#3 This is a surprisingly good omen, in many ways. First, it pretty fully exposes Hugo as all bluff and caught off guard by these events - hence his weird reliance on US diplomacy.
Second, it gives POTUS the perfect opportunity to use the singular skill he has displayed in abundance - namely the ability to charismatically persuade the world of a point, while doing nothing or the opposite as far as actions are involved - hence, Honduras gets to bumble along until the elections while time muddles the past and soothes passions.
Third, it ultimately puts Hugo, the Castros and others in an election box by spotlighting the distinctions between elections and referenda, and how leaders become tyrants, if unchecked.
It will be impressive if we (as in D. of State, probably done well before the current POTUS) have contingencies to move elsewhere as needed - namely look to Bolivia and Ecuador as Hugo wannabes. Also, see if and how Brazil reacts and if it continues to "grow" as the first real latin power (which must just PO the Argentines no end, but what are they gonna do?)
Opportunities galore, all thanks to wee Honduras. |