Tensions in South America are escalating over the US plans to double its military presence in Colombia. <br /><br />Alvaro Uribe, Colombia's president, says his country needs US support to tackle drug-lords and rebel groups. But the country's neighbours are not happy.<br /><br />Hugo Chavez, Venezuela's <br />president, has already accused Colombia of handing command of its military to "the Yankees" and says that the deal could prompt a war in South America.<br /><br />Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Ecuador have also expressed their concerns.
