Venezuela's future should be in the hands of the Venezuelan people.No one can face this challenge for them, but democracies like theUnited States can and should stand with them and give strength tothose laboring to build a pluralistic society and an open economy.
On August 15, Venezuelans will decide whether to retain or recallPresident Hugo Chávez, who has impoverished his citizens andturned the state oil industry into a political tool. The UnitedStates should support international scrutiny of Venezuela'sreferendum, diversify its sources of petroleum, and engage LatinAmerica to help strengthen allies' nascent democratic institutionsand market economies.