at the changes for a new republic.... The sudden deterioration suffered by the Venezuelan democratic system is to a certain extent similar to the collapse of institutions in Eastern Europe. The constitutional assembly had to declare an emergency to prevent an institutional collapse.... Poverty, frustration and desperation have led the Venezuelan people to support a radical change in democracy.... Chavez proposes a participatory democracy capable of guaranteeing an ethical change, a radical transformation, but within democracy, and this model does not satisfy everyone. Change has its enemies. But most of the Venezuelans have opted for it. It is perfectly acceptable that one criticizes the current Venezuelan model, because democracy demands it. But what is unacceptable is that one intends to compare Venezuela's democracy with the disastrous Nazi era."

"Threats Over Colombia"

Center-right O Estado de S. Paulo (9/2) observed: "It would sound strange if the U.S. government...were just a mere spectator of the efforts being made to transform Latin America's third most populated nation into a narco-state misgoverned by the guerrilla. Such a hypothesis would cause a civil war in addition to raising the hostility of the region's nations.... Washington might even tolerate the repetition of the Castroist phenomenon in Colombia, but would remove any regime of the kind that dared to aggravate its original sins by sponsoring drug-trafficking. The U.S. assistance to Colombia to eradicate coca plants and drug refineries, and to fight organized crime, constitutes a legitimate and opportune activity. The use of military force must be avoided."

"Government Of Brazil Beginning To Admit Concerns About Venezuela"

A political analysis in liberal Folha de S. Paulo's international section said (9/1): "The government of Brazil is beginning to admit its concerns vis-a-vis the political process established by President Hugo Chavez in Venezuela. In the meeting he will have with Chavez this Saturday in Manaus, Brazilian President Cardoso will pass him all the messages.... Cardoso will alert him to the importance of the recently reintroduced democracy on the continent, as well as defending the free functioning of institutions and the respect for international treaties. All of this is already part of Chavez's speech, but the constitutional assembly in Caracas is in reality dissolving the congress and intervening in the judiciary.... In addition to the geopolitical rhetoric that pleases Brazil, there is mutual interest in enlarging the weak bilateral trade at a moment when both nations suffer the consequences of domestic recession and the retraction of global investments."

"Dictatorships Are Highly Contagious Regimes"

Center-right O Estado de S. Paulo's political and economic analyst, Antonio Carlos Pereira, commented (8/31) on the sudden change of view by foreign investors in Latin America: "What concerns them are indications that there may be a political retrogression in the region.... Democracy is in the process of consolidation in several nations of the region. But in others the temptation of arbitrary behavior has once again become evident.... The worst signs come from Venezuela, where the constitutional assembly is not a legislative entity responsible for drafting a constitution. It is a committee that assumes absolute executive powers.... When this committee concludes its mission, Colonel Hugo Chavez will be able to rule without mediators. It will be disastrous if any Latin American nation yields completely to the authoritarian temptation. Dictatorships are highly contagious regimes.... This is not good for Brazil, which must have a democratic landscape around it that is propitious not only to the consolidation of civil liberties but to the realization of the regional trade and economic integration projects."

"ANC Rules, And ANC Is Chavez"

A political analysis in liberal Folha de S. Paulo's international section said (8/31): "It is evident that the ANC (National Constitutional Assembly) is the legal instrument for Chavez's 'peaceful revolution' or 'Venezuela's resurrection.'... In other words, the ANC rules, and the ANC is Chavez."

"The Colombian Balkanization"

Independent Jornal da Tarde's op-ed page (8/30) said: "The most recent stage of the civil war being faced by the Colombians for 30 years consists in the Balkanization of that nation.... In the midst of the crossfire are the 40 million Colombians who massively reject with demonstrations the violence carried out by armed groups, and are the unarmed victims of this brutality."

"No One Invited The Colonel"

Center-right O Estado de S. Paulo's editorial (8/29) said: "What disqualifies President Hugo Chavez for the role he has not been invited to perform [to mediate peace in Colombia] is his disastrous style. The colonel does not inspire confidence.... Under the pretext of overcoming the political, economic and moral crisis that affects Venezuela, he is accumulating discretionary powers, the practice of which usually victimizes democracy.... Nothing, therefore, recommends that the nations of the region recognize Venezuela's president as the 'peace sponsor' and mediator of the Colombian conflict. The nations of the region have institutional mechanisms capable of providing Colombia all the assistance its government requests. The Group of Rio, for example, has a great experience in peace processes. If the role of mediator is to be performed by just one nation, Brazil would be the natural choice."

