You can say CAFTA went through, but what it revealed is that free trade is on life support, ... It barely squeezed through Congress and doesn't bode well for future deals.

He's got lots of money and clearly has grandiose schemes, seeing himself as an important global player. There is a reality to it. Oil is at record prices, and he's willing to spend both in Venezuela and in the region. But the question is, how much influence is he gaining

If he governs by really carrying out his agenda, which is quite a radical agenda, I think it's going to be very difficult for him.

Clearly in Latin America, things are not happening the way the United States would like to see them happen. And the question is: Will the US try to be more engaged and be supportive of the people who believe in the same thing as it does, or will it react to these trends as threats to the US, which could turn them into a self-fulfilling prophecy?

I haven't seen any indication of a willingness to tolerate Morales' positions, and you have to remember that eradicating coca is a core element of U.S. drug policy. This is where the passions are greatest, especially in Congress.

If Uribe's allowed to run he's in an extremely strong position, but it's not necessarily a foregone conclusion.

If the opposition parties are seen as not being constructive and blocking everything Morales tries to do that would not be in their own interests.

If Morales fully carries out his proposed agenda, the consequences would be likely to be quite problematic. His supporters may be happy, but Bolivia's economy would not be viable.

So far, it's a stage of exploration and posturing, and certainly could turn into something more serious. But it's very hard to predict right now.

The two countries are locked in a situation of mutual dependence at an economic level because of oil, while being locked in a massive clash, a lot of rhetoric.