By Fareed Zakaria, CNN
Last week saw the debut of a big new regional alliance. Thirty three countries came together to promote relations in the Americas. But, guess what – America itself (that is, the United States of America) was missing. And that was the point.
What in the World is going on?
To explain, let me tell you a bit more about the summit. It's called "CELAC" - a Spanish acronym for "the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States." It was held in Caracas, Venezuela, and the organizer was none other than that perennial America basher - President Hugo Chavez.
With great fanfare, Chavez proclaimed the summit to be the region's most important political event in more than a century - there would now be
complete "independence" from American interference.
Chavez made a point of hosting Cuba - a country he subsidizes, and one with which Washington has no formal relations. He also read out a letter of congratulations for creating the new regional bloc - the letter was from Hu Jintao, China's president.
Venezuela's attempts to irk Washington are not surprising. But don't expect too many countries to follow his lead. What the CELAC summit has really highlighted is how divided Latin America is. Haiti and Honduras have very little in common with Argentina and Brazil. Venezuela and Cuba have a completely different set of foreign policy goals from that of Mexico and Colombia.
There is little sense of a shared political or economic agenda. And, in any case, there already exists a number of regional groups. Brazil heads up the Union of South American Nations, or UNASUR. Then there's the OAS, or the Organization of American states. But that's led by Washington, and it excludes Cuba.
What struck me as odd though, is why the leaders of strong emerging markets like Brazil and Mexico are giving Mr. Chavez a platform to peddle his failed ideas - ideas that none of them are following. Remember, this is a man who has somehow managed to lead his oil-rich country to 30% inflation, a contracting economy and mass poverty – quite a feat.
Meanwhile, his neighbors have turned South America into a rising economic force. The continent grew by 6% last year, and is on course to grow by 5% this year. Its countries have low ratios of public debt and its growth is increasingly driven by the consumption of the millions of new South Americans entering the middle class.
These are the factors that give its leaders the confidence and swagger that you now see at regional summits. But there are worrying signs of speed bumps ahead. By some estimates, regional growth will slow to 3.2% in 2012. There are real challenges that have to be met - the region has high inflation, low labor productivity and still too many subsidies to various inefficient sectors of the economy.
The slowdown is best evidenced by the performance of its biggest star, Brazil. Last week it reported its economy actually contracted in the last quarter. One more such quarter and it enters a technical recession.
The good news is that Brazil has the means to come out of it. But to do that it needs to enact a new set of reforms, opening up its economy to boost productivity - in other words, to do the opposite of what Hugo Chavez's model represents. Perhaps that's why the presidents of Brazil and Argentina didn't stick around for a second day of the Chavez show. They took an early flight out.
For more of my thoughts throughout the week, I invite you to follow me on Facebook and Twitter and to visit the Global Public Square every day. Also, for more What in the World? pieces, click here.
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lol
On the other hand, USA has been so distant of Latin America, that I guess you don´t have any interest in the region. So why couldn´t we make a summit to solve our internal problems? I think that Latin America is a real "cultural union". We speak similar languages, and we have similar problems. United States and Canada are very different, you don´t understant and don´t need Latin America.
But Spanish is the second language spoken in the U.S. and Latin American influence is stronger in many parts of North America than the European one.
Chavez must learn from his mistakes of translating socialism into the 21st century. His generosity brought him much sympathy, yet he squanders the nation's wealth as if it were his personal fortune.
Forget Chavez. Venezuela is in a bad economical situation, and Chavez is practically dead. USA need to accept the independence of Latin America and you need to change your focus in your international relations. United States depends too much on imported oil, you need to solve this problem by yourselves, for instance, investing in green technology. The total amount of cash that Bush spent in Iraq could be used to develop revolutionary technologies... But you preferred the wars.
So you are saying we should better secure our borders for the sake of solving our "own" problems and secrutiy risks?
I mean, the problem of USA is not Chavez. You put yourselves in this situation, because you didn´t invest in new sources of energy. Even Brazil invested a lot in renewable sources and now we are exporting oil, instead of suffer with external governments.
And Americans, as a brazilian, I realize that you´ve been manipulated by the industry of weapon. They want you to be paranoid with security because this fear is they source of profit.
You mean Chavez problem is not US. US did not give the summit, Chavez did. US is too bust leaving a more secure Iraq. The arab spring would have been a better path for Iraq security. Fareed says Brazil is on track for a recession. Will you blame US too?
