Four days after the extraordinary capture of Maduro by US special forces, reports of life under Delcy Rodríguez are grim for Venezuelans who hoped for change.
If the regime of Nicolás Maduro is illegitimate, as President Trump repeatedly declared before ousting Maduro, why is the administration now in bed with Maduro’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez?
Four days after the extraordinary capture of Maduro by US special forces, reports of life under Rodríguez are grim for Venezuelans who hoped for change.
On Tuesday, pro-regime armed colectivos were roaming Carácas searching for anyone who might have been celebrating Maduro’s downfall. Journalists were getting hauled in and later let go. Political prisoners remain locked up — despite some holiday releases before Maduro got nabbed.
The unfortunate decision to work through the existing power structure reflects the unique situation Trump now faces in Venezuela.
Most leaders would have concluded the post-Maduro challenges were insurmountable — and never attempted the operation. Trump’s bold move succeeded tactically, but now comes the far more difficult strategic test. The Case for Stability
The administration’s rationale for working with the regime is likely based on short-term needs and an awareness that instability could undermine US objectives in Venezuela.
Maintaining the status quo allows the country to keep pumping oil, a key objective for Trump.
Going forward, though, the administration likely understands that it would be a strategic error to rely on this arrangement for any longer than absolutely necessary.
