Bush bash.

Few countries engage in as many verbal spats these days as do the United States and Venezuela. The war of words heated up recently when prominent U.S. Senator John McCain called members of the Venezuelan government "wackos." Venezuela meanwhile, hosted the 50,000-strong World Social Forum, an anti-globalization event, where throngs of protestors--including U.S. citizens--were happy to denounce the U.S. administration.

"We better understand the vulnerabilities [of oil supply] ... when we're dependent on Iranian mullahs and wackos in Venezuela."

--John McCain, U.S. Senator (Fox News)

"He can go to hell."

--Jose Vicente Rangel, Vice President of Venezuela, on Sen. John McCain (El Universal)

"I admire him for his resolve against my government and its meddling."

--Cindy Sheehan, a U.S. protestor, on President Hugo Chdvez (AFP)

"I'm sure there will be plenty of Bush-bashing when this gets under way."

--Jeff Monahan, a participant at the World Social Forum in Venezuela, an anti-globalization event (Associated Press)

"Countries which are capable of destroying life many times over are determined to hinder the development of developing countries."

--Ali Rodriguez, Venezuela's foreign minister (Iran Republic News Agency)

"The world is changing, and I think leaders like Chavez can provide interesting examples of what can be done to ensure it changes for the better."

--Moritz Lange, a German organizer at the World Social Forum (AP)

2005 total returns in USS terms (%)