Chavez Says Colombia-U.S. Bases May Lead to War

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said he believes a planned build-up of U.S. troops at Colombian military bases is a move toward war, Reuters reported Wednesday.

Chavez said his government plans to buy dozens of tanks because Venezuela feels threatened by the pending deal to let U.S. forces use three airfields and two navy bases there.

The socialist leader did not elaborate during a news conference on Wednesday, but Venezuela is currently negotiating the purchase of tanks and armored vehicles from Russia.

Venezuela and Russia have signed weapons contracts worth more than $4 billion since 2005.

Colombia says Venezuela should not worry about Americans using the military bases.

Source: www.foxnews.com...

Chavez has been in the news lately; from shutting down radio stations and coffee houses, to talking about war. It'll be interesting to see where this leads and if our government will reply to it at all.

[edit on 5-8-2009 by gatorboi117]

reply to post by gatorboi117


Well that is just great that he is buying more tanks from Russia. It will give us more targets if he decides to start troubles.

Could we have the source article?

I don't believe Chavez would ever allow a war to occur for a plethora of reasons.

1. While $4 Billion may seem like a lot, bear in mind that the U.S's 2009 budget exceeds $519 (Yes, I'm aware that the U.S is fighting on a number of fronts, but I'm throwing the humber out to put it into perspective)
   
2. He has spent too much time fighting for control to see it all collapse around him. (opinion)
   
3. Many of his supporters expect him to take this stance. But in the end, he is a politician, not a revolutionary despite his claims (Bolivarian Revolution)
   
4. He is aware that notions of war strengthen nationalism, which will work to his advantage.