A must read to understand the mechanisms of so-called “democracy promotion” campaigns - the book is specific to Venezuela, but the issues discussed can just as easily be applied to the US destabilization campaign against Iran.

?Two years ago, there were about 63 organisations (in Venezuela) receiving funding and, today, according to the latest documents I?ve gotten under the US Freedom of Information Act, there are 132 groups. When we talk about financial power, it?s not just the money; it?s about the penetration of Venezuelan society by using money to get into the various sectors. They find groups that are allegedly human rights groups, groups that work in the education system and so on, but are really working for the opposition.

?Basically, the US is funding these organisations in civil society … to obtain control in all different parts of the country. There are large concentrations of programs in Merida, for example, also in Tachira, Zulia, and then in the interior of the country - places like Barquisimeto, and the states of Lara, Monagas, and Anzoategui.

So, USAID money has increased, and the same with [money from] the National Endowment for Democracy. And it?s not just the money. They?re bringing down their best experts. For example, in the case of the [presidential] election campaign right now, they?re bringing in political strategists, communications experts, to help them craft the entire [opposition] campaign.

It?s the political contacts as well. For instance, on October 28, a right-wing think-tank (American Enterprise Institute ) , closely tied to the Republican Party, is hosting an event in Washington, DC, called ?Can Venezuela be saved?? And the only speaker is Julio Borges, who is the opposition vice-presidential candidate with [presidential candidate] Manuel Rosales. All sorts of things are involved with what I call the ?financial front?.?

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