The US-Venezuela relationship has been tumultuous for many years.
But, finally the US is now coming to terms with President Nicolas Maduro and his government as the legitimate rulers of Venezuela.
This acceptance is a long-awaited development as the US has long been one of the most vocal critics of the Venezuelan government and, in particular, its leader, President Maduro.
Yes, the US has finally come to terms with’ Venezuela is Maduro, Maduro is Venezuela’.
US’ Venezuelan policy has backfired. In the last four years, the US government has acknowledged Juan Guaidó as the rightful leader of Venezuela and has fully acknowledged the interim government that he led.
Washington remained highly critical of the current President Nicolas Maduro and doesn’t recognise him as the legitimate President. But, it is slowly cosying up to Nicolas Maduro. It’s not allowing the frozen funds to be used by Venezuela’s opposition.
No money, No power
Members of Venezuela’s opposition are eagerly anticipating the US’ potential decision to re-allow the distribution of funds to support opposition legislators and humanitarian efforts. The Trump administration had imposed tighter sanctions on Venezuela, freezing and seizing the government’s funds at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and using the funds to back opposition lawmakers who oppose President Maduro.
Opposition figures in Venezuela are expressing frustration that the U.S. clearance process to replace ousted leader Juan Guaido as the point-person for distribution of funds is taking a long time.
In December and January, Guaido was replaced by three legislators, and a committee has been appointed to manage foreign assets, including frozen funds in the U.S., but the committee is subject to a complex clearance process, despite the U.S. repeatedly expressing support for the opposition leadership.
The same delay was seen when the US invaded the Venezuelan embassy in Washington and other diplomatic sites which had officials appointed by Guaido.
Read more: Latin America and the Caribbean: The Pawns in US and Canada’s Plan to Invade Haiti
The US has long supported the Venezuelan opposition and their legislature, but the opposition are facing a new challenge in waiting for US approvals. At the same time, the opposition’s new leadership is struggling to make any progress against Maduro, as the US loosens sanctions and develops relationships with neighbouring countries.
Maduro is fearless
While the US is still stuck on the opposition, Maduro is outrightly rejecting US directives. A recent report suggested that Venezuela’s state-run oil company PDVSA is loading a supertanker with 400,000 barrels of fuel oil and 1.13 million barrels of Venezuelan heavy oil for Cuba to help them overcome an energy crisis.
The tanker is owned by Nigeria-based Thomarose Global Ventures Ltd, which has been blacklisted by the U.S. Treasury Department. Remember, Cuba is sanctioned and Venezuela is going against US sanctions here.
Further last week, Jorge Rodríguez, President of Venezuela’s National Assembly, has demanded that the US lift economic sanctions on the country before any talks between the Venezuelan opposition and government can take place.
Clearly, Venezuela has realised that the US is stuck between a rock and hard place.
Read more: Venezuela’s Ultimatum to US: Lift Sanctions Or No Talks
US has no other option
It’s been ten years, US has taken an aggressive stance against Venezuela, implementing a variety of sanctions targeting the leadership, oil, and economy. Additionally, the US has formally recognised the interim government of Juan Guaidó, and sought to garner international support for him. The only measure not taken is an invasion.
Nicolás Maduro has maintained his power in the face of a deteriorating economy and extreme inflation owing to the atrocious sanctions of the West.
Further, Maduro is extremely popular and bagged almost 70% of the total votes in last elections. He has maintained his popularity. Further, the recent developments have only helped him.
The sanctions imposed against Russia have caused a shift in the international diplomatic stance, with the United States and European Union looking to open the door to the Venezuelan president.
It made the US remove sanctions. Last year in November, the United States relaxed oil sanctions against President Nicolás Maduro’s regime. A recent report said that US company Chevron is aiming to increase its oil shipments from Venezuela dramatically. However, the US came with conditions asking Maduro to talk to the opposition. But, Maduro refuses to relent.
Another important phenomenon can be seen occurring in Latin America: the political pendulum appears to be swinging in favor of Nicolás Maduro. Chile, Peru, Argentina and Bolivia have experienced a shift from more critical governments to more lenient ones.
This is also true in Colombia and Brazil, where the two most prominent opponents of Maduro, Iván Duque and Jair Bolsonaro, were voted out of office. It appears that several leaders in the region are looking to lift the sanctions that have prevented Chavismo from engaging in international diplomacy. Brazil’s new President has already indicated such an intention.
Therefore, the US’ narrative on Maduro has lost its sheen not just in Latin America but across the world. It’s now in a conundrum. It has no one to back in Venezuela when the elections are approaching. Maduro is the strongest he has ever been. Washington has lost Venezuela. It’s time the US comes to terms with ‘Venezuela is Maduro, Maduro is Venezuela’.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdvnI3o81z4
