The idea that this military operation is about drugs is pure propaganda, because “Venezuela does not play an outsize role in the drug trade.” And while Venezuela has the world’s largest oil reserves, the U.S. has “other, easier sources for hydrocarbons.” The “most plausible” reason, then, is that Trump is squaring up to Maduro because he can. “For all his peace rhetoric,” Trump enjoys “displays of American hard power,” and Venezuela, a failing socialist state that “nobody especially likes,” is an easy target for a “splendid little war.” Perhaps Trump’s instinct is right, and an attempt to topple the Maduro regime won’t devolve into a “guerrilla war” that sparks “regional chaos” and mass migration. Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors
Author: theweekonlineeditors@futurenet.com (The Week US) , The Week US
Published at: 2025-10-14 21:44:14
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