Do you think Hugo Chavez will be assassinated

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

Well, is it beyond the realm of possibility?

[fertilizeonarbusto]

1. not impossible

n/t

[arcane1]

2. honestly..

I'm surprised the bastards haven't tried already. They've done a good job of media assassination, though

Hugo needs to give George a good kick in the crotch this week :evilgrin:

[MasonJar]

3. If it happens, Bush should be held responsible.

I don't care if he has 100 I.Q. If he is too dumb to be in charge, then he should step down.

[CaptainClark23]

4. As soon as...

the CIA has someone other than a Colonel with an eye-patch and a speech impediment to take control afterwards.

Seriously, its dicey, as it seems Chavez' support structure is good, and knocking him off could backfire in creating even greater momentum for his initiatives, and deify Chavez in the process.

I'd look for the set-up of a corruption scandal instead. Get him disgraced in the eyes of the people. Look for the banks to set it up, as Chavez has the audacity to tell them to lend money to farmers, AND to cite the Constitution in doing so.

Chavez obviously isn't a "team player", so look for him to be "disqualified".

[bemildred]

5. Probably not.

It was tried already, IIRC. I don't expect any slacking
off in the ever more feeble attempts to discredit him, but
they cannot afford an interruption in the flow of oil, and
as the other fellow says, I don't expect anything that dramatic
to be attempted unless there is a clear follow on strategy with
a credible replacement. Carmona did not exactly cover himself
in glory. I do think it would be a good idea for Hugo to consider
and address the question of succession, but I would be surprised
if he has not done that, he is a very smart fellow.

[brainshrub]

6. Depends:

If he goes ahead with a plan to switch to Euros he's a dead-man walking.

Assassination will be a last resort...but our entire economy is based on the fact that oil is priced in Euros. If all the oil-producing states decided to switch to the Euro, the United States would be in some serious hot water.

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

7. I'm reviving this thread

After the recent skirmish with Columbian troops (read the US) it seems relevant again.

[bemildred]

8. I thought the skirmish was with the "Paramilitaries".

Everybody outside the cities in Colombia is freelancing
anyway. It is interesting that today Castro accused Bush in
public of trying to assassinate him.

[Darranar]

10. Your analysis of the state of US influence over the world...

seems to hold much weight.

But I think it would be foolish to underestimate it; it is still a rather potent force, if dulled. "Globalization" will ensure that it remains so for quite some time.

[bemildred]

11. Agreed. nt

[Darranar]

9. Not at the moment...

they have their hands full with Iraq; they don't want to worry about ensuring that an American puppet will replace Chavez.

The Iraq war also lessened the immediate need to deal with the "problem". They have a nice source of oil now, and if Iraq's industries continue to be given to US corporations, it will remain that.

[0007]

12. 'Tis a hard one to predict

After the failed coup, I'd say Hugo chavez is on his guard. Then again anything can happen.