If he governs by really carrying out his agenda, which is quite a radical agenda, I think it's going to be very difficult for him.

195

There has been a sense that Latin America can take care of itself, but Washington needs to start repairing the tattered relations.

185

Washington is a specialist in doing things that benefit Chavez.

178

When you have that amount of concentrated power, bad things tend to happen.

175

More than any other leader, he is shaping the agenda and setting the terms of debate in the region. Chavez has the initiative, he's on the offensive, and everyone else is reacting to what he says and does.

162

It looks like we are headed for a collision. Chavez realizes that the U.S. doesn't have an idea of how to deal with him.

158

These conflicting messages reflect a lack of clarity and coherence. When (Venezuelan President Hugo) Chavez speaks, they react. There is no strategy of thinking longer-term and in more strategic terms.

150

Palacio thought he could pursue a different course, have a greater emphasis on a social agenda. But I think he's encountered real obstacles, not just within Ecuador but in the international community. I think he's wanted to have it both ways, but that's proven to be extremely difficult.

132

If the opposition parties are seen as not being constructive and blocking everything Morales tries to do that would not be in their own interests.

123