With Syria, Venezuelan Petrol-Diplomacy Favors Alliance over Ideology

If there were one consistent storyline to Hugo Chávez’s time as President of Venezuela, it would be his appeal to the masses.  His programs aiding the poor are hugely popular, and have helped keep his approval ratings high.  But Chávez’s handouts are not limited to domestic politics; Chávez has also given handouts, generally in the ...