"Chavez's Authoritarianism"

Liberal Folha de S. Paulo's editorial (8/30) held: "It was on behalf of a fight against corruption and of a supposed founding of the country based on generic principles...that President Hugo Chavez convened the constitutional assembly.... The constitutional assembly, i.e., Chavez, gained unlimited powers, including those of government. No institution can oppose him. There is no state sector in which he cannot act. The next step is to neutralize the opposition--civilian associations. Who can assure that the multi-party system will be guaranteed in this leadership vacuum? When this 'dirt' is removed, the purge carried out by this messianic arbritrary centrist...of the future Bolivarianist Republic of Venezuela will be complete."

"Hugo Chavez Is Like A Don Quixote"

Liberal Folha de S. Paulo's correspondent in Caracas commented (8/29): "Hugo Chavez is honest, idealist, well-intentioned and repeats the most charmingly obvious things, such as: Savage neoliberalism is good for the rich but a disaster for poor Latin Americans; the state has to take care of the citizens, the infrastructure and the competitiveness of the national industry, that generates money and jobs; the institutions must be cleansed. It is already sufficient to show that Hugo Chavez is like a Don Quixote, who some imagine confronting the United States, for example, and the elites.... The problem is that Don Quixote does not guarantee to anyone a monopoly of truth or the final victory.... Chavez might even be a beautiful project, but difficult to make work. After all, the world is not a fiction nor is it managed by good little boys, but by clever and smart politicians, and that he is not."

"Problem At The Border"

Brasilia's center-left Correio Braziliense had this editorial (8/24): "The USG is showing all signs of its desire to intervene in the region. It has its reasons. By the end of the year the Panama Canal will be returned to the Panamanians. The famous Southern Command located in the canal zone will be progressively deactivated. There is a concern that an eventual victory of the guerrillas in Colombia, allied with the narcotraffickers, will turn Central America into a drug corridor. General Barry Mccaffrey, the U.S. strongman against drugs, is in Brazil to discuss the Colombian problem with Brazilian authorities. This will be the first formal contact between Brazilians and Americans to discuss the crisis in the neighboring country. Brazil follows the tradition of non-intervention in the internal affairs of other countries, but it has not experienced a problem of this magnitude since the Paraguay war in the last century. The conflict and its foreseeable consequences for Brazil suggest careful but urgent measures. It is necessary to reinforce the border's defense, gather better and additional information about what is really going on in Colombia, and to give wide dissemination to all this. Brazil cannot and must not be left at the mercy of the American propaganda machine. The Brazilian agenda must be prepared in Brasilia. Not in Washington."

"The Drugs Of Life"

Liberal Folha de Sao Paulo said (8/23): "President Clinton's mandate is coming to an end...and the fight against drugs is one of the few failures of the administration. The choice of a general to head the anti-drugs action is symptomatic of the warlike character that is given to the issue in the United States. The emphasis is on punishment for the use of drugs, although McCaffrey is a sensitive person and he allocated considerable resources for prevention and education programs. It's just that the crux of the problem is beyond what McCaffrey or Clinton can see, or at least admit to. It can be said that there was never civilization without drugs, and especially in civilizations which, like the American, stress futile material consumption and forget to cultivate deep philosophical values. If the United States looks at the possibility of legalizing the use of some drugs and concentrated on reviewing the principles of its existence as a society, perhaps they would have fewer problems with drugs."

"Anti-Drugs Czar Arrives In Brazil At Difficult Moment"

Center-right O Estado de S. Paulo's Washington correspondent said (8/23): "With the crisis in Colombia as a backdrop, General Barry McCaffrey begins a tour in Brazil today to four South American nations that runs a great risk of generating misunderstandings and nourishing speculations on the U.S. interest in a regional military solution to the Colombian problem. The Clinton administration has helped to unleash such rumors with official statements raising the Colombian crisis to the condition of a threat against U.S. national security.... McCaffrey arrives in South America armed with statistical data on a significant reduction in drug consumption among U.S. youth, and he will certainly use this material to demonstrate that the United States is doing its part.... McCaffrey's caution to emphasize Brazil's efforts and cooperation is not just a diplomatic gesture. Before starting the tour, McCaffrey was alerted by the government of Brazil that he would be invited to clarify the statements he made in early August, on activities by the Colombian guerrilla near or within Brazilian territory. In addition, McCaffrey knows that his visit will serve to normalize the relations in the fight against drug-trafficking."

