The recent statements from the Biden administration regarding Venezuela’s election results have raised eyebrows among political analysts and observers. The White House’s decision to recognize the opposition as the winner of the elections, without taking any further actions, has drawn comparisons to the pressure campaign initiated by the Trump administration in 2019.
During the 2019 campaign, the US, along with more than 50 countries, including the European Union, the UK, and several Latin American nations, imposed sanctions and other measures against the Venezuelan government. However, the current situation is different as the Europeans have struggled to coordinate a unified strategy due to their reliance on Venezuelan oil. Additionally, key Latin American countries with leftist governments, such as Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia, have taken a neutral stance on the issue.
Furthermore, the opposition in Venezuela is facing challenges as a significant portion of its electoral base has emigrated, particularly to the US. This has led to the emergence of Venezuelan criminal networks in American cities, engaging in illicit activities such as prostitution and drug trafficking. The dwindling support for the opposition has also been reflected in the smaller turnout at their rallies.
In a bid to garner support for regime change, the Venezuelan opposition has resorted to placing articles in the US press and expressing hope for a Republican victory in the upcoming elections. However, it remains uncertain whether a change in US administration would bring about significant changes in policy towards Venezuela.
In conclusion, while the Biden administration may be following a similar agenda to its predecessor on Venezuela, the success of their approach remains in question. With internal challenges within the opposition and external factors hindering a unified international response, the situation in Venezuela continues to remain complex and uncertain.