Venezuela Threatened

 

Venezuela since 2002 has been the target of US interference. Now, tensions have risen with US naval forces being detected off the coast. What was deployed to Venezuela were Aegis guided-missile destroyers. Three warships were detected indicating possible military aggression directed at Venezuela. Prior to this provocation, the US government issued a bounty for President Nicolas Maduro. The Trump administration asserts this is an effort to stop drug cartels and that Venezuela contributes to the traffic of  illegal substances. President Donald Trump without evidence claimed President Nicolas Maduro was in control of drug trafficking throughout the region. The true motivation is to obtain Venezuela's vast oil reserves. The official statements from the White House, Department of Defense, and Justice Department was the warships were part of an operation to stop the transport of narcotics. Fighting gangs and drug cartels are a cover to either intervene or possibly occupy Latin American countries. Designating gangs and drug cartels as terrorist organizations provides the justification. The United States of America continues to undermine South America's sovereignty and attack leftist governments. If Venezuela is invaded, it could induce a massive refugee crisis. Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana would be effected. The War on Drugs has become a curtain for an invasion of the entire South American continent. Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia do have challenges related to drug cartel crime. There is no evidence cartels are being directed by Venezuela. President Nicolas Maduro announced that he seeks to mobilize 4.5 milita members to defend the country if military action is taken by the United States.    

The 2024 BRICS Summit

 

BRICS met for its sixteenth summit in 2024. It was hosted in Kazan, Russia. BRICS is expanding with more nations seeking to join. The challenge is that there are some tensions between some members. Venezuela and Brazil are experiencing a decline in diplomatic  relations. Brazil vetoed Venezuela's entry into BRICS. President Lula Da Silva questioned Venezuela's election results and appears to be drifting further away from President Nicolas Maduro. China and India do have border disputes. The atmosphere was different. Global South nations are asserting their economic independence. Since 2009 BRICS was an informal association of emerging economies in Asia, South America, and Africa. Since then it has become an important factor in the world economy. Attempts made by NATO to isolate Russia internationally were not successful. Seeing as the Russian Federation faces hostility from the European Union, diplomatic ties are sought elsewhere. A growing movement has emerged for creating a new currency and replacing the dollar. African and Asian nations are going to be a great force in the 21st century. Natural resources and a new currency are methods of challenging the dominance of EU countries. More members can be an advantage, but it brings complications. Argentina was set to join, yet reversed it decision. The reason was the country elected a right-wing libertarian President Javier Milei. Saudi Arabia has not taken the offer to become a member. Being a member of BRICS remaining western aligned would be difficult. Most EU countries and the United States see BRICS as an adversary. BRICS could also shield against sanctions unfairly placed on countries from Europe and North America. The 2024 BRICS summit marks an important geopolitical shift.   

Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez's Criminal Conviction

 

Juan Orlando Hernandez has been convicted in a New York criminal drug trafficking trial. Hernandez is not the first Latin American leader to be subject to a US court. Manuel Noriega the military dictator of Panama  was deposed by the United States and imprisoned. Hernandez's circumstances follow a similar pattern. The former president faces up to 40 years in prison. The contradiction is that Juan Orlando Hernandez was considered an ally of the US in their war on drugs. The new York trial only exposes that the United States uses the excuse of gang violence and the war on drugs to control Central America. The US will never go after those who are connected to drug trafficking in the region. The CIA has profited directly from its involvement in the illegal drug trade. The trial demonstrates a violation of Honduras' national sovereignty. If Juan Orlando Hernandez committed most of his crimes in Honduras that is where he should face justice. Since the US backed coup in 2009, Honduras has been unstable. The blowback in the 2020s was a wave of migration from Central America. President Juan Orlando Hernandez also allowed the extradition of drug traffickers. Drug trafficking was not President Hernandez's only offense. He violated the constitution by running for reelection. Accusations of electoral fraud were made, but the United States recognized the government. When his second term was complete, he was arrested in 2022. Once extradited to the United States, the trial got delayed. Juan Orlando Hernandez became a scapegoat for America's failing Central America policy. President Juan Orlando Hernandez's error was that he thought that the US would protect him. Imprisoning South America leaders is not going to stop migration or end the power of drug cartels. Further destabilization only caused more discontent among the Central America population. President Juan Orlando Hernandez was only supported by the United States as a counter to Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega. When he was no longer useful the support dissipated. The trial got little press coverage in the US, because it connects the American government to a corrupt regime.      

Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry Resigns

 

Ariel Henry announced he will resign as prime minister  of  Haiti. This was not so much of a resignation, but an overthrow of an unpopular government . When visiting Kenya about deploying police to Haiti, gang violence escalated. Henry was not elected and was appointed prime minister after the Moise assassination. Haiti has not had elections since 2016. The country might have democratic institutions, but it functions as an authoritarian system in practice. Ariel Henry refused to step down when his term of service expired. Henry currently is in Puerto  Rico. Haiti has been destabilized by US interreference and United Nations missions. The jail break of 4,000 gang members caused a spike in violence. What these gangs could transform into are organized militias and armed groups. Certain gangs are not focused on violent crime, rather aspire to seize power. The G9 Family and Allies might be seeking higher political objectives. Using the term gang would no longer be correct. The United Nations is now planning to sent another mission into Haiti. Presented as a multinational security support mission it is another invasion of the country. Kenya will lead this mission with a force of 1,000 police officers. What it amounts to is police officers acting a substitutes for soldiers. Police are not trained to fight wars or armed groups. Law enforcement differs from peacekeeping missions and military combat. If President William Ruto gets Kenya to commit to this operation it will be a major humanitarian crisis. The involvement of  multiple countries and the UN to stop gangs is puzzling. The United Nations never did missions against MS-13.  Haiti is of interest to US policy for influence in the Caribbean. This explains why the Biden administration did not condemn Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Ariel Henry was denied entry back into the country and by definition exiled. Resignation was not what occurred in reality. The official policy of the transitional government has not been made public. If they do allow for another occupation by the United Nations, public discord will grow.    

President Pedro Castillo Has Been Removed From Office

 

Peru is facing a constitutional crisis. When President Pedro Castillo attempted to dissolve the Congress, more discord emerged . The move was a way to avoid impeachment proceedings. His arrest does pose an issue. If impeachment proceedings never occurred and a formal removal from office never took place this could violate the constitution. President Pedro Castillo has been accused of inciting rebellion and constitutional violations. A trial has not been scheduled nor is there evidence at the moment of corruption. Dina Bolurate has been selected to finish up Castillo's term. That means she will be president until 2026. Peru's situation parallels Bolivia's political crisis. A left-wing president being deposed by right-wing opposition has become too common in Latin America. Leftist governments even though they are legitimately elected, they  are not allowed to rule. Peaceful and orderly transfers of power are disappearing. South America might be reverting to how it was in the 19th century. Extreme political factionalism,  erratic transfers of power, and authoritarian like political structures. According to reports, Castillo appeared to be making an attempt to leave the country. This indicates possible political persecution. Much of the discontent comes from an increase in fuel and fertilizer prices. This caused Peruvians to hold demonstrations. Farmers and lorry drivers were the most effected by the price rise. Imposing a curfew and a state of emergency reduced support for the Castillo presidency.    

Barbados Is Now A Republic

 

Dame Sandra Mason 

Barbados has removed Queen Elizabeth II as their head of state. This makes Barbados the world's newest republic. This is a significant moment considering the island's history. The legacy of enslavement and colonialism  left a horrible mark. The trans-Atlantic slave trade caused much damage across the Caribbean, while enriching the British Empire. Dame Sandra Mason will take over as president of Barbados. Mason served as Governor-General and will be taking over the role that was filled by Queen Elizabeth II. What has been done in Barbados will hopefully encourage other former ex-colonies to remove the British monarchy as serving a head of state role. A new political trend could be emerging. Prime Minister Mia Mottley will remain  in office following the change in government. There remains uncertainty about the relations between the United Kingdom and Barbados. The country will remain in the Commonwealth of Nations . Barbados has been independent since 1966,but now it looks to a new future in the Americas. Reaching out to South American nations should be a foreign policy priority. The island must continue to diversify its economy beyond sugar exports and tourism. A new patriotic enthusiasm is building and leaders should channel that energy to further development objectives. The establishment of  the  republic makes way for multiple opportunities.    

