U.S. intervention risks converting Venezuela into a protectorate

Time reports that a U.S. military intervention removed Nicolás Maduro from power and that Delcy Rodríguez has been sworn in as interim president, a change the author warns could convert Venezuela into a U.S. protectorate governed from abroad. The article notes Venezuela holds the world’s largest oil reserves, which account for more than 90% of export revenues, and says crucial decisions about oil are being made in Washington while Chavista officials, minus Maduro, remain in place to avoid an occupation.

It adds that the interim government has begun sparingly releasing some of the regime’s more than 800 political prisoners, but that Diosdado Cabello still controls the security forces and the colectivos. Experts cited in the piece warn more than $100 billion in investment and at least a decade would be required to revive the oil industry; Exxon CEO Darren Woods told Trump Venezuela is "uninvestable." Looking ahead, the author says Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s plan envisions stabilization, economic recovery, and a political transition, but stresses those steps will fail without institutional renewal, transitional justice, restored press freedom, and either formal recognition of Edmundo González Urrutia or a clear timetable for free elections.

Key Topics

World, Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, Delcy Rodríguez, Diosdado Cabello, María Corina Machado