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Chávez turmoil a blow to Latin American populism **** Even though we don't know the ultimate outcome of the confused political situation in Venezuela, the turmoil may send a message that messianic leaders with confrontational styles generate massive capital flight, growing poverty and civil unrest.

Clearly, the last chapter in the quickly evolving situation in Venezuela has not been written, but there is no country in Latin America that would like to experience the pain and violence roiling that Andean country. If, as many believe, the ousted Hugo Chávez is to blame for the current crisis, it will not help candidates who follow his line.

At a time when critics of free-market policies are ranking high in the polls for this year's elections in Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia and Ecuador, there is a growing feeling in U.S. and Latin American political circles that Chavez's disastrous rule may become an antidote for populist experiments.

''This will definitely have an impact on the upcoming elections in the region,'' former Colombian President Alfonso López Michelsen told me in a telephone interview. ``The most immediate impact will be a return to pragmatism and political discipline, as opposed to easy, quick-fix solutions.''****

Chavez Returns to 'His' Army Base **** He praised Gen. Raul Baduel, commander of the paratroopers' brigade, and other officers who were loyal. He also spoke fondly of soldiers who during his captivity brought him coffee and told him they were plotting his escape.

Meanwhile, more than 100 military officials had been detained, and officers involved in the conspiracy could face charges, Vice President Diosdado Cabello said.****