Haitian Refugees Are Met With Violence At The US Border

 

Haiti has been in a state of crisis since the assassination of President  Jovenel Moise. The 2010 earthquake and another in 2021 has caused much damage to the island nation. Haitians made the dangerous journey across Latin America to seek safety. Limited economic opportunity and increasing crime have forced them to flee. Upon reaching the Texas border, refugees were met with violence from border patrol. The Biden administration had promised humane treatment of immigrants, refugees, and others seeking asylum. Instead, it demonstrates behavior similar to that of the previous administration. Plans are under way to have the refugees deported by flight. Detention centers are still operational and could be a public health risk with an ongoing pandemic. These actions demonstrate that no matter who is president US immigration policy still maintains its racist and xenophobic attributes. The reason people flee from Latin America and the Caribbean is due to US foreign policy. The US supported Moise who was clinging to power despite election results. The support for autocratic or authoritarian regimes in the region made certain nations no longer safe to live in. Haiti has been subject to US interference for an entire century. If President Joseph Biden goes through with mass deportations of Haitian refugees, this will only further alienate leftist factions of the Democratic Party. More people will come unless the US ends manipulation of foreign governments and military intervention around the globe.   

Haitian President Jovenel Moise Assasinated

 

The embattled president of Haiti was killed at his residence. The suspects are currently in custody. Haiti has fallen further into disorder following reports of his murder. The country was already in a constitutional crisis, when President Moise refused to leave office. His term was over, but he refused to relinquish power. Now that he is gone, a power void will follow. To the majority of Haitans his administration represented the worst corruption of government. The police and army are expected to do more crackdowns as protests continue. Demonstrations will not stop simply because there is a new president. The demand for employment, accountable government, and improved living standards is too great. Jovenel Moise had been accused of electoral fraud and graft related to Venezuelan aid. Gangs are becoming more powerful with connections to prominent leaders in the country. The situation could resemble Colombia 's long history of violence. The aid that has come from other countries has not improved the lives of the average citizen. It has been speculated that most has been stolen, but there has not been any confirmation of this. Claude Joseph will be acting president. Without a functional parliament, reforms are not possible.  

Chile Will Be Getting A New Constituition

 

Chile will be getting a new constitution . There has not been a new constitution since the Augusto  Pinochet regime.  For 40 years Chile was following this legal document made by the right-wing authoritarian government. The Chilean public voted in a referendum for the change. Questions remain about what the new constitution will be like. Major political transformations are happening in the country. Chile has for the first time  held elections for regional governors. The country could be shifting more in a political leftist orientation. Chile for a long period of time was more of a conservative leaning government in Latin America. That is why the newly elected assembly members rise was a shock to the establishment. The failure to implement needed reforms has generated much discontent. Combined with the current economic decline and growing inequality in the region this change was a longtime coming. The new assembly has elected more women and indigenous people than in previous years. These elections will have an impact on the race for the presidency. The new constitution will finally put an end to the ghosts of the Cold War and the Pinochet regime. The new constitution will act as a foundation for a state that values human rights. If the assembly is successful, then Chile may be able to make progress in fighting longtime economic and social issues.    

Demonstrations Held in Colombia Over Tax Increase

 

Colombians are protesting  the government's attempts to increase taxes. The strain brought on by the pandemic and economic inequality has culminated in public discord. The Latin American nation has long struggled with civil war and narcoterrorism . The decision to raise taxes has caused much anger at the Ivan Duque administration. The demonstrations and failure to produce rational solutions could jeopardize President Duque's chances for reelection. Increasing taxes on food and utilities only harms the average citizen. Curfews and pandemic restrictions have only added to the public's frustration. The protesters have been peaceful, but law enforcement has not. The excessive use of force has gained international attention . The plan to balance the budget with tax hikes will not work when unemployment is high. The only result will be that those who have jobs will be taxed more. The employed could end up being impoverished from ineffective government policy. As economic contraction grows, Colombia becomes more desperate. Colombia needs to get financial assistance from other countries What Colombians need is some form of universal basic income to counter economic instability. The only way the economy can be fixed is eliminating the COVID-19 virus and increasing employment. If the tax hikes continue then more civil unrest will occur. 

