Is US intervention in Venezuela a step too far?

Dear critical reader, given the astonishing story now topping news cycles globally, the question to ponder over is: Is the US intervention in Venezuela a step too Far?

In one's humble view, a precision law enforcement action - backed by the US military - led to the apprehension of Nicolás Maduro, the former President of Venezuela, who, lest we forget was indicted by a New York City grand jury, as far back as 2020, for leading a state-sponsored narco-terrorist organisation.

Naturally, this controversial military strike, in a sovereign state, has sparked debate on the legitimacy of such operations. However, whichever angle one views it from, it was a legitimate action to safeguard US national security interests. Full stop.

What is happening in Venezuela and why has Trump arrested its president?

That said, what is illegitimate is any attempt to seize the natural resources of Venezuela and impose puppet leaderships on it. That is intolerable, unwise and damages the long-term interests of America.

It is in that light that one hopes that Delcy Rodriguez, the newly sworn-in Acting President of Venezuela, will have the presence of mind and wisdom to work with the international community to ensure a peaceful transition, including the release of all political prisoners held in jails across Venezuela.

And also invite the opposition to be part of a presidential commission headed by the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, María Corina Machado, to advise on a transition to a new dispensation, which will be determined by free and fair elections devoid of all forms of intimidation. María Corina Machado must be asked to return home as soon as is practicable for that reason. Now. Not tomorrow.

The plain truth is that the facts-on-the-ground realities of present-day hemispheric geopolitical strategic necessity, means that perforce Venezuela and America must work together for the sake of all their citizens - if Venezuela is to overcome all the challenges currently hindering its economic growth and ability to transform itself into a prosperous and democratic society that benefits all its societal demographics.

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