Despite drastic differences culturally, religiously, and geographically, Venezuela’s Chavez and Iran’s Ahmadinejad seem to be united as enemies of a common enemy.

Both countries are fond of railing against the "imperial Yankee," and a planned tour of leftist Latin Amarican states by Ahmadinejad is seen as a demonstration of solidarity against Western powers.

Coming on the heals of US legislation restricting and inhibiting the purchase and sale of Iranian oil, the move is perceived as an expansion of influence as Iran becomes increasingly isolated in the Middle East. Included in this tour, are Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua and Ecuador.