By Mel Gurtov
The US has overthrown the Maduro regime in Venezuela, captured its leader, Nicolas Maduro, and occupied the country. Continuing a long history of US interventions in Latin America, Trump has vowed to “run the country until such time that we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition.” The US policy of regime change had been telegraphed for months, as Trump ramped up attacks on supposed Venezuelan drug boats, imposed an oil blockade, and ordered a CIA drone strike on a Venezuelan dock alleged to be used for loading drugs. Now those clear violations of international and US law and false allegations about Venezuela’s role in the fentanyl trade are ending with an occupation and US control of Venezuela’s oil-based economy.
The US action is consistent with “America First,” said Trump, citing the need for oil and energy:
“The US will be in charge of Venezuela’s oil industry. We’re going to have our very large United States oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure and start making money for the country.”
Trump made these comments during a press conference in Mar-a-Lago. So, in a word, it’s imperialism—and a clear sign that for Trump, dominance in Latin America is his top foreign policy objective. We now await word about whom Trump will select to be America’s puppet in Caracas, and who among Trump’s inner circle will become overlord of the occupation.
The US intervention comes despite a call by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum for UN action to prevent the crisis, and despite polls showing around 75 percent of Americans oppose an invasion of Venezuela. Sheinbaum condemned foreign intervention and warned that the UN’s silence could have dangerous consequences. Now Mexico could be next on Trump’s crusade. “The cartels are running Mexico — she’s not running Mexico,” Trump just said. “I’ve asked her numerous times, ‘Would you like us to take out the cartels?’” “Something is going to have to be done with Mexico.”
Then there’s Colombia. Trump has called Colombia’s president, Gustavo Petro, an “illegal drug leader” and warned last month that he could be “next.” Petro has fired back, saying that Trump “deserves nothing but jail” for having the U.S. military destroy the vessels and kill their crews. While critics have long assailed Petro’s drug policy, accusing him of being too lenient on coca growers and armed groups, there is no evidence he leads or is tied to any criminal organization.
Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, and Brazil were among the Latin American countries that have condemned the US invasion of Venezuela. France’s foreign ministry also did so. President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil said the US attacks “crossed an unacceptable line,” set a “dangerous precedent,” and evoked “the worst moments of interference” in Latin America. Russia also criticized the US; but Moscow must be pleased that the US has emulated Russia in attacking a sovereign nation.
Mel Gurtov, syndicated by PeaceVoice, is Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Portland State University.
