Chavez absence poses problems for military
Hugo Chavez's long sick leave in Cuba has created serious obstacles for the Venezuelan military, which looks to the ailing president for hands-on leadership as its commander-in-chief, analysts say.
Chavez, 58, is a soldier by training and during his 14 years in power has transformed the once symbolic role into one with direct operational control.
Promotions, appointments, salary increases, the annual budget and the movement of troops in the event of a conflict all fall under the purview of the leftist leader.
The president, says expert Luis Alberto Butto, has "the last word on all the military's operational and administrative matters."
More at: http://en-maktoob.news.yahoo.com/chavez-absence-poses-problems-military-005051315.html
Hugo's departure from the scene will create an interesting dynamic between Maduro, Cabello, and Rangel on how to manage the transition of power.
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