Watching the events unfold in Iran via CNN and in cyberspace, I can’t help but feel a bit more hopeful than in the past, whenever this type of situation has arisen in other countries.
The story has been basically the same. Some extreme right-wing or left-wing leader rises to power in the middle of an election looking for a change of direction, and suddenly, part of that change also means breaking away from friendly countries, taking away the rights of the people, and aligning themselves with rogue regimes around the world.
Let’s start off with Venezuela. It used to be a thriving country in Latin America. Venezuela is where South Americans in neighboring countries went if their visa to enter the United States was turned down. There was a large middle class and many in the rich ranks. But there was also poverty and discontent in the larger population. Chavez, being a military leader, rose to power after a failed coup and eventually having run for president. As a leftist, promising to take care of the large poor class, Chavez got enough votes to win. That was in 1999. He’s been in power since then, and even has managed to re-write the constitution, extending his terms and the reach of his mandate. Despite many attempts from people, the electorate, his opponents, to depose him, to question his “elections”, he remains in power. Chavez has it down to a science. I have no doubt that being under the tutelage of Castro he will remain in power for a long time, and will hamper world peace, even though this is not the will of the Venezuelan people. Due to the unfortunate presence of Bush and his cowboy policies in the world stage, Chavez has managed to endear himself to many, among them peers in Latin America, who have become his supporters.
With Chavez leading Venezuela to the left and pulling away from a formerly good relationship with the US, outside of his region, he has reached out to Cuba, China, Russia, Iran, and made alliances with these country leaders to foment strong relationships that will benefit them in commerce, warfare and space exploration.
He has taken under his wing the less experienced presidents of his neighboring countries: Correa in Ecuador, Morales in Bolivia, and Ortega in Nicaragua. They often visit each other’s countries and have open trade amongst each other. Chavez, having excellent relationships with China, Russia and Iran, has also opened the door for his allies. Last Fall, I visited Ecuador and saw an unusually high number of Chinese tourists peppered throughout the streets of Quito, side by side with the usual northern Europeans, Germans and American backpackers. It surprised me to see so many. A young architect who lives there, informed me that Correa has an open visa travel agreement with the Chinese, where all they need to do is present their passport to be admitted to Ecuador. The Venezuelans have started investing in Ecuadorian infrastructure, brought in the Chinese and Russians as investors, and the same is happening with the other Chavez-friendly countries. Recently China launched a first satellite on behalf of Venezuela. All this is happening while Bush/Cheney were distracted “fighting terrorism” in other parts of the world.
In comes Ahmadinejad, all the way from Iran, bringing “goodwill”, money, and God-only-knows what else. Guess which countries did Ahmadinejad visit during his trip to Central and Latin America? You probably guessed it right. As per the headlines in this anti-American paper, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is scheduled to begin a four day tour of Venezuela, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Bolivia and other Central and South American countries on Saturday, there is no doubt that Ahmadinejad is aligned with anti-American nations right here in our own backyard.
Chavez with Ahmadinejad
According to the Hispanic American Center for Economic Research (HACER), ‘Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad must love the tropics’, commented ironically The Miami Herald. He has spent more time in Latin America than President Bush. Since his inauguration in 2005, Iran’s foreign policy focus has shifted from Africa to Latin America in order to, as Ahmadinejad puts it, ‘counter lasso’ the US.
Even though Colombia and its president, Alvaro Uribe, remain aligned with the United States, especially in their fight against the drug cartels, it is no secret that the FARC –based in the jungles of Colombia– are aligned with Chavez. And evidence has been found that they even have had dealings with Correa in Ecuador, something which he denies heatedly. But evidence is evidence and you can’t dispute it. What’s more, after the visit of Ahmadinejad, it was also rumored that the FARC received money from Iran, as well as help with weapons, warfare technology and “training”.
As per an article written by an Uruguayan journalist, The Iranian leader views the presidents of Venezuela, Ecuador and Nicaragua as political partners, because they are anti-American. But the fact that he named the South American trio, Chávez, Ortega and Correa, as those with whom he has a privileged relationship in confronting the United States, is highly disturbing to the Iranian opposition.
Correa with Ahmadinejad
Correa was up for “re-election” in Ecuador, on April of this year. Despite the fact that people who voted for him the first time did not vote for him again, he “won” anyway. Last Fall he held a referendum to change the constitution, a constitution rumored to have been crafted in Venezuela, and again, according to his administration, there were enough votes to pass the new constitution, which gave him an extended mandate and extended time should he be re-elected. So, it was no surprise that even though his support among the electorate had dwindled, he remains in power. And while in power, despite the opposition of the people, he managed to kick out the United States Air Force base that had been set up in Manta, a thriving city in the Pacific coast, which has greatly benefitted from and welcomed the American presence.
Morales and Ahmadinejad
In Bolivia, another member of Chavez’ club, the story is similar. Supposedly a referendum passed the new leftist constitution –also rumored to have originated in Venezuela– that also expanded Morales’ mandate and his time in power if re-elected. And, of course, Morales was re-elected even though the cries of irregularities were loud. He continues to remain in power today, and a special member of Chavez’ club. This country has received special attention from Ahmadinejad.
As per Monsters & Critics, Ahmadinejad opens wallet for Bolivia on visit to South America. I’m sure that does not go over too well with the Iranians at home, whose economy is struggling. As per M&C, “Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad pledged 1 billion dollars for the development of Bolivia’s economy and pledged to work more closely and fight imperialism with its leader and the president of Venezuela during visits to La Paz and Caracas.”
Ortega and Ahmadinejad
In Nicaragua, another stop along Ahmadinejad’s tour, it was time for re-election last November. And guess what? Same situation. Among ugly maneuverings, and claims of voter fraud, he claimed to have won re-election. See The Economist Article titled, Nicaragua – How to steal an election.
Do you see the pattern here?
So, despite my outrage upon hearing the unfair results of an effort to oust Ahmadinejad, he’s aligned with cheaters who likely share a playbook on how to stay in power, regardless of opposition. I have no doubt that Ahmadinejad, a billion dollar member of the cheaters club, is well supported and will do all necessary to remain in his seat. If Chavez, Castro, Correa, Morales and Ortega have done so successfully, despite the opposition of the electorate, why wouldn’t he?
It is an unfortunate similarity to Bush and Putin’s “re-elections” in the past decade.
So, we can’t be surprised, when after all the noise and all the demonstrations and legal challenges, Ahmadinejad is likely to remain in power, because of his special membership in the cheaters club. They support each other, and will do all necessary to cause as much damage before they leave.
The saddest thing is that even the United States no longer has moral ground to interfere. George Bush and his horrendous legacy has made sure of it.
Even though I am not as acquainted with the politics of Iran, I only hope that the people of Iran have a greater will and endurance than the people of the Americas, and given their success 30 years ago, perhaps they’ll have a better chance to break this ominous pattern. Otherwise, the Obama administration is certain of having its cup of international challenges, runneth over. I’m just glad the Clintons are in his team.
Great article (or blog post or whatever, heck to me it even feels like a professional editorial!), many kudos!