You didn´t understand. Brazil is not in a recession, it didn´t grow only in the last 3 months, but the economy is growing again, with the Christmas and New Year.
I mean: the two problems of USA are security and energy. And all your external enemies are always countries that have big reserves of oil. That´s the problem!!! You are in the hands of your enemies.
If Chavez wanted, he could cause a big energy crisis in USA. The same for the middle east. That´s why you need to invest in renewable sources, and not in wars.
Not growing, you will see. How will people react when they loose thier jobs in Brazil? What is Brazillian stance on the Arab Spring protests?
And Zakaria, saying that Brazil is in recession is sensationalism, don´t you think? Explain things right: Brazil didn´t grow, in the last 3 months, more than it have grown in the last year, but this year the economy will grow from 3.8% to 4%.
Brazilians don't give a damn to the middle east.
We export chicken to them. It will not destroy our economy.
I will think about your points. Fun discussion! Happy holidays!
You are right Jose. The more I read about South American history the more I get hurt by the interference in all these countries by foreign powers that have made themselves rich for coming many generations by the loot from there. Its easy to say- capitalism is the best and always works. But the western powers basically started capitalism with a bag full of loot. Now – as the money runs out they need to use other means ( puppet governments) to enrich themselves and impoversih the rest- South America has suffered most from this.
Also- the day it stops benefitting USA- the borders and illegal immigration will be made to stop and fences will be put overnight - believe me
You see: Obama came to Brazil, not to talk about trade, but to talk about "child abduction". This is nonsense. Don´t they realize the importance of Latin America? Brazil is as large as USA in population and area, and he came here to talk about "child abduction" and to visit "City of God" just because he saw it on a movie?! I mean, he´s treating Brazil as he would treat Cuba. You need to change the way you see the world and specially your neighbours.
This is the same of going to China thinking it is like North Korea, just because they are close...
So, about the drug cartels, is that considered legitimate business in Latin America? How can we be sure that drug cartel practices dont bleed into civilized industry? Scare tactics, murder, abductions ect.
Jose quote #1: You need to change the way you see the world and specially your neighbours.
Jose quote #2: Brazilians don't give a damn to the middle east.
You read to many blogs. The US is the 2nd largest spanish speaking country in the world. We dont prefer to fight these "wars" as you say, we'd rather BBQ and Party and be happy rather than fight, but as soon as we butt out of world affairs world wars break out and tyrants run rampant. I dont see China or Brazil promoting peace or Diplomacy. (or rest of South America for that fact) Be careful what you ask for you might just get it. You want the USA out of your business, men like me will be in govt soon, veterans of these wars who seen our brothers killed and maimed and we will be all to happy to wall ourselves off from the rest of the world and keep everyone else and your problems out!
I think South America should feel free to make a cultural union to solve its own problems. I also think the United States should feel free to shut its borders down and disallow illegal immigrants to subsidize South America's economies by exporting more money than our formal trade deficit. If South America wants to stand on its own, then keep your people home and stand on your own. I applaud your efforts to create economies not dependent on illegal immigrant money transfers.
Jal... Drug traffic is a CRIME everywhere in Latin America. The problem is that these "industry" is larger than we can realize. It starts with the consumption in Latin America, but also in Canada, USA, Europe etc... Then those people enter inside a weak country, full of jungle, such as Colombia. Before that, they start to sell it entering in poor communities (here in Latin America, such as the favelas in Brazil), and also in USA (such as the ghettos and decadent places). The final step is to wash money in some fiscal paradise, such as Sweden, and to support corrupt politicians (everywhere, includding in Europe and USA).
You see, DRUGS are the second most powerful industry of the world, after the industry of WEAPONS.
LOL... You are right about some things.
Cam Rankyn, that´s the point. You THINK that you´re causing this wars because of Democracy, but IN FACT, this wars are made to give profit to some groups that manipulate the American Congress through the lobbying.
Cam Rankyn, this is the point. You THINK that you´re causing this wars because of Democracy, but IN FACT, this wars are made to give profit to some groups that manipulate the American Congress through the lobbying.
celac sounds like a disease. the guy is a moron.
Mexico created the CELAC a year ago; the first summit was in Cancun. This year, Hugo Chavez hosted the summit but that doesn't mean he's behind this organization. Besides, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and other countries will shape its direction; it's not Venezuela's instrument. This article is so misleading in that sense.
