U.S. Foreign Policy toward Latin America: What’s Next?

This week the focus of both committees on foreign policy in the United States Congress turned to Latin America. Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Arturo Valenzuela who served as the main witness at both hearings, was tasked with offering the Administration’s view of the region and U.S policy.

As expected, Venezuela was one of the countries most discussed at the hearings. Most noteworthy, Valenzuela suggested that President’s Chávez’s influence in the region is dwindling. We don’t disagree with Mr. Valenzuela because as the domestic problems for Mr. Chávez have risen due to inept policies and inefficiency of his government, he has had to turn his focus on domestic issues and put his grand international visions in neutral. Another highlight was Secretary Valenzuela’s assertion that that the Obama Administration is planning to move “soon” on naming a new U.S. Ambassador to Caracas.

Many of the senators and representatives questions focused on the Chávez government’s close ties with Iran. A few Republican representatives, mainly Congressman Connie Mack, suggested that increased pressure is needed on the Venezuelan government through new sanctions or actions such as placing Venezuela on the list of countries that promote terrorism.

WhatsNextVenezuela is somewhat disappointed, however, that more was not asked about the situation in Venezuela, particularly in relation to American interests in that country. For example:

• Not much was said about the multiple American companies that have been expropriated by the Venezuelan government without yet any compensation coming their way.
• Little attention was paid to the allegations by Venezuela drug trafficker, Walid Makled, of the ties of Venezuela’s senior military command to the drug trafficking trade.
• No mention of the government’s ties to terrorist groups such as ETA or FARC.
• No mention of the recent agreement between Venezuela and Russia that will provide the government of Venezuela with nuclear assistance.
• No mention of human rights abuses by the Chávez government.

Alas, we hope that in the future, both the House and Senate Foreign Affairs committees take a more in depth look at Venezuela, its impact on U.S. national interests, and on Venezuelans themselves. Perhaps with President Obama’s planned visit to the region next month, will serve as another opportunity to raise other important questions about American interests in the region and especially as it pertains to Venezuela. Stay tuned for that….