"Wait For Peace"

Center-right, national O Globo asserted (8/18): "It would be dangerous for Brazil to ignore the seriousness of the situation in Colombia, with whom it shares a badly patrolled border. It is evident that if the Colombian government continues losing ground to the guerrilla/traffickers.... Brazilian interests could be harmed in the region. For the moment...the problem is eminently Colombian.... It is not difficult to understand the U.S. interest in stability in Colombia, certainly as great as that of its immediate neighbors. The strategically important Panama Canal Zone...is dangerously close to the Colombian border and thus vulnerable to the combined action of traffickers, guerrillas and rogue politicians.... Brazil's best move is to redouble its border surveillance...while participation in an international peacekeeping force should not be ruled out. And yet, peacekeeping forces are mobilized only after stability is in place...a remote possibility at this point in time."

"The Drug Pretext"

Liberal Folha de Sao Paulo (8/18) said: "It is necessary to ponder that the United States doesn't have diplomacy, given the scale of its lack of sophistication and vocational predisposition to use physical force. Colombian cocaine, or from any other source, can only be a problem to the American life (supposing that some authorities think this way) because the distribution networks of drugs in the United States are not bothered at all. Colombia is close to Panama, right below it. An ideal location to be a threat to the strategic and commercial aspects of the canal, a threat that grows with the fantasy of guerrillas and drug-traffickers taking over total control of Colombia and then opening the south and central American doors to the Chinese."

BOLIVIA: "U.S. Conscious Of Bolivian Efforts Against Drug-Trafficking"

Centrist El Diario had this editorial (8/25): "Undoubtedly, McCaffrey's visit is extremely important for the improvement of Bolivian-American relations.... We Bolivians should also feel proud of the achieved results, which under no circumstance are in the American interest only, but in the national interest.... The American support and cooperation and the political will of the current government should also be an example for the international community."

"The Czar And The Battle Against Drug-Trafficking"

Centrist Ultima Hora had this editorial (8/25): "It must remain clear that the battle against drug trafficking is not only the Bolivian state's responsibility. A high sacrifice is demanded from us, but it should be a shared responsibility."

"The Visit Of The 'Anti-Drug Czar'"

Centrist La Prensa carried this editorial (8/25): "Bolivia is interested in contributing its share to the global battle against drug-trafficking, in order to preserve the health of its inhabitants, as well as to help to conserve of the species, free of the trouble that drug consumption causes."

"The Other Front In The Battle Against Drugs"

Catholic-church owned, left-leaning Presencia carried this editorial (8/24): "It is a fact that the large rings of drug commerce are not based in Latin America, but are concentrated in the large markets of consumption in the developed nations.... It would be good if the country formed a front to get the developed countries to fulfill their domestic part in the battle."

"To Clarify Penetration Of Drug-Trafficking"

Conservative El Diario maintained (8/24): "The president's statements about the penetration of drug-trafficking in political parties, justice, the police and the armed forces are serious and alarming.... This creates sensitivity at a regional level, while there are increasing rumors about a possible American intervention in Colombia due to the growing attacks of the guerrillas allied with drug-trafficking, which in the Bolivian case, and given the president's remarks, would make this country more vulnerable to a similar action.... It could be that the (president's) statements were caused by the visit of the anti-drug 'czar,' so that he does not underestimate drug-trafficking's power in our country, and that, instead, the United States supports in an appropriate way the government's efforts against this scourge."

"The Empire Exists"

Centrist La Prensa held (8/24): "The empire still lives, although now in its perfected form...[and] has been put into practice by the United States after WWII and, especially since the fall of the Berlin Wall.... Instead of intervening directly in each country, what the contemporary empire does is mark the territory in which each nation can move with sovereignty.... From time to time, this situation is more evident, as will undoubtedly happen on the occasion of General McCaffrey's arrival to Bolivia, along with all the paraphernalia that comes with him."

CHILE: "The United States And Colombia"

Conservative, influential El Mercurio (8/19) ran this editorial: "U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said that Colombia's internal problem is a threat to regional security.... This dangerous phenomenon cannot be addressed by Pastrana's government alone.... Cooperation from abroad is necessary to stop narcoterrorism.... Colombia's problems...must be resolved by its people, but the situation is different if there is no efficiency to resolve these problems.

