Attempts to crack down on the media will test domestic support for Chavez as well as his willingness to fly in the face of international criticism – two issues that lie at the core of Venezuela's future. The failed coup attempt has, on balance, strengthened Chavez politically within Venezuela – though not nearly to the heights of 2000 – while weakening his opposition. And though Chavez, with the eyes of the international community focused upon him, is making "conciliatory" statements to his foes, he may be even more emboldened to ignore international pressure to protect human rights and democracy for the sake of his own political survival.
While the sustainability of the Chavez administration remains in serious doubt, the president is in a position to further consolidate his power – which may include cracking down on the media. And there may be little that the international community can do about it. ***
Rep. Sonny Callahan, R-Ala., was concerned about Ecuador's decision to prohibit the United States from using the Manta air base to carry out the war on terrorism. The United States has used the base for two years to fight drug trafficking. Ecuador's foreign relations minister, Heinz Moeller, said in February that the government would not let the United States use the base for anti-terror activities.***