There can be any number of reasons to arm a deranged dictator. In this case, new income and employment for a devastated arms industry is politically expedient for Putin and Medvedev. Since Venezuela is on the other side of the world, there’s not much to be concerned about in Moscow.

The missiles have a range of 300 kilometers. The weapons are a part of a series of arms deals with Moscow. Mr. Chavez made the announcement on Friday after returning from a ten-day tour of Africa, Asia and Europe and he insists the weapons are for defense only.

Mr. Chavez says the rockets will arrive in Venezuela soon and he says his country is not going to attack anybody with them. He says the weapons will help defend his country from any threat no matter where it comes from.  Venezuela is currently involved in a dispute with neighboring Colombia over that country’s agreement with the U.S. to allow American troops access to seven Colombia bases for anti-drug operations.

Moscow says it is willing to sell Venezuela whatever weapons it is willing to buy. Venezuela is currently negotiating the purchase of 100 T-72 and T-90 tanks from Russia. (VOA)

Share This