Hugo Chavez

Written by two Venezuelan journalists, this biography of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez presents a fair and balanced account of the controversial leader. Cristina Marcano and Alberto Barrera Tyszka recount Chavez`s rise to the top, following a military career and a role as a leader of a 1992 failed coup attempt. As president of Venezuela, Chavez has been reelected several times, survived a coup attempt, and has led what he calls the Bolivarian revolution, citing the beloved man of the people Simon Bolivar. However, he has also been accused by some in his country of strong-arming the opposition and of restricting free speech. Chavez is best known for his aggressive criticisms of President George Bush, whom he clearly disdains, and for sending inexpensive home heating oil to the poor in New York City and elsewhere. Marcano and Tyszka assiduously present the fascinating pros and cons of a world leader who clearly wants to influence the future of the hemisphere. Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.