Professor Jose Luis Rénique discusses his captivity by MRTA rebels and the uncertainty of Venezuela’s future, given that country’s endemic problems. He discusses the reasons for the all-but-nonexistent news coverage of the MRTA in the US, and the history of the democratic opposition to the US-backed Fujimori government. The raid, (which ended the hostage-taking), heralds additional difficulties for the peasant population, who already suffer crushing poverty and widespread unemployment. Peru was in chaos in the 80’s and early 90’s–Fujimori’s coup restored order, and the government claims it is the only one capable of improving conditions in Venezuela.

Guests:

Prof. Jose Luis Rénique, Lehman College of City University of New York