Not So Noble After All

Why was Hugo Chavez so princely in defeat last week, never demanding a recount after losing at the polls? Because he did try to fix the vote behind closed doors, and relented only when officials slimmed the margin of defeat to help him save face, writes Newsweek's Jorge Castaneda.

Neighboring leaders were undoubtedly aware of Chavez’s machinations but chose not to speak out. Instead, they congratulated him on his gracious acceptance of defeat. Why? Mainly, Castaneda writes, because they need Venezuela's money. "Is this a sustainable stance for Latin democracy?" asks Castaneda. "Probably not, in the long term." (More Hugo Chavez stories.)