Chavez who?

Hugo Chavez is the President of Venezuela. Where? Who? Venezuela is a relatively poor South American country with two distinguishing features, its not too far from the US and its got Oil. Chavez- Former Paratrooper and Communist Party idealogue, staged two unsuccessful coup attempts in 1992, came out of prison in 1994 to win an election in 1998, has been in power since then, in quite eventful circumstance's- a coup in 2002 and counter-coup to put him back in office.In short a typical South American political story...from the 70's that is, since most South American Countries have had relatively stable democracies since 1985 (remember the old joke "Viva El-Presidente- whoever he is!"). So what's so special about Chavez? Well, The White House has been somewhat unhappy with him describing him as a "demagogue who uses Venezuela's oil wealth to destabilize democracy in the region". Well as is generally the case, a little maverick shoots to popularity or notoriety after such a glowing endorsement and we all (sorry some of us) get to notice him. Here are some of his notable achievements:

1. He recently called George Bush the following names (in order of delivery)- A. Dumbass; B. A fool and C. In one memorable address on March 16th 2006- A Donkey (which ordinarily should not have been an insult since the symbol of George Bush's Republican Party is in fact a Donkey, George didn't quite agree); A Murderer, an Assassin (repetitive but distinguishable), a coward and a drunk.

2. He referred to Condoleeza Rice as a complete Illiterate in affairs of Latin America.

3. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katerina, Chavez was the first to offer relief supplies to his "North American brothers", which predictably was refused. He also signed an agreement with the state of Massachussets to provide heating oil at a 40% discount to low income families via one of his State Oil subsidiaries, saying "Such aid comprises "a strong oil card to play on the geopolitical stage....it is a card that we are going to play with toughness against the toughest country in the world, the United States."

4. Since 1994, Chavez has had "a special relationship" with Fidel Castro, based on shared idealogy and a common dislike for America (or its policies). Chavez has over the years sold heavily discounted Oil to Cuba in exchange for 20,000 and later 40, 000 Cuban Doctors and Teachers.

5.Venezuela under Chavez has been one of OPEC's price hawks, pushing for Output restrictions to influence price hikes.

6. Has initiated and executed a massive Social reform programme in Venezuela based on Poverty alleviation and Social Welfare, essentially equitable distribution of Venezuela's oil revenues.

7. Pushed for greater militarisation by South American countries.

8. He opposed the war in Iraq.

9. He err..sponsored a massive Samba dancing School or competition in Brazil with maximum visibility (blind angle dude!)

You make your mind up as to whether he's a good or bad guy. My view? Well, I have my doubts about his fashion sense, obviously his sense of subtlety is definitely called to question with such colours.