This Insight magazine article from 19 February explores the possibility that Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez has contacts with, or will increasingly form contacts with, terrorists who want to flex the oil muscle. From the article’s introduction:
As Washington prepares a high-stakes military venture in the Persian Gulf, a growing physical threat is being posed by Iraq, Libya and Iran to the soft underbelly of the United States. Hundreds and possibly thousands of agents from rogue Arab nations are working hard to help President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela take control of South America’s largest oil industry and create al-Qaeda-friendly terrorist bases just two hours’ flying time from Miami.
I cannot verify or falsify the claims in the article, but the possibility of its being true is certainly worth considering. Although it’s a bit scary.