Michael Shifter
Michael Shifter
Michael Shifter is President of the Inter-American Dialogue and an Adjunct Professor of Latin American Studies at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and writes for the Council's journal Foreign Affairs. He is also a member of the Latin American Studies Association, and a contributing editor to Current History...
afford castro half latin public states united
Much in the way Fidel Castro did for a half century, he said what a lot of Latin Americans would like to be able to say about the United States in a public forum, but don't and can't afford to.
certainly hard predict stage turn
So far, it's a stage of exploration and posturing, and certainly could turn into something more serious. But it's very hard to predict right now.
allowed extremely run strong
If Uribe's allowed to run he's in an extremely strong position, but it's not necessarily a foregone conclusion.
control saying sort
I think he's saying that the U.S. doesn't have to control everything ? that the U.S. is able to sort of yield, and when it does, things can go well,
beyond build difficult felt peace support
They felt that if prosecution was allowed, it would be very difficult to build peace and go beyond the conflict. On the other hand, it does support impunity, which is not helpful.
countries dependence economic level locked massive mutual situation
The two countries are locked in a situation of mutual dependence at an economic level because of oil, while being locked in a massive clash, a lot of rhetoric.
consensus move
There's no consensus on how to move forward.
aware both country cutting identity indigenous setting standard terms
Morales is acutely aware of the symbols, both in terms of the indigenous identity of the country and by setting the standard for cutting salaries.
gotten lowest relations
Relations are probably at their lowest point. Things have gotten very bad. The two governments are on a collision course.
agenda chavez debate reacting says setting shaping terms
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.
absolutely brazil critical free limit player progress support trade
Brazil is an absolutely critical player in the hemisphere, ... There is a limit to how much progress the U.S. can make on any issue, free trade included, without Brazil's support and cooperation.
absolutely brazil critical free limit player progress support trade
Brazil is an absolutely critical player in the hemisphere. There is a limit to how much progress the U.S. can make on any issue, free trade included, without Brazil's support and cooperation.
course exporting fear given great hung washington
It's given new life, and of course great resources, to this fear that's hung around Washington for decades, of (Cuba) exporting revolution.
america chavez latin
The way Robertson's declarations will play in Latin America is that Chavez is right and that the U.S. is out to get him.