Center for Security Policy calls for Venezuela component of Bush Doctrine

"The new U.S. arms embargo against the extremist regime in Venezuela should have implications beyond South America. Though intended to protect democracies in the region, the embargo should be used to convince our allies that there is a price to be paid for actions that willfully undermine American security interests."

So says the Center for Security Policy in its latest Decision Brief titled, "Venezuela Arms Embargo Should Be Part of Bush Doctrine."

The Center argues that the US should make its wartime policies more consistent, and require its foreign military suppliers to decide whether they are with us or against us:

"The U.S. is accustomed to the self-serving actions of some of our friends abroad. But there is growing resentment among American taxpayers when they are asked to pay for products from companies of countries that actively undermine U.S. interests. The Bush Administration has made it clear that we have compelling interests in stopping the arms build-up in Venezuela. Congress should step in to make sure that our allies understand the message. When it comes to buying planes from supposed allies like Spain, Congress should just say no."