Good Friends

During an April meeting of leaders from various countries in the Americas, President Barack Obama warmly, and very visibly, shook the hand of Hugo Chavez, Venezuela's supremo for life, or for as long as he wants to be.

Chavez gave Obama a book of anti-U.S. rants.

The White House cautioned the administration did not expect gestures such as handshakes to change Chavez's hostile attitudes and behavior. Nevertheless, critics argued that the high-profile nature of the Obama-Chavez exchange elevated Chavez's international image.

After Iran's disputed election, Chavez reportedly was the first foreign leader to call to congratulate Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. "The victory of Dr. Ahmadinejad in the recent election is a win for all people in the world and free nations against global arrogance," the Venezuelan said.

According to an iron law of diplomacy, countries have interests, not friends. And it is in America's interest to keep the likes of Chavez at arm's length.