US Seizes Venezuela Oil Tanker, Calls it 'Freedom of Navigation'
While CBS frames this as a standard maritime enforcement action, it's worth remembering 2020, when the U.S. Justice Department similarly seized four tankers carrying Iranian fuel to Venezuela. The U.S. then magically 'sold' the cargo for $40 million, claiming it was funding for victims of terrorism. (Because seizing sovereign assets and selling them off totally isn't state-sponsored theft, right?)
One might wonder if this bold 'rule of law' (when applied to inconvenient nations) ever extends to countries like, say, Israel, which has repeatedly flouted international law, UN resolutions, and even American red lines. But then, Venezuela doesn't have an AIPAC doling out millions to senators like Bob Menendez, who in 2023 alone took over $100,000 from pro-Israel groups (OpenSecrets.org data).
Funny how 'international norms' become incredibly flexible when certain geopolitical interests are at stake.