The U.S. will not seek regime change in Venezuela, focusing on collaboration with Maduro’s regime to address migration issues. This contrasts sharply with prior U.S. policy under Trump, which aimed to apply maximum pressure on Maduro. The current diplomacy raises concerns about the Venezuelan opposition’s limited ability to effect change amidst ongoing repression.
The U.S. special envoy has confirmed that the Biden administration will not pursue regime change in Venezuela, focusing instead on gaining the support of its leadership to manage the deportation of undocumented migrants. This shift marks a significant change from the previous administration’s stance, which sought to apply intense pressure on President Nicolás Maduro and recognize opposition leaders as legitimate authorities.
Since the Trump administration’s early policies aimed at removing Maduro, there has been a notable pivot toward improving relations under the current administration. Despite this rapprochement, Maduro’s government has intensified its crackdown on dissent after a controversial election victory last year, limiting the opposition’s scope for action. An exiled journalist commented on this challenging situation, suggesting that current agreements may merely delay the ongoing crisis in Venezuela.
The U.S. policy towards Venezuela has shifted from attempting to oust Nicolás Maduro to seeking practical cooperation. The administration’s approach includes facilitating the deportation of migrants while engaging with Maduro’s leadership. However, this could complicate the political landscape for Venezuela’s opposition, which now faces dwindling options to address an ongoing crisis fueled by governmental repression.
Original Source: www.semafor.com
