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STRATFOR.com
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THE INTERNET SOURCE FOR GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE
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Venezuela: Battle With Media a Test for Chavez
April 17, 2002
Summary
The Venezuelan media are being castigated for alleged bias and possible support of the ouster of President Hugo Chavez. This issue and a possible media crackdown will be a litmus test for Chavez's political power and his willingness to fly in the face of international opinion. Though still weak, Chavez well may emerge politically strengthened and more resistant to international pressure.
Image Credit: l'Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Analysis
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's allies within the National Assembly plan to investigate allegations that country's major media outlets, especially Caracas-based television stations, helped to foment the protests that led to a failed coup April 12 and 13. Chavez has always been critical of the media and will seek ways to control the press.
President Hugo Chavez holds up a copy of the Venezuelan constitution.
Image Credit: Dario Lopez-Mills -- The Associated Press.
Attempts to crack down on the media will test domestic support for Chavez as well as his willingness to fly in the face of international criticism -- two issues that lie at the core of Venezuela's future. The failed coup attempt has, on balance, strengthened Chavez politically within Venezuela -- though not nearly to the heights of 2000 -- while weakening his opposition. And though Chavez, with the eyes of the international community focused upon him, is making "conciliatory" statements to his foes, he may be even more emboldened to ignore international pressure to protect human rights and democracy for the sake of his own political survival.
Hugo Chavez (r) is welcomed back by his deputy.
Image Credit: The Associated Press.
While the sustainability of the Chavez administration remains in serious doubt, the president is in a position to further consolidate his power -- which may include cracking down on the media. And there may be little that the international community can do about it.
(The Rest of the Story)
(c) 2001 Stratfor, Inc.
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Dan
Venezuela: Battle With Media a Test for Chavez . . .