Strange bedfellows: Venezuela, Iran, China, and Wal-Mart

1. Hugo Chavez praises Iran; Iranian dissidents praise Chavez but question his alliance with their government.

Venezuela Signs More Deals during Chavez’s Visits to Iran and Vietnam

Extracts from an open letter by a group of University students in Iran to Hugo Chavez


2. Wal-Mart lets its Chinese workers join unions; American and Chinese trade unionists call it an empty gesture.

Wal-Mart: "The goal of China's unions is to build a harmonious society."

No labor shift seen at Wal-Mart

Wake Up WalMart (UFCW) Statement on Wal-Mart's Recognition of Labor Unions in China

Without Freedom of Association, will Chinese Wal-Mart Workers Be any Better Off?