What's happened
Venezuelan opposition leader Machado praises US efforts to oust Maduro, supports sanctions and possible military action, while emphasizing her hope for a peaceful transition. She arrived in Norway after a risky escape from Venezuela, where she had been in hiding since January. Tensions with Maduro's regime remain high.
What's behind the headline?
Machado's praise for US sanctions and military actions signals her alignment with Washington's strategy to weaken Maduro. Her arrival in Norway and public statements aim to bolster international support for regime change, but her support for US intervention raises questions about the potential for internal conflict. Experts warn that a transition must be carefully negotiated to avoid violence, given Maduro's strong support base and entrenched military loyalty. The US's aggressive posture, including strikes and vessel seizures, continues to escalate tensions, risking regional instability. Machado's narrative frames the regime as criminal and illegitimate, but her close ties to US hawks suggest her role may be part of a broader geopolitical agenda to control Venezuela's resources.
What the papers say
The New York Post reports Machado's support for Trump's strategy and her arrival in Norway after her escape, emphasizing her praise for US efforts. Al Jazeera highlights her hope for a peaceful transition and her criticism of Maduro's regime, linking her support for sanctions to her political stance. Both sources depict Machado as aligned with US interests, but the Post emphasizes her support for potential military action, while Al Jazeera notes her criticism of US intervention, reflecting differing perspectives on her role and motives.
How we got here
Machado, a prominent opposition figure in Venezuela, was barred from running in the 2024 presidential election, which Maduro claimed to have won amid international criticism. She recently received the Nobel Peace Prize in Norway after a perilous journey from Venezuela, where she had been in hiding. The US has increased military pressure and sanctions against Maduro's government, accusing it of drug trafficking, arms, and human trafficking, and seeking regime change to access Venezuela's oil reserves.
Go deeper
- What are the chances of Maduro stepping down peacefully?
- How does US military buildup impact regional stability?
- What are the prospects for a negotiated transition in Venezuela?
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Nicolás Maduro Moros is a Venezuelan politician serving as president of Venezuela since 2013. His presidency has been disputed by Juan Guaidó since January 2019, although Maduro is the real president.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.