U.S. decision makers must not let frustration or enthusiasm distract them from the importance of the Venezuelan people and the constitution. Any role for the U.S. military must be a limited, supporting one at most.
Maduro’s long-term survival is no longer feasible, but the timeline for his departure and a subsequent democratic transition is still far from certain. Here are three possible scenarios.
The events of January 23 were a victory for the once divided and dispirited Venezuelan opposition. But with Maduro so far refusing to step aside and a rogues’ gallery of governments lining up to support him, could the U.S. have stumbled into an international showdown?
The shameful decision of the AMLO administration to take a stance of non-intervention on Venezuela will hamper the effectiveness of a regional response, but efforts to reign in Maduro remain worthwhile and necessary.
Venezuela continues to be mired in the worst economic and humanitarian crisis in Latin America’s recent history. With Maduro beginning a second term, prospects for a way out are uncertain. But two events have pointed to a potential for change.
With 19 votes in favor, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) agreed “to not recognize the legitimacy of Nicolas Maduro’s new term as of the 10th of January of 2019.”
A Grupo de Lima founding member and a champion of restoring democracy in Venezuela under previous administrations, Mexico under AMLO has scaled back its support for human rights defense in the region.
Unresolved challenges of organized crime, weak governance and extra-hemispheric actors threaten instability and to erode U.S. influence. It’s time for U.S. policymakers to face some tough questions.
Chile and Argentina should use COP25 as an opportunity to renew and strengthen the Antarctic Treaty System. It would benefit the environment, their diplomatic leadership and global stability.
An AIDS crisis in Venezuela, the first gay pride parade in Guyana, the rise of Evangelical movements, and an Oscar. These are the top ten LGBT issues from the region this past year.
