Tehran, sí; Washington, no

Bolivia’s government is establishing diplomatic relations with Iran. And, as of Dec. 1, La Paz will mandate that U.S. citizens acquire visas before visiting Bolivia. Thus, it would seem, continues the downward trend in U.S.-Bolivian relations.

Bolivian authorities say the visa measure is "reciprocation" for requirements that U.S.-bound Bolivians have visas.

As for Iran, leftist President Evo Morales, who has accused Washington of trying to undermine his government, tells La Razón newspaper that there is nothing to fear. Even "pro-imperialist" nations have formal ties with Tehran, he noted.

Said Morales: "If Chile has diplomatic relations with Iran, if Colombia has diplomatic relations with Iran, if France has diplomatic relations with Iran, why should we be frightened?"

Posted by Patrick J. McDonnell and Andrés D’Alessandro in Buenos Aires