US on sidelines as Latin American voters prepare to redraw continent

[Judi Lynn]

US on sidelines as Latin American voters prepare to redraw continent

Elections likely to bring new alliances and governments that defy old ideological labels

Dan Glaister in Los Angeles
Monday November 14, 2005
The Guardian


There was a telling moment during the Mar del Plata summit of the Americas in Argentina earlier this month. As the 34 leaders walked to the seaside spot chosen for their group photograph, they chatted and joked among themselves. But while they strolled in groups, one leader walked alone: the US president.

George Bush's isolation was more than symbolic. It was borne out by the failure of the summit to rubberstamp the US-backed creation of a south American trade zone. Both President Bush's isolation and the failure of the latest US-inspired trade plan for the continent highlight a question preoccupying US policy-makers and Latin American leaders: is the region drifting away from the influence of its northern neighbour?

Between now and the end of 2006, 11 presidential elections will be held in Latin America. The political changes and challenges that ensue could see a continent redrawn.
(snip)

Washington's unease is heightened by the presence of leaders who, at least nominally, come from the left. In Brazil, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was elected from the Workers' party; Chile elected Ricardo Lagos, the first socialist president since Salvador Allende; Argentinians voted in Nestor Kirchner, who came from the leftwing faction of the Peronist party; and Uruguay chose Tabaré Vázquez, the candidate of a coalition of leftwing and progressive groups.
(snip/...)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,12271,1642140,00.html?gusrc=rss

[Democat]

1. Another Bush failure!

Add it to the long list.

[Judi Lynn]

2. Too bad there wasn't a photo published to commemorate this moment.

It's about time Republican designs on Latin America and the Caribbean started getting the attention and public response they truly deserve.

[cliss]

3. Actually, there were some photos posted here on the DU -

when Bush was down there. The photos reflect what this article says: they were smiling, laughing amongst themselves. They looked like they got along with each other. However, Bush was in the midst of them. He was looking down, smiling faintly.

This is an amazing article. It shows that the world is changing, right before our eyes. Bush's colossal failure is allowing the world to move forward, unite and work together.

These countries are SO deserving of a new alliance, on their own terms, which says: "We are not your serfs anymore. We will do what works for us".