FARC FLIP-FLOP: Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has been an outspoken defender of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, calling on the world to recognize their guerrilla war as a legitimate insurgency. But he changed course this week, urging the rebels to quit their fight and unilaterally release their hostages.

SPY DECREE REVERSAL: Chavez also tossed out his intelligence decree, saying he’ll no longer require Venezuelans to face up to four years in prison if they refuse to inform on fellow citizens in national security investigations.

WHY THE RETREAT: Analysts believe Chavez has pivoted in response to a public backlash ahead of important state and local elections in November and another referendum he hopes will be held in 2010 that could end presidential term limits. Chavez also has faced international pressure to renounce the rebels and has been on the defensive since Colombia said it seized rebel documents suggesting he had close ties to the rebels.