We have not seen the evidence against Maduro, and are unlikely to do so (Epstein files and redaction!). I assume kidnapping another countries President is against international law? But giving Trump the benefit that he has the evidence – then OK – Maduro almost certainly does not deserve our sympathy. However the bit that I do not understand is that Trump has stated that he/USA will ‘run’ Venezuela for the forseeable future? What he really means is that American companies will take over the oil industry and its profits. He sys with usual hubris that he will ‘make the people rich and happy’ – his record at home does not reveal this! With a population of 28 million he is presumably relying on mass support. An Observer report quotes a dissident as saying that 80% of Venezuelans welcome the US action. Even if not hyped up that leaves over 5 million who are not so happy. And if loyal (to Maduro) civil servants, police and army officers are replaced, then an Iraq or Libyan situation could ensue. As stated yesterday – South Americans are well versed in guerrilla tactics.
We are well aware of the public statements Trump has made about invading Greenland and Canada becoming the 51st state. Expansion is his mind set. Control of Venezuelan oil would give him leverage over other states in the Caribbean like Cuba and Trinidad. Maybe this is a power play to exert influence over all the Caribbean Islands. Russia will not interfere – indeed Putin is probably plotting against the Baltic states as I type. China is an ocean away. The tech bros. will not care as it has little impact on their obscene wealth. How Middle America reacts will be interesting. If body bags start arriving home public opinion may force a reversal. As George Clooney recently stated Trump is correct “We need to make America great again – and we can start in November” (the mid-term elections that will dictate Trumps power over the last 2 years of his office.
HOLY COW: Colombian President Gustavo Petro just went after Trump: