James Clapper holds a very important position in the USG, as such he presented a report that mentions our beloved country and how current government is perceived. An initial paragraph with a link to his office; an ABC paragraph on the broad issue with its link, and finally the part of the document itself:
The Honorable James R. Clapper, Jr. was sworn in as the fourth Director of National Intelligence (DNI) on August 9, 2010. As DNI, Mr. Clapper leads the United States Intelligence Community and serves as the principal intelligence advisor to the President.
http://www.dni.gov/clapper_bio.htm
The man in charge of all of America’s intelligence gathering testified today before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence for the annual Worldwide Threat Assessment. The following are excerpts from National Director of Intelligence James Clapper’s prepared remarks as provided to ABC News.
http://news.yahoo.com/u-intel-head-james-clapper-greatest-threats-2012-152537144–abc-news.html
US INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY WORLDWIDE THREAT ASSESSMENT STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD JANUARY 31, 2012
STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD
…
Latin America and the Caribbean
Regional Dynamics
Latin America is making progress in sustaining economic growth and deepening democratic principles. Weathering some of the worst effects of the global recession, Chile, Peru, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Panama have earned investment-grade status. Competitive, democratic elections are increasingly the standard in most of the region. However, populist, authoritarian leaders in Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Nicaragua are undercutting representative democracy and consolidating power in their executives.
The drug threat to the United States also emanates primarily from the Western Hemisphere, where rising drug violence and corruption are undermining stability and the rule of law in some countries. The majority of US-consumed drugs are produced in Mexico, Colombia, Canada, and the United States. The drug trade also contributes to the fact that Central American governments, especially Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala, are coping with some of the highest violent crime and homicide rates in the world. In addition, weak institutions and corrupt officials in these countries have fostered a permissive environment for gang and criminal activity to thrive.
Efforts to shape effective regional integration organizations continue with uneven results. In December 2011, Caracas hosted the inaugural Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) summit, excluding the United States and Canada. The Venezuela-led Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas (ALBA)—created in part to spread Chavez‟s influence in the region—is only muddling through. The Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) has attempted to take on some multilateral issues, provide a forum to coordinate positions, and calm regional tensions. Nonetheless, enthusiasm for UNASUR likely will outpace the institution‟s ability to develop specialized capabilities and programs.
Latin America increasingly has accommodated outside actors seeking to establish or deepen relations, at times to attenuate US influence. Ties with Tehran offer some regional governments a means of staking an independent position on Iran—thereby mitigating its isolation—while also attempting to extract Iranian financial aid and investment for economic and social projects. Russia has established political and trade relations with most countries in the region. China has dramatically increased its economic outreach to Latin America, and during the last few years has become the largest trade partner to several of the region‟s larger economies, including Brazil, Chile, and Peru.
For the full report, please use the link below:
http://www.hacer.org/pdf/ClapperTestimony.pdf
Current Bolivian president said today that the “authoritarian” label doesn’t bother him; however, it DOES BOTHER me and all other Bolivians who despises anyone who undercuts representative democracy and tries to consolidate power ad perpetuam.
It is a serious message to be viewed as part of a sorry group of individuals who are seeking ties with Iran…
Bolivian Thoughts | Pensamientos Bolivianos (Bilingual/Bilingüe) 