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.
Because nation building has been working so well across the rest of the world. I guess.
Ask Chile. It’s worked smashingly well for Latin America too.
I immediately thought of banana republics and Smedley Butler.
Chile’s Salvadore Allende was one of the few truly descent Marxist leaders the world has seen and we ruined his country for attempting to achieve egalitarianism democratically. He gave a speech to his people from the embattled presidential palace telling them not to give up on democracy and then he shot himself before the CIA could get him. A tragedy regardless of political affiliation. Jacobo Arbenz is another one in Guatemala. Overthrown at the behest of United Fruit. There’s too damn many to name but those one’s always come to mind.
“Returning democracy,” Washingtonspeak for installing a right wing military dictator.
Oh, Great. Operation Condor: Part 2. Just f**king great.