The reason given by the government for the arrest of Venezuelan President Maduro was related to drug trafficking but the control of the Oil Industry and seizure of oil tankers make it hard to understand what is really going on. Is this about Drug trafficking, Oil, Political differences, Human rights or what? All of these are separate issues that probably require different modes of intervention.

Most of the drug traffic into the US comes from China/Asia, Columbia/Mexico but Venezuela transports drugs from Columbia (cocaine). This traffic mostly comes over the Mexican border or on ships/containers through the port, and some by other means (including small drug boats).

Although Venezuela has one of the largest reserves of Oil, it is not considered investible by the Oil industry due to their political instability. Attacking another country to acquire their Oil is an international crime which could result in reprisals or set a bad example for others despots and the US and EU sanctioned Venezuelan oil due to human rights abuses, corruption and anti-democratic behavior. 40% of the exports go to China which has increased their investments in their Oil industry in recent years.

Venezuela has a socialist Government and Maduro has been in power since 2013. He has been indicted by Amnesty international for human rights violation (murdering and imprisoning the political opposition) and has rigged the political system to ensure he gets re-elected. Although this is not good, it is unclear whether this situation will change since his party remains in power and it is unclear what the people in Venezuela want going forward.

Most people want to see a prosperous and democratic Venezuela that is free from human rights abuses, drugs and corruption and has good relations with the US, but the question remains as to what happens going forward.

The capture of Maduro in Venezuela was a sophisticated attack using ships, planes, drones, cyber attacks and apparently directed energy weapons that incapacitated Maduro’s defenders. If this is used to enforce international law, it is one thing, if it is used for profit and exploitation, it is entirely different. I hope it is not one corrupt dictator replacing another corrupt dictator with a more favorable corrupt dictator.