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In this article, the author details Chavez's control of the oil industry of Venezuela. Of particular interest is how Chavez utilized oil profits to support his own political campaign, and how state spending increased by 30% this year, subsidising food, housing, fuel and healthcare, all while oil production dropped to 2.5mb/d. This is indicative of the type of mismanagement and misappropriation that has been contributing to the decline of Venezuelan power in the Latin American sphere. Many are unsure of how much longer the "rob Peter to pay Paul" model can persist.

This article is an interesting update in Venezuelan politics. Chavez one another term with a decent majority proving that his socialist policies may be working for the majority of the population in Venezuela. His win could also be evidence of corruption in the government and election system. However I do not know enough about Venezuela to have any reason to believe that this is true. It will be interesting to see how the U.S. reacts to a continuing Chavez presidency.

Chavez is up for reelection, and the populations is inspired by his opponent, a former governor. If Chavez is defeated, this would have world-wide ramifications for the oil industry, but also make sweeping change in Venezuela. Though it could easily turn out to be the same as the recent Russian elections, plagued with fraud and a refusal to let go of power.

This article continues analysis of Latin America's potential as an economic and technological powerhouse of the future. Christopher Johnson writes, " As Europe attempts to cope with its financial crisis and Asia braces for the looming slowdown of China's economy, Latin America - in America's backyard - is witnessing an unprecedented expansion of its indigenous technology economy." Of course, the region is not without its problems: violence in Northern Mexico, lack of Brazilian infrastructure, and the attempts of Hugo Chavez in Venezuela to kindle anti-US sentiment, to name a few. However, the result of the diligence of a number of independent technological startups in countries such as Peru, Brazil, and Argentina give many hope that Latin America will become a significant player in the global marketplace sometime in the near future.

Venezuela will soon be holding Presidential elections. This is an interactive article which describes the two leading candidates, Henrique Capriles and Hugo Chavez (the incumbent), and their views on the important issues facing Venezuela.