"Will The U.S. Launch Military Operations In Venezuela?" Topic

"Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reiterated Wednesday that US military action in Venezuela is an option in the wake of this week's violent protests, despite military officials and experts casting doubt on the prudence of such a move.

"The President has been crystal clear and incredibly consistent. Military action is possible. If that's what's required, that's what the United States will do," Pompeo said on Fox Business Network. "We're trying to do everything we can to avoid violence. We've asked all the parties involved not to engage in the kind of activity. We'd prefer a peaceful transition of government there, where Maduro leaves and a new election is held. But the President has made clear, in the event that there comes a moment -- and we'll all have to make decisions about when that moment is -- and the President will have to ultimately make that decision. He is prepared to do that if that's what's required."…"
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Amicalement
Armand

That's what the main stream media wants. Nothing like a little war to drive up ratings.

Why blame the media? They don't control the military.

My expectation is probably not unless the domestic US opinions of Trump require a substantial diversion.
However, despite Senate support for Trump, I do not expect them to allow him to start a war with Venezuela. He may manufacture some reason to justify military action, but it won't be sustained. Maybe some kind of blockade, certainly more sanctions, certainly another economic swipe at Cuba.

The last time Congress declared war was in 1941. We have a long history in the US of Presidents using military force under the War Powers Act (which history has show had the opposite effect than it was intended). It kind of side steps Congress. Trump ran on "no more nation building wars", so I don't think he will put troops into Venezuela. As far as the media is concerned; they have become so highly biased and political that most intelligent people no longer trust anything the main stream media reports.

Let's allow the Venezuelan people to decide their own fate.

IMO Trump won't try for a regime change because he's wary of getting America into prolonged and costly quagmires. There are between 20 to 25 thousand Cubans plus Russian advisors keeping Maduro in power, not to mention the Venezuelan military is still largely loyal to him as yesterday's events have shown much to Guaido's chagrin.

The era of low-cost and low-risk military intervention a la' Panama with Noriega is over. The forces supporting Maduro will oppose any US military intervention with insurgency methods and tactics. Syria was the most recent example of how things have changed.

I feel for the people. There is no easy simple way out of the mess Venezuela has become. Commitment of the US military won't solve the mess even if the current government is replaced because of it.

We don't know how to "win" anymore.
Since war is "the continuation of politics by other means", there is far too much politics there.
Any American intervention will automatically be called a "Wag the Dog" scenario.
The Venezuelan opposition is a weak reed.

The Venezuelan opposition is not weak… they need the military (weapons) ….to get rid of Maduro … the government of this "gentleman" is no longer a "Popular Government" or "Government of the Left" … it is simply a DICTATORSHIP … and in the Dictatorships the military desert … but they do not rise up against their leader … much more if we take into account the amount of Venezuelan Generals (a number higher than all the Latin American Generals together) who manage the few industries and productive niches … in addition to the drug …

It is a case similar to Cuba, Nicaragua or Nazi Germany ….

The only exit is an private arrangement between the USA and China (Russia is not that important at the moment) …

Amicalement
Armand

It's good to hear you speak with some real passion, Tango. And a welcome change from your usual tame posts ;)

You may be right, but China seems determined to align itself with Russia in the aim of countering the "liberal democratic world order" of the US and Western Europe. At the very least its official goal is to not interfere in the political affairs of other nations outside of its sphere-of-influence.

It is true. It is not my habit … but there are things that surpass me … I see every day how hundreds of Venezuelans come to my country telling horrible things that are lived there … I personally have given work to a dozen of them. … of course, most of them are well-educated middle class … the poor can escape only walking … not by plane …

Returning to the political situation … China is interested only in securing its investments in Venezuela … (the same as Russia) … if the US assures them that they will be able to continue "prospering" there … they will no longer support Maduro … that's the way out for this serious problem.

I agree with the "non-intervention" of the USA … there is a very bad memory about that circumstance in several Latin countries … it would not be well seen by anyone (except the poor Venezuelans) … the best would be to form a "Latinoamerican" force along with the thousands of Venezuelan soldiers who have defected …

Brazil is behind that idea…

USA can made some air support….

Amicalement
Armand

Dealing with Russia may be unavoidable, but the political climate in Washington makes it nearly impossible unless it can done "backroom" style (out of sight, out of mind): link

It probably would be better for other South American countries to intervene in this one, as opposed to the US doing it.

US might still end up supplying logistics and coordination, but that's different from being on the pointy end.

I could see a South American coalition doing the grunt work, with US SF, C4I, and air support. Venezuela has F-16s and Flankers; its air force is not a joke and would need to be taken down a notch or three.