This article was first published on the 26th of March 2020 by Patrick Carpen.
Last updated: March 27, 2020 at 19:58 pmFor the United States, the struggle to remove Maduro from power is a real one, and one fraught with difficulties. For about a decade now, the United States has been pressing for the socialist leader’s removal from government. But the exact reasons for wanting Maduro out of office is one mired in controversy.
Related: As Tensions Flare Between Venezuela and Colombia, Washingon Sets the Stage for an Armed Invasion.
Nevertheless, it is the people of Venezuela who has faced the brunt of the penalty meted out by the United States to what the US refers to as dictator regime. Maduro still lives a high life, and reports are that his children take regular, luxurious trips to all parts of the world. Of course, dictator Maduro is still the owner of all of Venezeula’s abundant gold and oil resources. And the military still remains loyal to Maduro.
Related: Venezuelan Currency Hits All time Low As Trump Imposes New Sanctions.
And that’s exactly what the problem is here: a dictator’s ability to convince the military that he is still the commander in chief and to keep them loyal to him. Perhaps they too reap the rewards of a well-furnished life at the expense of the common people.
Related: Venezuela Mounts Anti-Aircraft Missiles at Border with Colombia.
On several occasions, the opposition, Mr. Juan Guiado, whom the United States and over 100 other countries recognize as the legitimate president of Venezuela, has attempted to convince the Venezuelan military to “cross over” and abandon their loyalty for Maduro. But even though a few hundred Venezuelan soldiers have laid down their arms and fled to neighboring Colombia, operation “free Venezuela” was largely a failed one.
Related: One Hundred More Venezuelan Soldiers Lay Down Their Arms.
The United States even attempted to burn its own aid trucks in an attempt to convince the Venezuelan military that it was Maduro who was preventing starving Venezuelans from getting much needed supplies. This too didn’t work, and everyone saw right through the ruse.
Related: A Peak at the Supermarket Shelves in Tachira, Venezuela
The last showdown was when the United States sent troops to Colombia on the border with Venezuela and was preparing for a military invasion. Everyone was holding their breath thinking “the time is now.” It even came to a point where Maduro was about to step on a plane and flee to Cuba, but reportedly, Russian president Vladimir Putin called him and told him to “stay right there,” which he did.
Related: Russia Puts Military on High Alert As Tensions Flare Between Venezuela and Colombia.
But the United States pressed on with their plans to remove Maduro, and possibly try him for crimes against humanity – which he very much committed, as everyone can see. But the Washington-sponsored military invasion came to a stalemate when Brazil said it would not allow US troops into the state of Roraima.
Related: Brazilian’s Defense Ministry says “Won’t Allow US Troops In.”
Without the backing of Brazil and without having access to the Brazil/Venezuela border, it was virtually impossible for the United States to continue its plans of invading Venezuela. And, with Venezuela’s sophisticated anti-aircraft missiles, an attack against Venezuela without Brazil’s help would prove disastrous.
Related: Opinion: The United States Can’t Win a War Against Venezuela.
What about an occupation? As was long predicted in the 80s science fiction movie, and was demonstrated in Iraq, Vietnam and so many other countries, “occupations simply don’t work.” They just don’t…. After all, how can you defeat an enemy who is waiting for you at every window corner, at every doorstep and at every street corner – in their own home? Furthermore, with the large number of armed gangs loyal to Maduro in Venezuela, sending US troops into Venezuela would be a suicide mission.
Related: The Rio Treaty and What it Spells for Venezuela.
But the United States isn’t giving up. On the 26th of March, 2020, it was reported that the United States has come up with a brand new, genius level – idea. Let’s charge Maduro with narco-terrorism. Maduro now stands accused, or I should say convicted, of attacking the United States by the use of drugs – a very serious offense, and one which warrants a serious penalty. He now awaits extradition to the United States to be tried and face the penalty for these charges. The only question is, how do you get him out of Venezuela?
It will be interesting to watch how this unfolds.
Related: Trump Administration Offers 15 Million US Dollars for Help in Arresting Maduro.
I think it is a dangerous road ! Let’s see the results!