Colombia, Venezuela: Another Round of Diplomatic Furor

A recent diplomatic flare-up between Venezuela and Colombia over Venezuela's alleged harboring of Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia rebels appears unlikely to lead to a military confrontation between the unfriendly neighbors for now. Incoming Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos will use the current spat to shape a firmer negotiating position in relation to Caracas when he takes office Aug. 7, but a growing debate over a U.S.-Colombian military basing deal is likely to undermine much of the credibility Santos is currently trying to build in his attempt to normalize relations with Venezuela.