The US has serious problems with the Venezuelan government, and
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s visit to South America appears to be
turning into an opportunity to drum up allies against the country, and
others.
Pompeo was particularly interested in pushing the idea of the US, and
allies “returning democracy” to those countries, especially Venezuela. In Brazil, Pompeo and Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo talked up united moves against Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua, saying that they “do not share the democratic values” of the US and Brazil.
Such cooperation makes sense for the US, as they have struggled with
accusations of unilateral imperialism in moving against countries like
these historically. Brazil’s new right-wing government can give them the
illusion of international cooperation.
It isn’t just Brazil though, as Pompeo also met with Colombian President
Ivan Duque, again talking up the idea of “restoring democratic rule” in
Venezuela, and ousting the “dictatorship.” The Trump Administration has
been talking up moves against Venezuela for quite some time, but these
meetings seem to be a sign that is nearing.
Pompeo, Brazil’s New Govt Target Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua
Pompeo also courts Colombian support for move against Venezuela
Jason Ditz is Senior Editor for Antiwar.com. He has 20 years of experience in foreign policy research and his work has appeared in The American Conservative, Responsible Statecraft, Forbes, Toronto Star, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Providence Journal, Washington Times, and the Detroit Free Press.
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