All this constitutes the backdrop to the Venezuelan crisis. The growth of Russian and Chinese influence in Latin America broadly, and Venezuela specifically, is a key reason the Trump administration has so uncharacteristically taken up the banner of human rights and democracy. By imposing harsh economic sanctions, calling for the military to desert Maduro, and backing the political opposition led by the Juan Guiadó, the Trump administration is seeking to deprive Moscow, Beijing and Havana of a critical partner in Latin America. And while Russia and China have responded very differently to this crisis, both are working, in their own ways, to protect that partner.
This is basically why I'm skeptical that Maduro will be forced out of power. Or if he is, he will simply be replaced with someone who is supported by China and Russia. This leaves out Guiado who is supported by the US and other countries excluding China and Russia.
Reuters has a couple articles up (Brazil and Colombia) that surely has to be a political play by the US to make Maduro look bad.
Brazil: The Brazilian government will set up a collection center for humanitarian aid for Venezuela in the northern border city of Boa Vista within the next few days, the Venezuelan opposition’s envoy to Brasilia said on Tuesday.
Colombia: U.S. military transport planes carrying humanitarian aid meant for Venezuelans were set to land in the Colombian border city of Cucuta on Saturday, where food and medicine is being stored amidst uncertainty over how and where aid will be distributed.
These are just border towns. And say this aid is allowed in by Maduro, it no doubt will be stolen by various gangs or the Venezuela government itself. It is unlikely to help very many average citizens.
.
No comments:
Post a Comment