Sanctions Unravel When Gas Gets Strategic
The New York Times recently highlighted the strategic importance of Venezuela's natural gas, suggesting it could be the next major prize for energy companies. After years of stringent sanctions ostensibly aimed at promoting democracy, the spotlight now turns to the potential for joint ventures between Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago. This new focus on gas, rather than Venezuela's vast oil
reserves, signals a changing global energy landscape and, more importantly, a flexible foreign policy when lucrative resources are on the line. This isn't a new playbook. Back in 1953, the CIA and MI6 orchestrated a coup in Iran to depose democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh, largely over the nationalization of oil. Similarly, for two decades, US policy has kept Nicolás
Maduro's government under heavy sanctions, yet now suddenly finds a pragmatic path forward for gas extraction. What changed was not Venezuela's governance, but the perceived value of its specific resources, demonstrating that 'principle' often plays second fiddle to commercial interests. While US officials once decried Maduro’s government as an illegitimate 'regime' that deserved isolation, the
language softens concerning natural gas. The 'democratic transition' narrative dissipates when multibillion-dollar gas fields are involved. The very energy companies that once distanced themselves from Venezuela for 'ethical' reasons are now eyeing partnerships, illustrating a double standard where human rights concerns are conveniently set aside for market opportunities. Readers should observe