Rumsfeld Attacks Hugo Chavez

Donald Rumsfeld is amplifying the US hostility against Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez. On a visit to Peru, Rumsfeld said Chavez was guilty of "anti-social, destabilizing behavior" that threatened regional security. Rumsfeld also charged that Chavez and Cuban President Fidel Castro had interfered in the affairs of Bolivia. That country's president was brought down earlier this year in an indigenous-led revolt. Some analysts say that Rumsfeld's remarks show that the Bush administration is gearing up for an escalation in its hostility to the progressive movements that are growing in Latin America. Venezuela has regularly confronted Washington's interference in its affairs, recently threatening to cut off oil supplies to the US.