I’d be willing to wager that this is the first time Syrians see an orangutan, and no doubt they have never before seen one wearing a suit.
This planet will be a better place when people such as Hugo Chavez are no longer in a position of power over “their” people. TGO
Refer to story below. Source: Associated Press
DAMASCUS, Syria – Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez met with his Syrian counterpart Thursday on the Mideast leg of an international tour partly intended to counter what he calls U.S. “imperialism.”
Chavez flew in Wednesday from Tehran, where he and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said they are united in efforts to establish a “new world order” that will eliminate Western dominance over global affairs.
The trip underscores Washington’s battle for influence in Syria, which is under U.S. sanctions because the State Department considers it a sponsor of terrorism. The U.S. also accuses Syria of secret nuclear activities, which Damascus denies.
President Barack Obama has tried — unsuccessfully, so far — to pry Damascus away from its alliance with Iran and the militant groups Hezbollah and Hamas. Obama has made repeated overtures to Damascus this year, including nominating the first U.S. ambassador to Syria since 2005 and sending top diplomats to meet with President Bashar Assad.
Despite U.S. efforts, Syria has only strengthened ties with outspoken critics of Washington, such as Venezuela.
Still, Syria stands to gain from improved ties with Washington, which could boost the country’s struggling economy and end the sanctions. Sine he rose to office in 2000, Assad has begun to dismantle his late father’s socialist legacy. He loosened the reins on banking, sought to attract foreign investment and encouraged tourism and private education.
He also is hoping for U.S. mediation in direct peace talks with Israel — a recognition that he needs Washington’s help to reach his goal of winning the return of the Golan Heights, seized by Israel in the 1967 Mideast war.
Before making stops in the Middle East, Chavez traveled to Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. He is due to travel next to Libya and Portugal.
