[xm177e2]

It's about the oil: we can't afford sanctions on Venezuela with Saddam still running Iraq. When he goes down, Chavez will be in deep doo-doo.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Yes. If not, we'll be deep in the doo-doo.

[Truth29]

Chavez doesn't care about sanctions or international isolation. These moves help him destroy the middle class and capitalism which are his enemies. He will keep the military paid and under tight control and will use state power to expand his Bolivian circles. Castro will help him with the secret police, etc. Democratic processes are ineffective in this situation.