Chavez Arms Up

He knows what he is doing, as the United States sits paralyzed and in some cases tacitly supporting fascist regimes Chavez is arming up and preparing for the future.Of course in his case the "near enemy"is Columbia and and the "far enemy" the Yankee, but one has to wonder how long this goes on till something breaks, war, crisis, insurrection?

CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuela's leftist President Hugo Chavez said on Friday that his country is buying Russian missiles with a range of 300 kilometers (186 miles) as part of a series of arms deals with Moscow.

Chavez, who on Friday returned from a ten day-tour of Africa, Asia and Europe that included a visit to Russia, is also negotiating the purchase of 100 T-72 and T-90 tanks from Moscow.

"We signed some military agreements with Russia. Well, soon some little rockets are going to be arriving," he said during a speech to supporters from a balcony at the presidential palace upon his return to Venezuela.

"Do you know how far they reach? 300 kilometers, and they don't fail."Venezuela is currently embroiled in a diplomatic crisis with neighboring Colombia over a security agreement that will allow U.S. troops access to more Colombian bases to fight drug traffickers and left-wing guerrillas.

Chavez, a fierce critic of U.S. foreign policy, says the U.S.-Colombia plan will increase the risk of war in South America and could be used to launch an attack on Venezuela.

By the way if you haven't read it, Morgenthau's piece on Iran and Venezuela is a must.