Taking lesson from Iraq, Venezuela prepares for military confrontation with America after solving differences with Colombia
Prem Sagar, Special Correspondent
January 31, 2005

Iraq provides a lot of lesson for a lot of countries.

Venezuela promptly solved all its differences with Colombia. They do not like to make the same mistake Saddam did with Kuwait. Chavez of Venezuela learnt he really couldn’t afford to irritate the Asians, the Europeans and the Central and South Americans. 

According to Venezuelan army Gen. Melvin Lopez Hidalgo, secretary of the National Defense Council, the armed forces (FAN) military doctrine is changing rapidly to prepare for asymmetrical war with America. According to General Lopez, Venezuela does not see Colombia as the main threat any more. 

It is United States that is perceived by Venezuela as the main threat. The doctrine calls for the creation of national reservist and civil defense forces to join the FAN in waging an asymmetrical war. The doctrine also includes a “social intelligence” civilian network that would include "taxi drivers, border residents, peasants, public sector workers and company employees,” he said.

Venezuela is arming its common citizens with arms and techniques to fight a covert war. They learnt from Iraq that they could never face America in the battleground. But their war will start after the fast and decisive apparent defeat with America if ever that situation arises. 

In the mean time the governments of Colombia and Venezuela have issued joint statements declaring that their month-old bilateral crisis is over. That is a shrewd move from Chavez says some international think tanks. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and Colombian President Alvaro Uribe Velez will meet in Caracas on Feb. 3 to personally clarify any remaining issues.

According to Venezuela, the best defense is to carry world opinion in her favor. It is also important for Venezuela to have strategic relations with countries like China, Russia, Brazil and India who have the reason to come to Venezuela’s aid. 

On an official visit to Venezuela on Jan. 29, Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong signed a series of 19 agreements with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez that promote bilateral cooperation on oil and gas, agriculture and technology. Venezuela expects trade with China to total $3 billion in 2005. 

Again Chavez has become a major source of energy for China the arc rival of America and one of the permanent members of the Security Council. Brazil, India and Russia are equally important.