As Crisis in Venezuela Worsens, United States Attempts to Prevent Total Fallout

With the crisis in Venezuela intensifying, the United States called for the United Nations Security Council to discuss the issue on Wednesday, May 17.  According to U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley, “the Trump administration wants to prevent another conflict like Syria, North Korea or South Sudan”.  While these efforts may seem beneficial to those directly affected by this crisis, some disagree with the respecting decision.  Venezuelan Ambassador Rafael Ramirez shunned the United States and its efforts, saying that it was yet again attempting, “to interfere in our domestic issues.”

As one of the largest and most influential superpowers in the world, the United States is always involved in foreign affairs whether or not it is invited in such participation.  The United States has always deemed itself the “greatest country in the world” and expects itself to live up to that name by incorporating itself in all matters, but it is not always appreciated by all.  But Ambassador Haley says, according to The Washington Post, that “the U.S. intention wasn’t to be ‘intrusive’ or ‘heavy-handed’ but to support regional efforts to find a political solution and ‘show respect for the Venezuelan people’ who want free and fair elections, the release of political prisoners and the worsening humanitarian situation addressed.”

Haley notes that failure to take action now will result in the crisis spiraling out of control, affecting not only those in Venezuela but also neighboring countries as well.  This civil unrest was sparked by President Nicolas Maduro’s government’s attempt to terminate opposition within Congress in late March—the conflict has thus drawn out for two months.  A call to meeting within the United Nations will acknowledge this current incident and not necessarily mean direct action, says Haley.

Edith M. Lederer of The Washington Post writes, “The opposition blames the bloodshed on state security forces using excessive force and on groups of armed, pro-government civilians known as ‘colectivos.’  Maduro says far-right extremists are working with criminal gangs to foment the violence.”  It is clear the instability within Venezuela is becoming more prominent, and Haley wishes to only act on the rising issue now before it is too late.

Ambassador Ramirez insists that Maduro is focusing all efforts on easing the issue at hand, and continues to shun the United States’ efforts to intervene.  He voices, “We will never be a threat agains the peace and security in international or the regional level.”

Perhaps Ramirez is correct in his opinion that the United States should stand on the side.  After all, in recent times, the United States has always taken on the role of a “mediator” in world affairs and has consequently strained relations with foreign superpowers.  But, Haley may have a point in that a foreseeable issue can spur out of control and that failure to act can result in devastating consequences.

Featured Image via Wikimedia Common