Typical U.S. skewing of Chavez and his power. Chavez has been misrepresented in U.S. media for years, both who he is and how powerful he is.
Chavez hosted the show – 33 presidents arrived – Even Santos! – but Obama wasn't invited – poor fellow USA!
If Gadaffi had not been shot in the head a few weeks ago he may have also attended and brought with him the replica of Simon Bolivar's sword he received from Chavez for bringing peace and prosperity to the people of Libya.
Canada was also excluded.
A very good post. Yes, it makes sense to leave the 2 developed countries out and have a group of spanish speaking developing nations only.
One thing about Canada though- it does not suffer from culture of narcissism like us- we get offended by very small insignificant things!!
Thanks for pointing that out.
sorry- brazil is not spanish speaking- but shares the same developing status and the same regional and economical ties
maybe in the long run it serves US interest as the organization could potentially "socialize" and thereby moderate the states with somewhat radical worldview. who knows.
chavez is crack.....
You have to keep in mind Zakaria that Chavez also has support from the leaders of Bolivia, Ecuador and Nicaragua, most of whom are well known for having severe hostility to the United States. It's not just propoganda talk that keeps electing these people, the U.S.'s history with Latin America when it come to it's national security of preventing communism has inavertendly inflamed the anti-american sentiment among many latin american people who were alive around the time dictators like Pinochet slaughtered it's citizens and cushioned themselves with America thanks to Operation Condor and the United States Army School of he Americas.
Wow! I am seeing a arab spring domino affect tbroughout the world. I think that the Ideology for the white man of being superior has been equalized by economics. WE NOWADAYS HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER AS TRADERS DID IN THE BEGINNING OF CIVILIZATION. FORGET POWER TRADE, TO SUSTAIN THE WELFARE OF ALL COUNTRIES.
Mr Chavez is communist wanna be dont you know that. human right abuser if Chavez be the Democracy present he can be only 12 years the most . if he can take his country to the sociolistm he can be forever stay in power . That is what i think
I suppose it is what you think; however, could you say it in English so that we understand your contribution? Thanks.
Chavez wants to expand his dictatorship, with the help of Iran, and NK, to take over most of the southern hemisphere, or at the very least, to create opposition to the US, in the southern hemisphere.
That's what dictators do.
Rick,
having no deep relations with both the American Continents – I have studied the issue of Chavez deeply with no emotions but just logic invested in my readings. If you look at it from the perspective of a poor downtrodden man who has been used by a capitalistic system based on remnants of colonisation- (where a lucky few took over when the imperial powers left and used their resources and education and money to keep others poor) – Chavez is a hero and makes sense.
Yes the rich are now somewhat poorer in that country but the very poor are somewhat richer- and its OK!! I made it in this world because my parents had the money to feed, educate, clothe me and send me for activities/sports. Not everyone who is rich deserves to be that- it has a lot to do with starting capital..........Chavez is giving the very poor a chance to rise.
You care too much about "democracy outside USA". But think about what is occuring in your own country. In my opinion, a REAL democracy cares about the health, education, environment... of their OWN people.
In USA it seems that the only concerns are war and oil. This is not a characteristic of a democracy. This is a characteristic of a military dictatorship.
Sorry to say, but that´s my impression, as a Latin American.
Well said, Jose. In fact, the MIC(military-industrial-complex) is running things in Washington these days!
I agree, the United States citizens need to worry more about what is going on in our own country. The military-industrial complex is pulling $1 trillion per year for "defense" and won't even shut our borders down to illegal immigration. It is possible to shut it down.
Such is to be expected from someone like you Rick, with your obvious limitations. I myself admire Hugo Chavez very much as he did a lot for Venezuela.
Care to give us a link to any of these acomplishments of Chavez's government that isn't hosted on a pro Chavez website?
Not everything in this world needs to be judged as- how will the USA benefit from this? I think that a strong and vibrant South America can live alongside USA without any harm or benefit to us. Infact it will be better for our security.
Yes, oil will become more expensive and so will imports- but USA cannot hope to keep the world hungry so that we can buy cheap goods and labor from it.
I love South America and I want it to prosper and its people (especially natives) to be free and rich!
In spite of all the right-wing bla-bla-bla going aroud, Hugo Chavez is a very good man who is not afraid to stand up to the right-wing thugs in Washington. The world sorely needs more people like him instead of all these Washington-loving wimps like those currently runnig Europe!!!
