Chavez - Castro Friendship Tricky for U.S.

[cal04]

One is a Cold War icon who has defied the United States for nearly a half-century. The other is a charismatic ex-military man who could be Washington's biggest Latin American nemesis for years to come.

Fidel Castro and Hugo Chavez have put their close relationship on display with frequent visits by the Venezuelan president as the 80-year-old Cuban leader recovers from recent intestinal surgery. The two are expected to take the spotlight again this week as Havana hosts dozens of leaders at a summit of the Nonaligned Movement.

Chavez and his mentor Castro have markedly different styles, but their friendship ensures Cuba critical economic support with a bonanza of Venezuelan oil and credit.

Some who know the 52-year-old Venezuelan predict he will continue to promote Castro's beliefs, challenging U.S. hopes that the Cuban leader's illness will spur democratic change in the communist country.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/world/AP-Hugo--Fidel.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

[rman]

1. Far more tricky is the Mandela - Castro friendship

When Mandela started talking about his friendship with Castro, when he was touring the US media after he was released from prison, his media appearances were quickly dropped.

Fidel - The Untold Story
http://www.amazon.com/Fidel-Untold-Story-Estela-Bravo/dp/B00009IAYC

http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=-7412746284254207344

[kaygore]

2. What's so tricky--we need to stop trying to kill world leaders

who do not buy into corporatism. The U.S. government has to stop being a shill for corporations...or should I saw bully or hit man?

[teryang]

3. yes, regime change is trickier than it used to be

Whatever happened to the old latin coup d'etat?

[Vidar]

4. I amire anyone that stand up to the rathole this country has become.

Castro & Chavez qualify in spades. Certain others gain points for defiance, but lose them for craziness or crimes against humanity.