Obama and Chavez

Whatever new approach we might be taking towards Burma, it appears that Hugo Chavez will remain our favorite whipping boy in South America. I honestly don't know how it's possible to approach any diplomatic policy towards any Latin American or South American nation without keeping in mind the decades of hostile and anti-democratic intervention that we propagated during the cold war, or without the recognition of the democratic choices these nations are making today. We would do well to have less to say about the policies of Latin and South American nations that don't impact us directly. Also, we would do well to stop backing military intervention in these democratic countries whenever we think it might possibly just in case maybe support our policies.

Russian warships in Venezuela

Hey Hugo, you're playing with fire.

For the past six months, it seems that Medvedev has been working hard to dismantle his liberal image and revive memories of the Cold War, reports CBS News' Alexsei Kuznetsov.

Chavez, basking in the support of a powerful ally and traditional U.S. rival, wants Russian help to build a nuclear reactor, invest in oil and natural gas projects and bolster his leftist opposition to U.S. influence in Latin America.

Chavez also wants weapons - he has bought more than $4 billion in Russian arms, including Sukhoi fighter jets, helicopters and 100,000 Kalashnikov rifles, and more deals for Russian tanks or other weaponry may be discussed after Medvedev arrives Wednesday.

Now, I know we've screwed around in other people's countries a bit too much already, but seriously I think we should dust off the Monroe Doctrine here.