Obama Applies Pressure

Barack Obama’s decision to declare the Venezuelan regime a threat to U.S. national security is further proof that the crisis within the Latin American country has long since spread beyond its national borders. The move by the White House and the sanctions placed on seven senior Venezuelan officials mark a significant change in U.S. attitudes toward the grave events occurring in Venezuela, which have intensified since Nicolás Maduro assumed the presidency almost two years ago.

The social and political situation in the South American country is practically unbearable. The inefficient management of the economy, along with the government’s violation of basic rights, have brought the country to a state of material shortages and social tension difficult to justify. Some of the most important opposition leaders are in prison in conditions that have led to protest from international human rights organizations. Maduro and his team’s constant side-stepping, with their increasing repression of detractors and growing isolation, cannot end well; and the main victim in all of this is Venezuelan society itself.

Obama’s announcement has led Maduro to appoint one of the sanctioned officials head of the Ministry of the Interior, Justice and Peace, as well as announcing new special powers “to legislate against imperialism.” Rhetoric to one side, the desirable thing would be to crystallize regional or international efforts that may be able to steer a process which has taken a dangerous path. Furthermore, if these initiatives had greater consensus both inside and outside the country, the situation in Venezuela could only get better.

It is necessary that political discourse be normalized as soon as possible. It seems that it would be complicated for this to happen without external mediation, meaning that Caracas ought to accept help from international organizations and dignitaries that can facilitate the process. Within this context, the position of the White House should serve as a salutary lesson to bring about the aforementioned effective mediation from regional bodies; this would help break the deadlock and set in motion forms of dialogue that would enable this impasse to be overcome.