Venezuelan president begins purge of military officials involved in coup attempt.(Chicago Tribune)

CARACAS, Venezuela _ As merchants swept up debris from their damaged businesses and street vendors crowded the sidewalks, Venezuelans settled into an uneasy calm Tuesday after five days of political chaos that divided the nation.

President Hugo Chavez promised to be a kinder, gentler leader and to begin a "national dialogue" after he was reinstated over the weekend after a brief ouster. But by Tuesday, Chavez had begun to purge top military officers who engineered his removal.

Meanwhile, Venezuelans were raising questions about the more than 60 deaths that occurred during several days when the nation veered toward anarchy.

Defense Minister Jose …