Remember Venezuela? In the midst of all the global conflicts that are overwhelming us, many of us think of Venezuela only in terms of the migrants and asylum seekers knocking at our door, cast politically as gangs rampaging through our formerly peaceful communities, a far cry from the truth.
Maduro, who lost the recent election, has clamped down on political dissent even more. His government tolerates armed groups and even criminal gangs as a way to hold dissenters in check. A recent editorial in the Washington Post by Jorge Castaneda and Chilean statesman Carlos Ominami address global concerns in the region, including the ongoing border dispute with Guyana. It asks us to resist our temptations to intervene.
As Maduro has grown more dependent on Russian arms in his attempt to hold onto power, the writers are concerned that this might lead to some form of conflict between the U.S. and Russia, and make a plea that regional powers should solve the problem faced in Venezuela. The question remains how as Venezuelans are fleeing not just to the U.S. but to other countries in Latin America.
Prayer for the Day
Beset by all side in international conflict,
We must feel a bit like the Judah or yore;
Looking for peaceful resolution to conflicts,
But only on our terms, we flounder about.
Guide us, O Lord, so we don’t fall into factional discord,
Not of our own making.
In the name of the One who helps us discern,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
It would be a monumental strategic mistake to let Venezuela become the theater of a militarized world competition. Preserving the “Zone of Peace” is a fundamental component for the maintenance and expansion of democracy in Latin America.
Jorge Castaneda and Carlos Ominami
The international donor community should expand their support for civil society organizations documenting human rights violations and providing humanitarian relief to populations in need.
Global Center for the Responsibility to Protect
I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you
Psalm 33:8