Michael Shifter
Michael Shifter
Michael Shifter is President of the Inter-American Dialogue and an Adjunct Professor of Latin American Studies at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and writes for the Council's journal Foreign Affairs. He is also a member of the Latin American Studies Association, and a contributing editor to Current History...
control saying sort
I think he's saying that the U.S. doesn't have to control everything ? that the U.S. is able to sort of yield, and when it does, things can go well,
gotten lowest relations
Relations are probably at their lowest point. Things have gotten very bad. The two governments are on a collision course.
dismiss quick
I think they're not as quick to dismiss his bluster as they used to be.
both emphasis extremely greater proven pursue social within
Palacio thought he could pursue a different course, have a greater emphasis on a social agenda. But I think he's encountered real obstacles, not just within Ecuador but in the international community. I think he's wanted to have it both ways, but that's proven to be extremely difficult.
bush worse
It could have been worse if Bush had been embarrassed, or humiliated.
addressing exclusion mount political reform social unless
Unless Flores embarks on ... social reform aimed at addressing the country's exclusion and inequality, political unrest could mount during her presidency.
challenge chavez economic model peru represents serious threat
The possibility we'll have another Chavez acolyte in Peru represents a serious challenge to the economic model and a threat to democracy.
brazil fields gas military natural ordering otherwise partners risks seize
With this move, he risks alienating natural and otherwise sympathetic partners like Brazil and Spain. Ordering the military to seize the natural gas fields is unnecessarily confrontational and antagonistic.
everybody perhaps profile reconcile wants
Perhaps you need someone with a profile like (Morales') to reconcile this very fractured country. Everybody wants him to succeed, even the elites.
confront create policy question time violence whether
The question is, when it comes time to confront those policy decisions, whether that could create more violence or unrest.
credit fact
The fact that he is going is a credit to him, because there was a lot of speculation he wouldn't,
chavez clarity lack messages president reflect strategic strategy thinking
These conflicting messages reflect a lack of clarity and coherence. When (Venezuelan President Hugo) Chavez speaks, they react. There is no strategy of thinking longer-term and in more strategic terms.
core element indication passions remember seen tolerate
I haven't seen any indication of a willingness to tolerate Morales' positions, and you have to remember that eradicating coca is a core element of U.S. drug policy. This is where the passions are greatest, especially in Congress.
blocking opposition parties seen tries
If the opposition parties are seen as not being constructive and blocking everything Morales tries to do that would not be in their own interests.