Reply #7: may I say

[boricua79]

that as much as I like many of Chavez' policies, I am severely disappointed by this development.

one thing is to advocate that you think American imperialism against another nation is wrong, even if that nation is a theocratic monstrosity that is an embarrassment to that people's history.

Quite another thing to actively ally oneself with the leader of that regime and work together.

I don't think a Latin-American democratic socialist regime that purports to work for the leftist ideals of humanism, fairness, and equality, should be working with a theocratic regime that, while including SOME democratic aspects, is essentially ruled by a clique of moron clerics whose values represent everything that Chavez' regime is not.

How would people feel if Chavez was shaking hands with Kim Jung Il, instead of Ahmedijenad? How about if it was Musharaff he was shaking hands with? What about the leaders of Burma (Myanmar)?

I'm pro-Chavez...but this I do not agree with at all. This is a mistake and I'm honest enough to admit it and to call for Chavez to keep his relationship with Iran at the friendly diplomatic level. This is TOO close.