Obama explains his policy on national borders

Paradox: Venezuela failing "despite" government having absolute control

The Atlantic analyzes Venezuela and is puzzled by Hugo Chavez's disastrous legacy:

Venezuela is now the world champion of inflation, homicide, insecurity, and shortages of essential goods—from milk for children to insulin for diabetics and all kinds of indispensable products. All this despite having the greatest oil reserves in the world and a government with absolute control of all state institutions and levers of power. 

So, Venezuela is a disaster "despite" having "a government with absolute control"?

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