Bolton: Removing Maduro from Venezuela a ‘hollow victory’ for US
Tehran - BORNA - The United States launched attacks on Caracas and several other regions in Venezuela early Saturday, capturing President Maduro and his wife, following airstrikes on what the administration of President Donald Trump described as drug vessels allegedly involved in trafficking narcotics into the United States in recent months.
Bolton, who served as national security advisor during Trump’s first term, argued that “Maduro’s departure is a significant first step, but far from the last.” He noted that key figures in the Maduro government remain in office, including Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, and National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez.
“That means that, as of now, the regime itself is still in place, lacking only Maduro. Trump’s remarks from Florida gave no indication that he understands this,” Bolton wrote in an article published by The Telegraph on January 3.
“Washington and Venezuela’s opposition should finish the job of removing the entire Maduro regime,” he added, while questioning whether there is sufficient readiness to do so, noting that Trump has not clearly outlined plans for US involvement in governing Venezuela during a potential transition period.
Bolton compared the “pinpoint” strikes on Venezuela to the 1990 US operation that led to the capture of Panama’s ruler, Manuel Noriega, also under drug trafficking allegations. He observed that Panama’s civilian leaders assumed power almost immediately, adding, “The similarities to Venezuela stop there.”
He further pointed to external support as a key difference, saying Maduro’s government is backed by Russia, Cuba, China, and Iran. Whether these countries will actively support their “allies in Caracas,” Bolton said, is a critical issue Washington must address to achieve its objectives.
“At this point, given the uncertainty over what further military steps Washington might take, it is but a hollow victory if Maduro is the only prize,” Bolton wrote, citing opposition claims that a 2019 coup attempt failed due to “Russian and Cuban determination.”
“For me, the Trump administration’s 2019 failure to oust Maduro was one of its saddest moments,” he concluded, expressing hope for what he described as “better days” this time.
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