Trump Closes Venezuelan Airspace, Not Bothered by US Intervention History
Trump, according to The Hill, has declared Venezuelan airspace 'closed in its entirety' over unspecified 'drug strikes,' raising eyebrows (and possibly a few warplanes). One might wonder if the US has ever used 'drug' pretexts for regime change elsewhere. Oh, wait. From Panama (1989's Operation Just Cause for Noriega) to Colombia, US 'anti-drug' operations have often served as a convenient
smokescreen for geopolitical maneuvering, securing access to resources, or installing friendly governments. Venezuela, sitting on the world's largest proven oil reserves, has long been a target for regime change by various US administrations. The Caracas government has, in 2020, even accused the US of organizing a 'maritime incursion' involving mercenaries, conveniently ignored by much of the
media (Source: Telesur). So, when a former US president talks about 'closing airspace' over a resource-rich nation under the guise of drug interdiction, it's not a stretch to question the true intent. Is this about stopping illicit substances, or is it about asserting dominance over a sovereign nation that dares to chart its own course? The legacy of US intervention in Latin America suggests we've
seen this movie before, complete with the same vague threats and convenient justifications. (The Hill)