Much has been made of the civilitites between Chavez and Castro. Hugo's detractors point to the relationship as a clear indication that Venezuela will turn into a Cuban style dictatorship if it remains under the control of Hugo Chavez. But, is this really the case?

First of all, it is true that Chavez has a great deal of respect for Castro. The two have much in common. Both have replaced corrupt regimes that allowed the vast majority of the wealth and land to be owned by a few elites. Both, have rebelled against allowing foreigners take the lion's share of profits from the resources of the land. And, both have been the target of failed attempts by US operatives to overthrow their government. Therefore, it isn't that much of a surprise that the two share a bond.

While Castro is not perfect, there are many things to be admired about him. He brought homes, education, employment and health care to the people of Cuba - something that the majority had done without during Batista's time. He is one of the only leaders in the world to resist the US administration's will - time and time again.

There is also the trade relationship that the two nations enjoy - oil for doctors. It is of great benefit to both nations.

The two of them have also partnered to extend their own brand of philanthropy to Latin America by sending out roving bands of doctors and opthamologists to perform free services all across Latin America. They are also supplying oil at discounted prices to Latin America's poor areas, and encouraging free trade agreements that will help equalize things between the nations.

But, there is one bond that very few people are aware of - the bond that is probably the strongest of all.

Moments before Chavez was captured during the coup, Castro was on the phone with him, telling him not to do what Allende did, and reassuring him that he would get through it.

When Chavez was ousted from office, the news media told the world that he had resigned under pressure - when in fact he had been kidnapped. Support for Chavez was fading as people thought he had given up on them, and a new government had seized control. It was Castro, along with Chavez's daughter who let the military and the loyalists know that Chavez did not resign - and let the world know that he had been taken against his will. Shortly after that people took to the streets to demand his release - and restore him to power.

In his darkest moment, Castro was his only ally - and it was Castro that is responsible for ensuring that Chavez was rightfully returned as the democratically elected leader of Venezuela. Meanwhile, the United States did nothing for Chavez, and in fact - they even recognized the coup leaders as the rightful rulers of Venezuela. Ironically, it was Castro who was the only champion of democracy on that day.

Castro and Che were a great pair, but now a new chapter is being written in the liberation of Latin American peoples with Chavez and Castro.

Learn more about this author, Adam Greenwood.
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