Protests Against President Jovenel Moise Escalate

 

Massive demonstrations against President Jovenel Moise have occurred throughout Haiti. Moise has attempted to challenge the presidential term limit. This evokes memories of the Duvalier dynasty which kept the country under authoritarian rule. Since 2019, Moise has faced calls for his resignation. A crumbling economy and rising fuel prices have pushed the Haitian public to extreme discord. The political corruption has gotten worse with little attempts by the administration to stop it. Moise has been in office since 2017 and it appears as if he has no intention to leave office. The constitution states that term limits are five years. Moise has not acknowledged this and has arrested Supreme Court judges to prevent any legal challenge to his take over. Jovenel Moise claims these judges were part of  a coup plot. This is designed to end the independence of the Supreme Court so that term limits will not be enforced for the presidency. The protest movement has been active since 2018, but may be too disorganized to force his removal. The reason Jovenel Moise survives is that he has the support of the United States. There has been no change in policy in regards to Haiti, even with a change in presidential administrations in America. Haiti may not even have elections this year. Coups and protests are not new to Haiti. What is different about the current conditions is that Haitians are developing a new political consciousness. If there is a return to an authoritarian regime, the public will not remain silent.   

The US Charges Nicolas Maduro with Drug Trafficking and Proposes a Plan of Political Transition

The Trump administration no longer recognizes President Maduro as the legitimate leader of Venezuela. New charges of  drug trafficking have been made, but so far there has been little evidence to suggest that his government has a full scale operation. The United States has been attempting to interfere in the internal affairs of Venezuela under the claim of protection of human rights. The ulterior motive is to get access to the country's oil and important geographic location. There has been a coordinated attempt to depose democratically elected leftist governments across Latin America. Bolivia and Brazil have been subject to a right-wing resurgence. There is a cash reward for President Maduro's arrest issued by the US government. The Trump administration has suggested that military action could be a possible option, if  President Nicolas Maduro is able to survive the political crisis.The pretext seems similar to the 1989 invasion of Panama or the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The US transition plan demands that both Juan Guaido and Nicloas Maduro  step aside. Doing so would mean an interim government would be installed. Sanctions would be lifted only when the process is over by both the US and EU. Neither leader would be willing to do this. Venezuela may find itself in direct conflict with the United States. Venezuela has an alliance with Cuba,  but other countries may not come to its aid if war were to break out.     

President Evo Morales Resigns

President Evo Morales has resigned and departed to Mexico. It appears that he has sought asylum in the country amid protests in  Bolivia.  Once more, another leftist government has been removed in Latin America and a wave of far-right reactionary politics will sweep across Latin America. The protests in La Paz have not ended. Now rivals and supporters of the government are in direct conflict. There is reasonable suspicion that US involvement had a role in removing the Morales government. Similar to Venezuela, the United States seeks regime change to have a government more compliant with its foreign policy in the region. Jeanine Anez will be sworn in as interim president during the political transition. The following events may unfold just like in Brazil, when Dilma Rousseff was removed. What has happened in Bolivia could be classified a coup. The opposition denies the accusation that the events that transpired were part of a conspiracy. The accusations of electoral fraud were met with protests in 2019. President Morales offered new elections. This was ignored and then the police joined in the protests. The military then started supporting the idea of President Evo Morales' removal. Latin America has a long history of military coups and far-right authoritarian governments coming to power. Events that have occurred in Bolivia demonstrate South America may be reverting back to these regimes of the 20th century.     

Juan Guaido Calls For Military Uprising

Opposition leader Juan Guaido has called for a military uprising. Protests have continued, but remained peaceful and this sudden urge for violence seems even more disturbing. Venezuela has been since 2002 a target of US interference due to its leftist political policies and relations with Cuba. The Trump administration has become more hostile imposing sanctions and threatening Cuba. Juan Guaido has attempted to present himself as a freedom fighter stopping an oppressive government. It is no longer a secret that Guaido is being used a tool for regime change in the South American nation. President Nicolas Maduro since entering office faced numerous political and economic challenges. The socialism from above model has failed to ensure security for the majority of the population. Oil wealth could solve Venezuela's problems, if the current sanctions were not harming the country. Under President Hugo Chavez poverty reduction and the increase of social services were a priority. The Bush administration at the time antagonized the Venezuela, because it opposed US geopolitical objectives in Latin America. So far, Russia and Cuba have provided assistance against a US plot to depose the legitimate government. There now is the threat of civil war and the result could be a massive influx of refugees into neighboring countries. South America has suffered on multiple occasions human rights abuse from the United States and this could be another part of the long historical saga. If Guaido some how manages to take over by force, citizens should not expect to see improvements in living standards. A massive conflict will only harm Venezuela and  its people. The leftist governments of Latin America are under attack and it is apparent that Nicaragua, Bolivia , or Cuba could be next.