Fighting Words in South America

(Thumbnail image from Venezuelan government)
 

“President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela has ordered his military to prepare for a possible war with neighboring Colombia. Tensions along the Venezuela – Colombia border have been high of late, following a series of shootings. Chavez blames the breakdown on Colombia’s closer military ties with the United States.” (EuroNews)

Chavez’s threat comes after the U.S. and Colombia signed a military agreement allowing U.S. forces to operate in Colombia. While Chavez has denied calling troops to war, Colombia said it would ask for intervention from international bodies.

“Military comrades, we won’t lose a day in completing our primary mission, which is to prepare ourselves for war and to help the people prepare for war.” (EuroNews)

The media are examining the seriousness of the situation and the role of the U.S in the conflict. We’re looking at perspectives from France 24, Press TV, Hot Air, and PoliBlog.
 
First, France 24 voices concern from the region.

“Other South American nations have expressed measured concern over the U.S.–Colombia pact, and within Colombia too, there are loud voices against it. The opposition calls the agreement a sell-out and says it amounts to a virtual U.S. occupation of the country.”

A commentator on Press TV is also not in favor of the U.S.-Colombia agreement and says it’s a threat to Latin America.

“The objective behind the U.S–Colombia military agreement is to promote warfare in the region and to continue to destabilize Latin American nations that are not subordinate to the U.S. agenda. So, we don’t want there to be war in the future but certainly we have to prepare for all scenarios.”

But looking from a U.S. perspective, conservative blog Hot Air warns the U.S. government not to dismiss Chavez’s threat of war.

“… the move of troops…do not reflect lunacy, but a bid to grab power and influence in Latin America at the expense of a weakened US… Chavez is certainly a nut, but there is a method to this madness, and Colombia should be very, very worried.”

Finally, political scientist Steven L. Tyler says on PoliBlog he doesn’t think Chavez will actually bring his country to war.

“The bottom line is that a) there is nothing for Chávez to gain from a war with Colombia and, b) Venezuela would likely lose such a confrontation. As such, it is difficult to take the saber-rattling seriously.”

So, what do you think? How serious should we take Chavez’s threats? Could war in South America be in the near future?