I don't think you understand Latin America or Latin Americans. Simply dismissing Chavez is not good analysis. You also fail to mention that pro American conservative politicians have been leading Venezuela for the best part of the post war period. They didn't do much, if anything at all, to improve the lives of ordinary Venezuelans. Latin American cooperation and dialogue is a great thing for those nations. Fareed, you are peddling this sort of divide and conquer mentality. As if Haiti and Brazil have little in common. So you're suggesting that they shouldn't meet in a regional forum? That's just ridiculous! Just shows your ignorance. Why can't Latin America have shared economic agenda? This goes completely against the ideals of free trade and regional development. I think the question has to be: What is your agenda? You want to have a cry about the Latin Americans ignoring the U.S. that's your business. But given the U.S. track record in Latin America, it's hardly surprising that they'd want to do things on their own terms and not be dictated to as was the case in their very recent past.
And Fareed, you cried that the USA was not included, but no mention at all of Canada's absense. This US-centric bias in the American media is simply distorting the facts. Perhaps they wanted a regional summit of countries that share similar cultures and economic problems. Did that ever occur to you. Perhaps they wanted to drive their own destinies without the meddling of the U.S. Why should the U.S. be invited to the summit? This analysis is ridiculous.
U.S. based media is inclined to be, well, U.S. centric. I'm sure Venezuela-based media is Venezuela-centric.
Canada was excluded too, and USA has a huge population of Spanish speaking citizens. Bazil doesn't speak spanish and neither do some Caribbean nations (I'm Jamaican myself).
Guess Chavez didn't think of that.
Actually, Venezuela and Jamaica have been strengthening their diplomatic and economic relations over the last few years, and CELAC, is not a organization whose basis of unity is the Spanish language, the basis of unity is those nations in the Caribbean and Latin America, which is why your country, like the rest of the nations throughout the Americas, with tongues as diverse as English, Spanish, French, Patoi, and Indigenous languages attended.
Aside from the ill-informed inference about the early departure of the presidents of Brazil and Argentina [the latter of whom is a close ally of Chavez], the failure to note changes happening in Bolivia and Ecuador [major supporters of CELAC and UNASUR, which does not compete with the former], the recent decisions in Uruguay which give the green light to the Bank of the South [one of Chavez's pet projects], your lack of depth on the subject [shall we say ignorance?] is revealed by the comment about mass poverty, which has been significantly reduced in a country once a disgrace in this respect despite oil wealth. Check out the data–including that of the UN.
Great post Mike. Fareed Zakaria is a freaking idiot! There's no doubt that he's simply toeing the line on the tired old agenda of bashing Chavez and Cuba. As if inflation and poverty were problems that Chavez created. As if they didn't exist under the regime's of the pro-American leaders of Venezuela. Fareed is nothing but a stupid clown.
Care to give us an independent link to any of these acomplishments of Chavez's government that isn't hosted on a pro Chavez website?
You seem to imply there is nothing worthwhile in the Chavez government., and its based on an assumption that any website, scholar, or international organization that recognizes even one positive aspect of Chavez' government, will be branded as "pro-Chavez' and thereby unreliable.
Can it be said, that those sources that continually bash Chavez, are just anti-Chavez and therefore unreliable as well?
He certainly hasn't done any worse than his pro American predecessors. Plus he has had to deal with propaganda in the West
I mean an independent international website that is neither financed by the government or hosted by a group who has an interest in promoting it (for example, a Cuban newspaper wouldn't qualify)
You presume there is an independent source for information that 1) knows anything about it; or 2) has no ax to grind.
Mr. Zakaria seems to have missed the last speeches by Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Obama, declaring that the US should focus on Asia and the Pacific or, in other words, it should distant itself from Latin America. What should our countries do? Wait patiently for the return of US investments, partnerships and support? Or try and find our own way to grow, integrate our economies and provide wellfare to our populations. Chávez is fighting illiteracy, making a democractic government, with more than 60% approval from venezuelan citizens. How is Mr. Obama's popularity right now? oh, I see...
Brazil is not entering a recession, this is a pretty stupid thing to say, not to mention write about. we are growing at 3.8 to 4% in 2011, maybe less, because of the crisis in Europe and the US. We don't need to open up our economy. we are doing very well, thank you. On the other hand, the US and Europe should regulate their finances and banks a little bit better, instead of exporting jobs
Please check your facts, your numbers and leave your agenda out of your analysis.
