Bolivia - From "La Paz" to "La Guerra?"

La Paz - the capital of Bolivia - is about four thousandmight have been a signal - it was a collared sweater.
kilometre above sea level. The President of thisShowing the cameras "this is only the beginning."
country, Morales, must have a good overview fromBolivia wants a change. And they may not at all be
this height. Still we all should wonder whether his visionwrong. Argentina - its' neighbouring country - sold its
point in a comfortable direction.petrol industry for a much too low price and it is wise
First his friends, the president of Venezuela - who isto learn from mistakes that others have made.
just reported amongst the hundred most influencingBut will Bolivia be able to stand up against the world,
people "who are shaping our world," according to Timeagainst the rules of finance and investment? The
( His other companion is Fidel Castro. He is not on theEuropean assembly wondered why this president
same list and that seems reasonable, because afterdidn't consult them before taking this extreme action.
more than forty years in Cuba his Time is ending.This could be interpreted as an impulsive and
Nationalizing the gas and oil companies - the issue thatunprepared operation. A step that is easily taken, but
is currently at stake - will leave this president with a lotdifficult to depart from to further negotiating steps.
more than two enemies. The companies were givenPresenting conflicts is easy, solving or preventing them
an ultimatum to increase the contributions with aboutand in the mean time negotiating a change is world
400 million dollar (if I'm not mistaken).class. Before showing up in the next Time 100 of most
Only a few months ago, when receiving hisinfluencing people, President Morales will find some
presidency, the world could observe the new presidentchallenges on his way.
of Bolivia wearing a sweater instead of a suit. That