The Western Hemisphere in the American Media

The Washington Post has an article about our strained relations with Ecuador, Venezuela, and Bolivia. The fact that Washington isn't a favorite of Chávez, Correa, and Morales isn't news, but the expulsion of a series of diplomats and accusations of meddling have made things a bit dicier in the Andes. As usual, Thomas Shannon's calmly disapproving reaction hits the right note, whereas seven years ago this would probably have turned into a full blown diplomatic conflagration. 

Sergio Muñoz slams Latin American leaders for their admiration of Fidel Castro, calling him "idol" and referring to the Chávez, Lula, Bachelet, et al's "devotion" to Castro. I don't have any problem with his characterizations of Castro as a tyrant, but I'm not sure what taking umbrage at his undeserved standing among Latin American leftists really does for the United States. Yes, Lula and Bachelet show too much deference to a man who's ruled for fifty years and has jailed opponents and silenced domestic criticism of his rule, but the goal for US policy-makers shouldn't be to tarnish Castro's image among Latin American leaders, but rather help Cuba find its way toward democracy. I don't think that process should be contingent on Castro's standing in the rest of Latin America. 

Lastly, Evo Morales tells us that the coca plant shouldn't be synonymous with cocaine.