What to do About Venezuela: A common-sense approach

The protracted crisis in Venezuela under Nicolás Maduro's authoritarian regime has plunged the nation into profound political, economic, and social turmoil. Despite numerous attempts to restore democracy through peaceful and democratic means, these efforts have been systematically undermined by Maduro's consolidation of power, leaving the country at a critical juncture. Maduro has maintained his grip on power through repression, electoral fraud, and the dismantling of democratic institutions, effectively eliminating avenues for legitimate opposition. In this context, a viable solution to end his regime and restore democracy may involve the strategic use of force, implemented through a model that empowers Venezuelans to reclaim their own future.

Maduro's ascent was facilitated by the foundations laid by Hugo Chávez, whose populist policies and authoritarian tendencies destabilized Venezuela's once-thriving democracy. Venezuelans, through a combination of electoral choices and political naivety, contributed to the creation of this oppressive regime. It is therefore fitting that they lead the effort to dismantle it. However, given the regime’s control over the military, police, and intelligence apparatus, they cannot do so alone.

Exporting Criminality: Maduro’s Hidden Strategy

Under Maduro’s regime, Venezuela has become a hub of criminal activity, with ramifications that now impact the United States directly. One of the most alarming developments is the rise of Venezuelan gangs, such as Tren de Aragua, which has expanded its operations internationally. Originally formed within Venezuelan prisons, this gang has grown into one of the most dangerous criminal organizations in Latin America, with a footprint in multiple countries, including the U.S. Tren de Aragua engages in human trafficking, drug smuggling, extortion, and other violent crimes, contributing to the deterioration of public safety in American communities. The expansion of these gangs is no coincidence; it is part of a broader trend in which the Maduro regime has facilitated the exodus of criminals, using mass migration as a weapon to destabilize other nations.

Beyond gangs, the Cartel de los Soles—a criminal network comprised of high-ranking Venezuelan military and government officials—has flooded the streets of the United States with illegal drugs. This cartel, operating under the protection of the Maduro regime, has turned Venezuela into a narco-state. Leveraging their positions of power, members of the cartel collaborate with other transnational criminal organizations, such as Mexican drug cartels, to transport cocaine and other narcotics into the U.S. The revenue generated from this drug trade is funneled back into Maduro’s coffers, financing his dictatorship and perpetuating his grip on power. Meanwhile, the human cost of this narco-trafficking is borne by American families, with communities ravaged by drug addiction and violent crime.

Maduro’s Weaponization of Migration

Maduro’s regime has weaponized migration, intentionally releasing criminals and gang members into the mass exodus of Venezuelans fleeing the country’s economic collapse. This calculated move not only spreads instability but also provides a smokescreen for illicit activities. By exporting criminal elements alongside refugees, Maduro creates a dual threat: overburdened immigration systems in host countries and the infiltration of organized crime. In the U.S., this influx exacerbates challenges in border security and public safety, demanding a coordinated response to address the root causes of the crisis.

A Strategy for Action

The international community, led by the United States, can play a pivotal role, not by deploying American troops but by equipping and training Venezuelans to reclaim their own country and empowering them to dismantle the regime that has turned Venezuela into a hub of criminality and instability. Additionally, intelligence-sharing and logistical support can enhance the effectiveness of these efforts, ensuring that Venezuelans lead the fight to liberate their nation.

The U.S. Army Special Forces, known as the Green Berets, have a storied history of empowering indigenous forces to overthrow oppressive regimes. Their motto, "De Oppresso Liber," translates to "To Liberate the Oppressed," reflecting their core mission. In the Vietnam War, Green Berets were deployed to train and lead indigenous Montagnard tribesmen in the Central Highlands to counter communist forces. In the late 1980’s and early 1990’s Green Berets effectively trained the Contras in Nicaragua forcing the Sandinista Regime to the negotiating table resulting in the democratic election of Violeta Chamorro as the president of Nicaragua. More recently, during the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan, Green Berets were instrumental in partnering with the Northern Alliance, a coalition of Afghan resistance groups. They provided training, equipment, and strategic guidance, enabling these indigenous forces to swiftly overthrow the Taliban.

These historical examples underscore the effectiveness of U.S. Special Forces in training and advising local resistance movements to liberate their nations from oppressive regimes. Applying similar strategies in Venezuela could empower its citizens to reclaim their country and restore democracy. This approach aligns with America's strategic interests and moral responsibility to support freedom-loving people in their fight against tyranny. By empowering Venezuelans to reclaim their nation, the U.S. can help restore democracy, address regional instability, and reduce the spread of transnational crime.

This strategy would achieve multiple objectives. First, it places the responsibility for regime change in the hands of Venezuelans, allowing them to take ownership of their future. Second, it addresses the root causes of regional instability, reducing illegal migration and the spread of organized crime. Third, it disrupts the transnational criminal networks that Maduro and his allies have fostered, protecting American communities from the scourge of drugs and violence.

Conclusion

Nicolás Maduro’s regime is not just a domestic threat to Venezuela; it is a destabilizing force with global repercussions. By exporting criminals like Tren de Aragua gang members, facilitating drug trafficking through the Cartel de los Soles, and weaponizing migration, Maduro has extended his dictatorship’s reach into the United States. The time for half-measures has passed. The U.S. must act decisively by supporting Venezuelans with training, intelligence, and logistical aid to dismantle Maduro’s regime and restore democracy. In doing so, the United States will not only help Venezuela but also address a growing source of crime, drugs, and instability within its own borders.