Chávez, Unlikely Champion of Jeffersonian Democracy in Latin America

Alvaro Vargas Llosa, writing in the New York Times under the headline, "The Winner in Honduras: Chávez":

In pushing the limits of democracy by trying to force a constitutional change that would permit his re-election, [Zelaya] set a trap for the military. The military fell for it, turning an unpopular president who was nearing the end of his term into an international cause célèbre.

Although the coup has popular support in Honduras, it has also allowed Mr. Chávez, who is leading the international response, to claim the moral high ground. The coup leaders, who were trying to prevent Mr. Chávez from bringing Honduras into his fold, may end up giving him more strength in the region.