45 Quotes by Michael Shifter

These conflicting messages reflect a lack of clarity and coherence. When (Venezuelan President Hugo) Chavez speaks, they react. There is no strategy of thinking longer-term and in more strategic terms.

The way Robertson's declarations will play in Latin America is that Chavez is right and that the U.S. is out to get him.

They felt that if prosecution was allowed, it would be very difficult to build peace and go beyond the conflict. On the other hand, it does support impunity, which is not helpful.

At a moment when relations between the US and Latin America are at their lowest point since the end of the cold war, this fence proposal is viewed as a terrible affront.

It remains unclear how pragmatic Morales will actually be once in office, and whether he'll be able to strike the formula of accommodating both his base and national and foreign capital that have a strong stake in Bolivia's economy. Finding that balance will pose the most severe test of Morales's political skills.

It looks like we are headed for a collision. Chavez realizes that the U.S. doesn't have an idea of how to deal with him.

It's given new life, and of course great resources, to this fear that's hung around Washington for decades, of (Cuba) exporting revolution.

It's still a big question how he's going to govern. Clearly if he wants to be a successful president, he doesn't want the same fate as some of his predecessors.

The two countries are locked in a situation of mutual dependence at an economic level because of oil, while being locked in a massive clash, a lot of rhetoric.