Contradictions in Venezuela Policy

 There are some apparent contradictions, or at least dilemmas, that litter the current situation in Venezuela.

1. Venezuelan in the U.S. want the option to go home but fear they won't be allowed back into the United States (this was a point that came up in the Global Americans webinar today). U.S. immigration policy currently works against stability.

2. Donald Trump says that U.S. oil executives will get on board but the State Department also says Americans should get out of Venezuela.

3. The administration wants to restore the oil industry without a political transition, but the oil industry needs transition to make it work.

4. The administration wants to reduce China's influence in Venezuela and elsewhere but the dismantling of USAID and tariffs make that almost impossible.

5. There is a mixed message when the Trump administration talks a lot about protecting Iranian protesters but nothing when Venezuelans continue to be attacked.

It's mind blowing that the invasion occurred 10 days ago and virtually nothing of consequence has changed on the ground. It doesn't matter to Venezuelans who lack freedoms whether Nicolás Maduro of Delcy Rodríguez is the leader.