Comments on: Shock reversal: Chavez tells FARC they might as well just quit.

By: Blaise

Blaise — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 19:29:40 +0000

Two points must be noted as an explanation of Chavez’ latest announcement. First, as Vivita notes above, the Colombian military is having excellent success against the FARC. This arises from training and equipment from the US and, to a lesser extent, the UK, internal changes in the Colombian military which have led to increased professionalism (though problems continue), a strategy of rapid mobilization which the FARC cannot counteract (see Bret Stephen’s WSJ piece last week where he argues that Terrorism CAN be defeated miliarily)and improved intelligence (silently helped by the Israelis).

The second factor causing Chavez’ comment is the computer of Raul Reyes. A lot has already come out connecting Chavez with the FARC, but only a small amount of the total has really been released. I am pretty sure that Chavez is concerned about what hasn’t come out and is hoping to stem Colombian government leaks about the contents by coming out with this statement. I am reaching the conclusion that the capture of Reyes’ computer (really 3 computers 2 external hard drives and 3 memory sticks) may be one of the all-time great intelligence coups.

One other point not to forget about Chavez…he’s nuts. He can turn a 180 on this on a dime. Don’t be surprised if he says the complete opposite before the end of July.

By: President Bush’s Foreign Policy Success « Federal Way Conservative

President Bush’s Foreign Policy Success « Federal Way Conservative — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 17:30:38 +0000

[...] It seems Hugo Chavez, backer of the terrorist organization FARC, has asked them to give up and join society. See, fighting a guerilla warfare with terror tactics and kidnappings in the jungles of Central America just isn’t as effective as it used to be (when a diferent president was in the White House.) (link) [...]

By: Doctor Hook

Doctor Hook — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 16:35:33 +0000

It would seem that socialist flip-flopping is not the exclusive domain of American Politics.

By: ezupirate75

ezupirate75 — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:59:25 +0000

Several things are in play here & trusting Chavez to do the right thing for the right reason is ridiculous.

The captured laptops have tons of evidence tying him to FARC, FARC has been decimated recently, the very real possibility of Venezula being designated a state sponsor of terrorism & the economic isolation that follows, the lack of foreign investment happening after he has nationalized oil & other industries is beginning to drag on the economy.

All of these add up to Chavez deciding to cut his losses & try to show the world he is a good guy & dodge the state sponsor rap. I don’t believe for one minute he has changed what he believes, just a shrewd politico making the best of a bad situation

By: Silkyinfamous

Silkyinfamous — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:57:25 +0000

When your enemies enemy is no longer your friend, the house of cards has collapsed.

By: supersean

supersean — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:25:05 +0000

might this about face have something to do with the newly regrouped 4th Navy returning to the waters in Latin America?

By: Barry F.

Barry F. — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:14:01 +0000

On the other hand, if you’ve got Nancy Pelosi and Obama in your corner, Chavez is small fry.

ROFL

Who needs a foreign despot in your corner, when we have our own here at home supporting them?

By: TMoney

TMoney — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 10:50:11 +0000

Chavez wouldn’t pull support for no reason. And no way am I going to believe he actually wants FARC to surrender or disarm. He only wants to be seen as a ‘peacemaker’ and gain the respect of the Noble Prize people – isn’t that coming up soon?

Nope. Chavez is in it for Chavez. Don’t let the silk purse fool you; he is still a sow’s ear.

By: gridlock

gridlock — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 09:47:27 +0000

It pains me that when we are making so much progress against terrorists around the World, we are about to elect Jimmy Carter II and put ourselves right back behind the 8-Ball.

How many weeks after Election Day does Hugo wait before stoking up FARC again and Kadaffy (Qadaffi? Kwadafi? Whatever?) starts making chemical weapons again?

By: CommentGuy

CommentGuy — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 09:33:22 +0000

There is also the possibility that FARC has not been able to get it done for 40 years and they are old and worn out with little chance of picking up new blood since Columbia really wants peace to move their economy forward.

So now Hugo wants to be center stage and gain all the credit for what was already a free fall collapse.

By: nbarry

nbarry — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 05:06:49 +0000

Also, Venezuelans took to the streets to protest Chavez’s directive forcing them to spy on each other and Il Duce had to back down. He must be having some bad hair days.

By: Vivita

Vivita — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 04:14:43 +0000

Here is a good piece from our Venezuelan friend in the Venezuelan boondocks, Daniel at Venezuela News & Views. He sees things the same way I do.

By: William Amos

William Amos — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 03:45:30 +0000

Thank you and goodnight love2rumba

By: love2rumba

love2rumba — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 03:41:35 +0000

RE: post 17:

On June 8th, 2008 at 11:00 pm, love2rumba said:

RE: post #2

It would be nice if it had been stated that this poll is sponsred by the McCain campaign as a disclaimer…

On June 8th, 2008 at 11:23 pm, William Amos said:

Umm Not its not its my private poll however the website that hosts me puts up its own banners and I guess because I used the word “McCain” in my poll it is triggering that ad to pop up. I dont control the adverts on that site.

I thought I’d fix my block quotes so as to be clear to the reader as to what you said and I said, Mr. Amos. I offer my apologies for any confusion given otherwise to the reader, and I wish William Amos goodnight.

By: love2rumba

love2rumba — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 03:27:34 +0000

On June 8th, 2008 at 11:23 pm, William Amos said:
On June 8th, 2008 at 11:00 pm, love2rumba said:
RE: post #2

It would be nice if it had been stated that this poll is sponsred by the McCain campaign as a disclaimer…
Umm Not its not its my private poll however the website that hosts me puts up its own banners and I guess because I used the word “McCain” in my poll it is triggering that ad to pop up. I dont control the adverts on that site.

Thank you for the clarification, Mr. Amos