McClarty and Piñera

Mack McLarty has an op-ed that falls all over itself to praise Sebastián Piñera.  There's nothing surprising or objectionable (or even very interesting) in it--the basic message is that Piñera is not extreme and Chile should work well with the United States.

I was left wondering what would prompt anyone to write such an op-ed, which are usually sparked by a sense of concern, alarm, or dissatisfaction.  Did anyone think U.S.-Chilean relations were in jeopardy?  I don't know anyone who thought there was some sort of problem on the horizon.