Hezbollah continues ambitiously to spread its influence beyond the Middle East. It has successfully penetrated pockets of Africa and South America. For example, in Venezuela and other South American countries it has been working to convert pockets of the indigenous pto Shiite Islam. A Venezuelan convert, Teodoro Rafael Darnott, also known as "Commander Teodoro," has said, "If the United States were to attack Iran, the only country ruled by God, we would counterattack in Latin America and even inside the United States itself. We have the means and we know how to go about it. We will sabotage the transportation of oil from Latin America to the U.S. You have been warned."

A Bolivian government official announced Venezuela and Iran will loan his country $225 million to establish a state cement company to build roads and houses. The company will use the funds to build two plants in the cities of Oruru and Potosi and will manufacture 700,000 tons per year. It seems to be no coincidence that a political opponent of Bolivian President Evo Morales, the leader of the Movement for Socialism political party, controls Bolivian cement production through several private companies. Morales won a victory in Sunday's recall election, receiving immediate congratulations from allies in the region.

"We congratulate the Bolivian people and their president Evo Morales," said Venezuela's Hugo Chavez in a radio broadcast. "The victory this Sunday is a victory for Latin America, a victory against imperialism."

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said his country will never give up its nuclear program even if facing more sanctions. "They have deeply understood that Iran's peaceful nuclear program will never be stopped," Ahmadinejad said, referring to the U.S. "They have no choice but to talk and cooperate with Iran....Despite threats and sanctions by a number of big powers, our people are living their own lives and these (threats and sanctions) cannot hinder our progress," he stressed.