Hugo and Lula, Lula and Hugo

The New York Times has a lengthy article on Brazilian leadership in South America in the Lula era, and how the Brazilians have dealt with Chávez's Venezuela:

Amid the decline of American influence in the region, the Brazilian president is discreetly outflanking Mr. Chávez at almost every turn in the struggle for leadership in South America.

I agree that Lula has walked a tightrope in foreign policy, and Petrobras' development has been impressive, but a little context wouldn't hurt. Brazil is the continent's giant; Venezuela is a mere mid-level power amplified by oil and an ambitious and outspoken leader. Giving Brazil credit for outflanking Venezuela is a bit like hailing Germany for outdueling Finland for leadership in Europe. There are reasons that Brazil has more influence than Venezuela that are much deeper than Lula or Chávez.

Another portion deserves mention:

But [Chávez's] own ties with the group have come under such scrutiny that he has found himself calling for the FARC to give up its armed struggle.

Why not say the more complete truth? Chávez was caught pledging hundreds of millions of dollars to a group that is part-kidnapping syndicate, part-drug cartel, part-terrorist group, and part-communist rebellion. The evidence of this support was investigated and verified by Interpol. "Under scrutiny" implies a level of uncertainty that doesn't exist.

Quibbles aside, it's a good summary of Brazil's development under Lula.