Where we succeeded:
- The issue of democracy was one of the top agenda items on the table.
- Democracy will remain a top point at the next meeting.
- Nearly every country understands the need to reform the OAS.
- The need for reform was emphasized by Bolivia's collapse (a Pyrrhic victory)
- The importance of civil society was recognized, even if no greater access was granted.
- Secretary Rice, on message.
- The OAS Secretary-General now has slightly expanded powers to bring issues to the floor.
- The US proposal for an "early warning" committee at which civil society groups can testify was defeated.
- The media portrayed the meeting as a huge defeat of the US, and worse, a victory for Chavez. I would say it was a draw, but that's not how any media outside of the Miami Herald and a few conservative Latin American papers portrayed it.
- Bolivia collapsed politically. While it showed the OAS was impotent, it wasn't worth the price being paid by Bolivians.
- Venezuela dragged the US off message on Bolivia. Our little scuffle did nothing but strengthen Chavez.
- Nicaragua's internal political problems received little attention in spite of a request by the president (however, Insulza will be headed there soon).
- Virtually no movement on Haiti. (within the OAS framework, some movement on the US side).
- How did the meetings behind the scenes go?
- Will the OAS be able to handle the responsibility if China forces the UN out of Haiti?
- Free trade and economics? Lots of talk, but no movement in any direction from what I've seen.
- President Bush's speech? It was a good speech and I think most Latin Americans saw it as better than expected. However, he only gave a 13 minute speech when a 50 minute speech was scheduled. That's actually a perfect metaphor for the US's entire Latin America policy.
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