Nicaragua's President Ortega: The Balancing Act After One Year


 

Publication Date: January 2008

Publisher: Heritage Foundation (Washington, D.C.)

Author(s): James M. Roberts

Research Area: Government

Keywords: Latin American; ALBA; Sandinistas; FSLN

Type: Report

Coverage: Nicaragua

Abstract:

Daniel Ortega has appeared to support capitalism, DR-CAFTA, and relations with the U.S. while seeking support and cash from world troublemakers like Iran's Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Venezuela's Hugo Chávez, and Libya's Muammar Qadhafi. The U.S. should monitor Ortega, work to expand Nicaraguan democratic and free-market institutions, and be prepared to act promptly if Ortega moves closer to Venezuela and Iran.