HOUSTON CHRONICLE: Bush policy of ignoring region must be reversed
Iran, the ultimate mischief maker with global reach, astounding patience, a shameless marriage to mayhem and terrorism and interests in opposition to those of the United States, is making major diplomatic inroads under Washington's nose.
It's amazing, really. Iran, after all, is regarded by much of the world as an outlaw country. Sanctions are in place on its military-industrial complex, and international loan guarantees are virtually impossible to come by.
The Iranian economy is in tatters. Even while $100-barrel-plus oil was enriching producers in the region, Iran's low-tech, outdated industry was barely profiting. In fact, 6 percent of the country's gasoline is imported.
Nevertheless, over the past year, Iran has worked diligently to expand relations with a host of Latin American countries, many of which have populist leaders who harbor a strong distrust of the United States and are looking for a powerful friend to help them rebuff Washington's influence.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, for instance, has held up his close ties with Iran as an example of what his revolution can do for the region. He has much to show for it, including an Iranian ammunition factory, a car assembly plant, a cement factory and other such examples of Iranian involvement. And just to make sure the U.S. can't interfere (as it has in the past), Iran Air initiated direct air service between Tehran, Damascus and Caracas. >>> By John Kiriakou Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle | November 15, 2008
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