What will be the consequences for U.S. foreign policy in Latin America?
It’s still too early to say for sure. But the Free Trade of the Americas initiative is for now dead. And if Duhalde is skillful to get away with this delicate balancing act long enough, then it will definitely increase the temptation for Brazilians to elect left-leaning presidential candidate Luis “Lula” Inacio da Silva. It will also give an excuse for undemocratic voices in Latin America, like Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez or guerrilla groups in Colombia, to further their agenda. If you engage in some exercise of political fiction, then there’s no limit to the fallout. If things really run afoul here, then the Bush Administration could be credited with losing South America for the free world. Q: Will the rupture of relations with the U.S. automatically push Argentina further into bed with Brazil via the Mercosur trade bloc? A: Definitely yes. By itself, Argentina is insignificant on the world stage. And since they have to be a satellite of someone, then Argentines would much rather