Rhetoric has no positive effects. What Colombia needs are concrete contributions in terms of financial resources and military advice in the strategic arena. However, specific action must be left to the Colombians."

ECUADOR: "The Continental Advance"

Centrist El Comercio had this by Franklin Barriga Lopez (8/20): "Gen. Barry McCaffrey's visit to Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela reminded us of the vulnerable situation prevailing in these countries due to the increasing and active presence of neighboring drug related subversion.... It would be totally foolish to underestimate the risk these rebels pose especially for Venezuela, Panama, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil. These are very dangerous enemies.... The frontal and permanent fight against drug-trafficking is a good strategy in conjunction and with the help of other governments in compliance with international commitments signed for the defense of peace and prosperity in the continent."

MEXICO: "U.S. Could Use Conflicts As An Excuse To Intervene"

Columnist Manuel Becerra Ramirez wrote in moderate Novedades (9/3): "Venezuela continues to be the second oil exporter to the U.S., and whatever happens in that country is of great interest to the U.S. Recent measures by the Venezuelan constitutional assembly...are causing a dangerous crisis in the region. And this situation is to be seen in the context of the crisis in Colombia and of the withdrawal of the U.S. military from Panama. During his recent trip to the region, ONDCP Director McCaffrey insisted that the Colombian guerrillas, particularly the FARC use drug trafficking to finance their activities. This could be the prelude of an armed intervention because drug trafficking was also used as an excuse in 1989 to arrest Panamanian President Noriega and bring him to trial in the U.S. On top of this, the U.S. also needs a foothold in the region.... The U.S. could use the conflicts in the region as an excuse to intervene. The move to replace the drug certification process by a multilateral assessment instrument under the aegis of the United States could lead to legalizing a possible U.S. intervention."

"Chavez Is Using Language Of Every Dictator"

Politician and former opposition presidential candidate Cecilia Soto wrote in independent Reforma (9/1): "Hugo Chavez and his followers continue to shout to the world that they are not on the verge of becoming a dictatorship; on the contrary, they are about to inaugurate a path of happiness, progress and freedom for the Venezuelan people. Nevertheless, things have to work out in the manner and with the speed that the new leader wants to, otherwise everyone else should pay the consequences. Chavez is using the language of every dictator in this century."

"Chavez's Mistakes"

A column in nationalist, pro-government Excelsior said (8/30): "The disturbances that took place in Caracas last Friday indicate that the revolutionary process which President Chavez has started will not evolve without obstacles.... However, Chavez is making mistakes that could endanger his national transformation project. The first mistake is to try to address the issues of judicial and legislative legality before providing for the economic needs of the people.... The second, is trying to solve everything at once.... The worst development last week was the first statement by the Clinton administration against 'Chavez-ismo.' It's natural for Washington to be uneasy about anything having to do with a revolution; however, up to this point Washington had remained silent, indicating maturity in Foggy Bottom. But Friday's developments broke the State Department's fragile patience and gave the signal for U.S. attacks on the Venezuelan government. Twenty-four hours later, the DEA accused Chavez of being a drug-trafficker. On top of this, Chavez has also begun to have conflicts with neighboring countries, particularly

Colombia. A revolution cannot have that many fronts, but should solve one problem at the time. If Chavez continues to make mistakes, his lack of maturity will bring failure to his project."

"Venezuela: Disquieting Signals"

Left-of-center La Jornada had this comment (8/30): "In the face of the number of measures he has undertaken, President Chavez has stated that he has no dictatorial desires. However, there are a number of developments that are worth paying attention to: the excessive concentration of power in the National Constitutional Assembly, the strengthening of the Venezuelan army throughout the country, and the reinstallation of several military officers who had been previously expelled because of their participation in Chavez's failed coup in 1992. The electoral victory of the Patriotic Front in Venezuela should teach a lesson to regional countries: Democracy should not only offer clean elections, but it should also promote the people's well-being.... Despair and skepticism are not good advisors. Our (regional) democracies have little time to respond and give results. It is not sufficient only to manage the crises; one needs to solve them."

"Venezuela"

An editorial in conservative El Heraldo De Mexico said (8/27): "Just when everyone thought that Latin American nations have found the road towards peace and democracy, recent developments in Venezuela have led to fears that another form of dictatorship is in the works.... The international community and particularly Latin American countries cannot remain passive regarding the danger that chaos could prevail in Venezuela, especially because whatever happens in any given country has repercussions in others."

