Weekly Report - 17 February 2011 (WR-11-07)

Argentina's President Cristina Fernández, unlike her deceased husband and predecessor, Néstor Kirchner (2003-2007), enjoys the global exposure afforded by international events, particularly summits at which she can fraternise with global leaders in front of the cameras. Foreign relations have always interested Fernández and sometimes turning her attention to international issues has presented her with an escape from political battles at home. Many local commentators in Argentina, however, believe that her government has manipulated a diplomatic dispute with the US to divert attention from domestic travails, and channelled its disappointment over US President Barack Obama's decision not to include Argentina in his upcoming mini-tour of the region into this confrontation.