I think South America should clean its own house... and keep its citizens home. Illegal immigrants from south of the U.S. border send an amount equal to the entire U.S. Trade Deficit back to South America. It is a serious drain on the U.S. economy. Please take care of some of your own problems and stop draining the United States for money to keep your failing governments stable. Illegals: go home and take care of your own governments, we have enough on our hands to deal with our own corrupt government.
The president of Mexico confirmed his attendance only hours before the CELAC meeting began and right after Chavez signed an agreement with Cemex to pay $1 Billion in compensation.
Zakaria wonders why 33 nations, with different political, economic and foreign policy interests have embraced a new Latin American and Caribbean organization with Chavez–and Zakaria is not alone, there are various articles comparing the failures of CELAC against the OAS–which incredible since the former has only begun-but it reveals a fundamental failure of understanding of the strong unity that Latin America and Caribbean share–not only that, Zakaria also wonders why countries like Honduras, Colombia, Haiti are attending CELAC despite completely different systems–which is analysis that fails to comprehend that its about affirming independence and sovereignty,while upholding those areas that nations of the Americas can collective agree upon.
Does it have to be so obvious that yoy are so partialized? can we receive for once objective information from you?
No human being is impartial. Not happening. If you want reports on your "side," read your own news.
That meeting was "merely playing to the gallery", a show of financial prowess by the Host Country over the ever increasingly impprovished countries looking up to Hugo Chavez for financial sustenance.
They will face off against that great threat to latinos, unpicked crops and unraked lawns
Make all the fun you want, but latinos export an amount equal to our entire (massive) trade deficit to countries south of our border. It is a severe drain on the U.S. economy.
I always find it amazing that a political commentator like Fareed proclaims with total certainty what steps a giant like Brazil should take to grow their economy. This while the US at best achieves anemic growth and Europe is plunging into a recession or worse. Caramba, Fareed, if it is so simple, how come the US and the Europeans are failing so miserably at it?
This is happening, like elsewhere in Asia and emerging countries – where FTAs continue to flourish. Because the entire world is wary about USA's financial being stucked forever in a sinkhole.
The years ahead would see America becoming less prominent in global politics. Unless the US Government recovers quickly from being so broke! But, there is precious little any aspiring President can do about it especially if a partisan Congress continues to be in control.
This article was written by a kid to show teacher that he can spell and write. This article is the pits.....
1. There is no similarity between countries. These are different countries. How similar is Germany to Spain, Greece, Ireland etc in the ECM. How similar is The Harlem to Hollywood (located in just one country) How similar is Alabama to Sanfrancisco, how similar is new York to LA. How similar are their civil rights laws re gays and lesbians, death penalty etc. Dear Author, stop writing for a while, you have been utterly prolific in the past few weeks, cut down on the garbage and do not exploit conventional wisdom for a bigger paycheque.
Thanks CNN and Fareed for letting us to enjoy the full version of GPS Video again. This is something very meaningful and important for me personally.
Chavez looks more like a blowup baloon for a parade. Evidently his days are numbered and his cancer drugs are working against him not for him. CELAC is a bust and won't last long at all. Chavez is trying to inflate his ego to match his body which is telling on him because he is just full of hot air. (Air he couldn't pass out his rear end due to constipation.)
He's another nasty dictator who needs to be thrown out of power, for the benefits of the Venezuelan people.
He is an elected President.
I like the GPS to a certain extent, it covers some interesting and challenging domestic and international issues. But when Zakaria has only negatives to speak about Chavez, then I question such a motive. I wonder if Fareed believes he's telling all the truths here, or he's only high lighting what he thinks "some group" of people want to hear?
This fella is not a journalist. His view does not matter, but the views of the entire southern America and the world at large do matter. Poor soul has to lose his soul to do justice to his pay check. Shame !
Take a bunch of people from Iraq and put them in a room. They all scream and cry. One side cries for money; the other screams louder. Crying for money is good. Taking a look at the other side; one part is screaming for self lifestyles and money. The lifestyles are for themselves not others. This is good. Another part is screaming for lifestyles for everybody; if everyone can still scream, they will stand out. This is also good. The remaining part is also screaming for lifestyles and money; but is also screaming for power with the true goal of power not lifestyles or money. You see this problem in Pakistan; it might show up in Egypt. The more public influence; the greater the ones with the goal of power will get.