"The Venezuelan State Disappears"

An editorial in nationalist La Cronica stated (8/27): "The Venezuelan constitutional assembly's blow against the legislative and judicial branches has practically become the tomb of the rule of law in that country.... Fired up by his protagonist behavior, the Venezuelan president has also jumped across the borders, and has entered into a verbal conflict with neighboring Colombia, and at the same time he is demonstrating that he is closer to the guerrilla organizations than to a democratic government. If Chavez continues to act in this manner, he will increasingly become the reflection of a Latin America we no longer want."

"Colombia, An Uncomfortable Neighborhood"

An editorial in left-of-center La Jornada (8/25) stated: "The increasingly critical situation in economically and politically unstable Colombia is becoming a matter of multilateral interest and concern. The most important aspects of this internationalization of Colombia's domestic problems are the concern over a possible U.S. intervention--a possibility that is seen nearer as there are greater efforts in Washington to deny it--and the increasing involvement of Venezuelan authorities in the Colombian conflict and in the efforts to solve it. The trip to the region by U.S. anti-drug Czar Barry McCaffrey can be interpreted as Washington's effort to coordinate an isolation operation among the nations which border Colombia to prevent political and criminal violence from spreading through the region.... The triple challenge for Latin American countries, particularly those in the Andean region, is to preserve their own security, to effectively support Colombia and, at the same time, to scrupulously respect and defend the sovereignty of that sister nation."

"How Colombia is Seen (From Afar)"

From an opinion piece by U.S.-based Univision correspondent Jorge Ramos Avalos in Guadalajara's independent Publico (8/17): "It is very difficult to think that the U.S. could militarily intervene in Colombia on a large scale, neither the Americans want to nor would the [Colombian] President, Andres Pastrana, allow it. It would be his political death."

"The War Threatens To Grow"

Gabriel Moreno said in Guadalajara's independent Publico (8/15): "The risk that the Colombian war could expand is real. The United States is worried. Its double talk, diplomatic and military, doesn't indicate whether it will keep to economic assistance. However that may be, the country could avoid the political cost of direct intervention in Colombia by promoting, for example, the formation of an Inter-American alliance to assume the responsibility. Colombia is bleeding. It is sinking, and cannot see the surface. That is why national sovereignty has little importance."

PERU: "Colombia: War And Negotiation"

Santiago Pedraglio in his column in reliable, business-oriented Gestion argued (8/27): "There may be Latin American leaders who want to profit from their respective internal situations. Therefore, the public support of U.S. officials to President Pastrana's peace strategy, is not without strings. Their declarations appear to be in favor of the Colombian president, nevertheless, there are still rumors about the preparation of war plans. The visit of U.S. General Barry McCaffrey to Peru has the same ambiguity: he has come for the sole reason of discussing drugs, but it is known that the current regional problem is Colombia. In this wider view, the game of President Fujimori or his advisor Montesinos is subordinated to supranational interests, and some of their declarations are more for internal consumption."

"What Is McCaffrey Coming For?"

Santiago Pedraglio wrote in reliable, business-oriented Gestion (8/25): "The visit of U.S. 'anti-drug czar,' General Barry McCaffrey, occurs under the horizon of the U.S. presidential elections in November 2000 and the worsening of the Colombian crisis. The successes and failures of the anti-drug fight in Peru are subordinate to the above scene. The Republicans have stepped up their criticism of the Democrats with regard to the anti-drug fight, and want to transform the failures of this policy into one of the flags of their electoral fight. In view of this panorama, it is no exaggeration to affirm that there may be some in the United States who think that by preparing an intervention in Colombia--possible scapegoat for the failure of U.S. anti-drug policy--they gain points for the 2000 elections."

"A Low Cost Strategy Is Being Prepared"

Political analyst Roman Ortiz wrote in straightforward, respected El Comercio (8/23): "There is no urgent reason for the White House to take such a risky decision as sending troops to Colombia. So then, why has the United States raised the possibility of a joint intervention with its Latin American partners? Probably because it needs to obtain other concessions from them, such as their commitment to intensify border surveillance in order to stop the flow of supplies to the Colombian guerrillas. But from there to sponsoring a large-scale military intervention, lies a chasm that Washington does not seem ready to cross."

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9/3/99

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