In discussing the plight of the average Venezuelan person suffering under the Maduro regime, a new narrative has developed. This narrative attacks America for implementing sanctions, while also attacking them for contemplating armed intervention. This leads to the real story that, much like my ex-wife, some people view the U.S. as the problem no matter what they do.
One of the best nonviolent means America has to enact change is sanctions. Many of these sanctions target the rich and elite, effectively freezing their bank accounts and generally making it difficult for them to live a comfortable lifestyle. But the recent narrative ranging from Al Jazeera to the UN Human Rights council and Washington think tanks have focused on how the average person is having trouble getting water, food, medicine, and power, and that U.S. sanctions are making things worse. One analyst from the Center for Economic and Policy Research argued that “all unilateral sanctions are illegal and violate international conventions on collective punishment.” The UN human rights chief claimed “this impacts people’s basic rights and wellbeing.”
Yet punishing the government with sanctions implemented to enact change is arguably better than invading. This would cause deaths among both U.S. and Venezuelan soldiers, likely spark a civil war in that country, and would hardly be conducive to providing food, water, and medicine to the people. Four-star generals point out that even a humanitarian mission would inflame anti-American sentiment and carrier groups would hardly solve the problem. Isolationists like Ron Paul argue that armed intervention would be a blood bath and unjust crime against humanity.
Apparently the only option for America is to do absolutely nothing, yet that course would hardly protect the average Venezuelan against their oppressive government or improve their life…and it would still lead to criticism. America could send thoughts and prayers, but those aren’t allowed any more either. Clearly, this is a crisis 20 years in the making and there are no easy answers. America has adopted an approach that tries to pressure Maduro out of office, while supporting acting President Juan Guaidó, without resorting to armed intervention. They have shipped aid to neighboring countries, but have been denied entry by Maduro’s goons. Armed intervention, or at least more active measures to aid Guaidó, might be necessary. Yet for many Washington elites, analysts, and anti-American pundits across the world, America will still be a villain no matter how much aid, money or soldiers they provide to the people and commit to their liberation.