Farid is wandering. Instead of explaining how Chavez succeeded in holding this summit, he is trying to convince Brazil not to cooperate with Chavez. Farid that ship has already sailed.
No problem. We'll be back when Ron Paul is elected and the revolution and reinvention of the US takes place.
As a Venezuelan citizen living in Caracas, one of the most dangerous cities in the world, I have to say that the summit was just another attempt from the president to play the role of the "unifier hero of latin america", but once you hear his speech is just more of the same anti-imperialism (anti-USA). The whole point of not including USA and Canada is to be independant from them and promote the economy between the 33 countries, however, the economic situation in Venezuela is far from good, the government's polcies have shown no results, instead we keep sinking more and more everyday, how are we suppose to help each other if we can't even solve our own internal problems? I believe the summit was a total waste of money and time and as Zakaria said, a Hugo Chavez Show.
I agree with everything, but I didn't like the phrase: " guess what – America itself (that is, the United States of America) was missing."... I hate when people refer to the United States as a America... America is much more than the United States...
People think that Hugo Chavez was standing the Manger scene as a form of self idealism. He wasn't. Hugo Chavez was making a point that he is the childrens protector in Venezuala. He is saying that drug dealers and slave traders who come looking to take away Venezuala's children are going to have to get through him first. Hugo is putting himself personally between the evil of Venezuala and the Children of Venezuala as their protector.
Dictators, wackos, caudillos and some other examples of our fauna come and go. Chavez is another example of a leader mentally deranged problems dreaming about deceased politics that he calls "Socialism of the XXI Century". Just go to Venezuela but I will advise you not to walk in Caracas at night. Venezuela has one the highest criminal indexes in Latin America albeit the already mentioned 30% inflation rate. Those who want to know more about Chavez just check in You Tube "Chavez y la diarrea", is all in Spanish, but at least you will laugh at his ramblings and stupid comments.
Manny, United States sponsored the Condor Operation, a military effort to introduce all the Latin American dictatorships. In Brazil, the presidents Cardoso, Lula and Dilma were victims of the concentration camps created by this operation. You created the motto: "America for Americans", and the "Big Stick"... Your history represents to Latin America a symbol of tyranny. That´s why we don´t believe in your speechs of "democracy".
Its unfortunate that there are so many ignorant people here in the US who have a capacity to influence the world for good but just have not woken up and heard about the lies they are being fed. Thank you for explaining to Manny about Operation Condor.
How is it that the majority of the Americas get prescribed as "Latin America" and USA (which is only a fraction of the Americas) get to be purely America? This notion that "Latin America" is somehow a secondary portion of the Americas is demonstrated by many, even "Latin" Americans, and in this article. The US wasn't present, but America WAS present; the fact that you don't consider the rest of America as American is another issue (and a deeper one, frankly). Viva America!
Nonsense that gets repeated too often does not become the truth. United States of America is too long to say. United States of Americans routinely shorten EVERYTHING... and commonly say U.S. or America. It means nothing about the rest of the continent of North America or the continent of South America.
Chavez es la boca grande. What did the Spanish king tell him to do a while back at the last Latin American conference? He didn't listen then, and he won't listen now. Kim Jong Il is dead, so who's next, Señor Chavez? It can happen to you!
Death happens to everyone.
Dearest Fareed,
I wish you would change the thumbnail for your "The Hugo Chaves Show" piece. Myself being a Brazilian, it hurts to see my beautiful flag right behind him. Educated people will know Mr. Chaves has little to do with Brazil, but we can't tell what subconscious effect that visual association would produce.
Your Number One Brazilian Fan
CNN is always doing this kind of thing. And they go beyond it.
They offend Brazilians with pictures of BANANAS and WASTE DEPOSITS, everytime they speak about our country. That´s a huge demonstration of bias.
In short: CNN means VANDALISM.
The fact that 33 nations showed up demonstrates that they are sticking it up to the USA. And of course a nervous Fareed Zakaria tries his very best to put a dampener on this party by salaciously bad-mouthing it by any means. Speaks volumes of the kind of journalism that CNN has these days.
Its about time the Americas start coming to a consensus that benefits them and not the US. So much subversion and theft has happened in that region in the last one hundred years by US. I already see the eye of sauron instigating the petroleum rich countries in the America's; they better start thinking of building deterrents before we invade in the name of Democracy.