Venezuelan mess

What kind of statement is this? Venezuela's Chavez says that Venezuelan air force bases are at the service of Russia if they need a stopover for their long-range bombers. Uh, thanks? Was there an event that sparked the comment, or is it a non-sequitor?

Chavez is also nationalizing 60 oil-service firms, possibly leaving 22,000 jobless. Not to mention, now, coffee plants.

They're also considering a law to imprison journalists who publish materials "harmful" to state stability, saying it's necessary to "regulate the freedom of expression." This comes at a time when Venezuela has shut down 34 media outlets.

And in case you were still wondering, despite what Chavez says, Venezuelan officials (which are all of Chavez's party until very recently) are still helping Colombian rebels.