Bolivia picks first US ambassador in 11 years

[sandensea]

8. Absolutely, Judi. Race is an extremely contentious issue wherever one goes in Latin America.

Wall Street and Cheeto's neo-cons understand this all too well - and knew that, in a country where the military is still mestizo/white dominated, using Morales' ethnicity as a wedge was the best bet to get them to turn against him.

I don't doubt he made some mistakes as well, and that after 13 years of success he might have become a little complacent - but there's no doubt about it: his very indigenous heritage was what ultimately made it impossible for him to assert control over the military and police.

Here's hoping Morales' MAS or an ally can win - or, I should say, be allowed to win - the next elections, which Áñez reluctantly agreed to thanks to skilled negotiations on the part of MAS lawmakers (who still have a majority in both houses).

Somehow I doubt the MAS will be allowed to win though. Wall Street don't like'em - and that seems to count for more than any amount of popular support it seems.