Fragile Bolivia Unites, for Now, on Chile Sea Spat
For 120 years, Bolivia has demanded neighboring Chile give back coastline seized in a 1879-1883 war, saying that this landlocked Andean nation needs access to the sea, and therefore an easier route to world markets, to escape centuries of poverty.
The issue historically resurfaces in Bolivia during times of crisis, and was a main rallying cry during street protests in October that killed dozens and forced the resignation of Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada.
I wasn’t aware that Bolivia was “teetering on the edge of chaos.” I do remember that some TV stations in Bolivia still sign off each night by showing footage of Pacific beaches.