Venezuela's Unclenched Fist? Extended Hand?

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Now, before I write, I must state that Jamaica and Venezuela have always had excellent relations. Venezuela is Venezuela. Jamaica is Jamaica. Venezuela does not ask Jamaica to be Venezuela; Jamaica does not ask Venezuela to be Jamaica.

However, Venezuela and the US....well, let's say they have not been the best of friends in recent years.

So, do you remember President Obama's inaugural speech? Remember this line: "...but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist." Full Text of Speech.

By and large, Americans (to be clear, not Jamaicans) would describe Venezuela as having a "clenched fist" with respect to their bilateral relations. By and large, the IOCs would subscribe to a similar view with respect to their relations with Venezuela

Well, have you been following Venezuela's extending hand? Have you been following the news out of Venezuela?

First, it was reported that President Chavez is willing to talk to the IOCs (International Oil Companies) again. See International Herald Tribue article here: Chavez reopens oil bids to West as prices plunge

Now it's reported that he's ready to talk to President Obama "any day". See article in the NY Times: Chavez reaches out to Obama ahead of vote

Whatever the motivation, willingness to dialogue is always preferable to hostility.

Whatever the motivation, whenever oil rich countries are the ones willing to talk, the world generally benefits.

Let's hope that the US and Venezuela do talk, can find some middle ground of civilized discourse - at minimum. The world will be better off for it.

If they agree to cooperate, that would be a milestone worth celebrating!