Problem With Hugo

摘要

Hugo Chavez poses a direct threat to U.S. interests in the Western Hemisphere by undermining U.S. sponsored security, political, and economic initiatives. Chavez aims at promoting 'anti-Americanism' sentiment and regional instability in the Andean Ridge by supporting transnational terrorism and providing safe havens to regional terrorist organizations. His attempts at promoting regional instability will lead to the possible proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and increased terrorist activities in the region. In concert with our Andean Ridge partners, the U.S. needs to formulate, develop, and implement a defined policy towards Venezuela while at the same time resisting deliberate provocations from Chavez and his supporters. The U.S. needs to effectively leverage and employ all the elements of national power-- diplomacy, intelligence, military, political, legal, and economic (DIMPLE)--in order to develop and implement a defined policy towards Venezuela. Incorporating all the elements of national power will allow the U.S. to engage Venezuela in an aggressive manner while incorporating a joint, combined, interagency, and multi-national approach.