Hugo Chavez As The Godfather

Hugo Chavez is an egomaniacal nutcase with dictatorial ambitions.  He also likes to fashion himself as enemy #1 in the eyes of the United States government.  Such an image plays well with the folks back in Venezuela.  In truth, he is most likely viewed as a meddlesome irritant who does have the potential to create a fair amount of strife and discord in Latin America.   Chavez may be seeking to up the ante in his bid to become the next Castro after the first one exits the stage:

Under Chavez, Venezuela has recently purchased some $3 billion worth of arms from Russia, including 53 military helicopters, 100,000 Kalashnikov rifles, 24 SU-30 Sukhoi fighter jets.

Last week, Chavez said he is considering arms purchases, including submarines and a missile-equipped air defense system, as he prepares for a tour of Russia, Belarus and Iran.

"We are strengthening Venezuela's military power precisely to avoid imperial aggressions and assure peace, not to attack anybody," he said Sunday.

If Venezuela becomes a regional military power, look for Chavez to try and extend the reach of his "movement" into neighboring countries.  Tremendous oil wealth coupled with a significant military capability relative to the region may make it difficult for some nations to say no to the gangster regime of Huge Chavez.  Think of Don Corleone making an offer that can't be refused.