Above, Ahmadi-nejad and his wife stood with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez (center) and Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega at Ortega’s inaugura-tion. At right, Ahmadi-nejad basks in the presence of Cuba’s Fidel Castro. Ahmadi-nejad also went to Ecuador. There was an overflow of anti-American rhetoric during the trip, but it wasn’t clear what else was accomplished. The 
Nicaraguan daily El Nuevo Diario said Ortega was unhappy Ahmadi-nejad refused to forgive Nicaragua’s debt. It was also noted that Bolivia did not host Ahmadi-nejad this time. Bolivians have been unhappy at the limited funds Iran has provided for Bolivian friendship and UN votes.
