Critics: Expulsion of US Diplomats from Venezuela a "Smoke Screen" for Government Failures

Inflation, for example, is at more than 45 percent

The expulsion of three American diplomats from Venezuela with the words "Yankees go home" is a "smoke screen" to cover up the government's inability to manage a country that is descending into economic chaos despite its huge oil wealth, critics said Tuesday.

With more than 45% annual inflation, shortages of basic items such as toilet paper and newsprint as well as ever more frequent power outages, many are growing tired of Venezuela's inefficiencies.