The U.S. securing the Western Hemisphere

The United States is intensifying its security efforts in the Caribbean and the Pacific. While the main claim is the war on drugs and organized crime, the political situation of Venezuela is very concerning for the U.S. and the primary target is the regime of President Nicolas Maduro.

There is a new “Monroe Doctrine” in Washington. When President James Monroe enacted the policy of hemispheric defense in the first half of the 19th century, the U.S. wanted to prevent European powers − mainly monarchies − from establishing strongholds in the Western Hemisphere. That means all of the Americas. Now Venezuela has become a regional hub for Russia and China, which Washington perceives as an even bigger threat.

The war on drugs continues. But it would be no surprise if it also changes what is happening in Venezuela. There are many signs that President Maduro wants to engage with Washington to save himself and to avoid entering into compromises. However, it is very likely that Washington will enforce a total regime change in Caracas.

Venezuela’s presidential elections in July were not recognized by the U.S. and they truly appeared to have been faked. The real winner of the last elections, the opposition that is now mostly in hiding, would be ready to take over in the event of regime change.

This is extremely important because Venezuela is very rich in natural resources. It has even greater oil reserves than Saudi Arabia, but the current administration has run the economy into the ground. Due to mismanagement there is only limited oil extraction, and for political reasons, sales to the U.S. are no longer possible.

Getting Venezuela back on track would rescue the country’s population from misery, solve Washington’s security interests and would be very favorable to the global economy.

This comment was originally published here: https://www.gisreportsonline.com/r/us-western-hemisphere/