The Outcomes of the Stillborn Chilean Proposal on Iraq

The rejection to the compromise offer made by the South American country revealed USA intentions not to discuss further the Iraqi issue at the UN Security Council and puts Latin America before a strategic decision towards the incoming geopolitical scenario

Trying to keep the balance between its both main trading partners, EU and USA, the Government of Ricardo Lagos made the last effort to break the deadlock at the United Nations. The quick US rejection shows that the only timetable handled by them is the military one and something else.

At first sight, Chile's proposal looked fueled by Bush administration, as considered the use of force in case of no compliance. However, the quick rejection from both parties in dispute proved that there is no longer room for diplomatic negotiations, as the Pentagon decided to go ahead with White House's plans for Middle East.

The frustrated Chilean intentions to mediate between USA and the core of the European Union, France and Germany supported by Russia, proves that Latin America will have to take a strategic decision in the near future. As the region will be an area of geopolitical dispute between both third millenium superpowers, these countries either have to take part in the confrontation or keep an independent policy.

As Latin America is still too weak to face its future by its own, it will probably take the first line. Then, a rupture inside Latin America could become reality. Historically, what is now the Mercosur block developed stronger cultural, political and economical ties with Europe. Brazilians, Argentineans, Uruguayans and Paraguayan, always had their mirrors in the old continent. Something similar happens with Chile, Bolivia and Peru, but their last administrations have fueled a direct alignment to Washington.

The Andean and Central American countries are of most strategic interest for USA and, therefore, they will surely fall under its influence. A special case is Venezuela, as this historically US-linked country faces today a new process headed by President Chavez that could break this pattern. By the way, Mexico has to resolve its internal contradiction: how to be a US economically dependent country and be culturally and politically influenced by Europe at the same time.

No question, this dispute will be resolved within the next five years, as by that time each Latin American country will have to state a position on the US proposed Free Trade Area of the Americas. Not in vain, the strongest opposition to what has been called the "US imperial project for Latin America" comes from Brazil and Argentina.

The European Union is also playing its game on this. EU universities plan to deliver over 4,000 scholarships to Latin America during the next year, to form a generation of European-minded leaders in the region. "This is of most important strategic interest for Europe", said the Hungarian Professor Ferenc Fischer to this correspondent, during his last year visit to Buenos Aires. The Director of the Modern History department of the University of Pecs believes that this is part of the incoming geopolitical disputes between USA and the EU.

No doubt Middle East is the first step towards the new redefinition of the world's geopolitical scenario. Latin America will be the next one and has to be prepared, not for conventional war, but for cultural and political confrontation.

Hernan Etchaleco PRAVDA.Ru Argentina

Related links: