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Podcasts Take Two
Behind the Venezuela protests: oil, crime and challenges to the Chavez legacy
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Feb 26, 2014
Listen • 7:00
Behind the Venezuela protests: oil, crime and challenges to the Chavez legacy
Unrest continues in Venezuela, where protesters have clashed with government forces over the past several weeks.
A supporter of Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, who was arrested a week ago on charges of homicide and inciting violence, hits a pot in protest against the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in San Antonio, in the border state of Tachira, Venezuela, on February 25, 2014. Angry Venezuelan students geared up to stage a fresh rally on Tuesday, the latest in three weeks of anti-government protests that have left at least 14 people dead.
A supporter of Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, who was arrested a week ago on charges of homicide and inciting violence, hits a pot in protest against the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in San Antonio, in the border state of Tachira, Venezuela, on February 25, 2014. Angry Venezuelan students geared up to stage a fresh rally on Tuesday, the latest in three weeks of anti-government protests that have left at least 14 people dead.
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LUIS ROBAYO/AFP/Getty Images
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Unrest continues in Venezuela, where protesters have clashed with government forces over the past several weeks.

Unrest continues in Venezuela, where protesters have clashed with government forces over the past several weeks.

It’s the biggest challenge to the presidency of Nicolás Maduro since he was elected just over a year ago, taking over for long-time leader, Hugo Chavez. At least a dozen people have died and nearly 50 have been detained, according to Venezuela's attorney general.  

For more we go to Caracas to speak with Miguel Tinker Salas, professor of Latin American History at Pomona College and the author of "The Enduring Legacy: Oil, Culture and Society in Venezuela."