Venezuela and Iran

Two peas rotting in a pod.

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez defended Iran on Friday in its dispute with the United States and Europe over its nuclear program, saying Iran has a right to atomic energy.

Chavez, whose country is a leading U.S. oil supplier, announced his stance after meeting Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, who declared that both governments will stand "firm against any aggression."

"Iran has every right, like many other countries have done, to develop its atomic energy and continue its research in this field," Chavez said after top officials from both countries signed 20 cooperation agreements in areas from petrochemical projects to agriculture.

"Venezuela and Iran agree in firmly rejecting the imperialist policy of the United States."

If we were really imperialists, wouldn't we have moved into Caracas and set up shop and started pumping Venezuelan oil for ourselves (after dumping Chavez in the drink)?