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Chavez -- awash in American petro-dollars -- has not only sought closer relations with Tehran and Beijing -- but is now actively supporting the cause of any anti-U.S. movement he can find in the southern hemisphere -- not a tough task in a region where 61 percent of the people harbor anti-American sentiment. In Nicaragua, Chavez has found a kindred spirit in ousted Marxist dictator, Daniel Ortega. If the well-oiled Chavez money machine isn't deterred, Caracas could well buy the next president in Managua. If that happens, expect the tsunami of economic and political refugees across our southern border to continue rising.

The "Chavez problem," the Morales promise to promote cocoa harvesting, the growing Iranian and Chinese influence to our south, the potential collapse of democracy and free enterprise in Central America -- all argue for immediate attention from Washington's distracted policy makers. None of these conditions are intractable -- yet. By far, the easiest "fix" is to focus on the upcoming elections in Nicaragua -- and help the real forces for democracy to flourish in the elections this fall. It could prove to be the first step in reversing a decade-long decline in U.S. influence -- and help prevent the "next crisis" from overwhelming our southern border.

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COPYRIGHT 2005 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC.

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Note -- The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, views, and/or philosophy of GOPUSA.

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