U.S. warns Venezuela's Maduro about intimidation, 'looting' its gold, oil

The United States and most other Western nations have backed Guaido's push for a transition and new elections.

Let Venezuelans decide for themselves.

But Russia and China, among others, are supporting Maduro.

Let Venezuelans decide for themselves.

Why is Russia, ruled by a far right regime whose leaders, their media outlets and social media trolls constantly assail any political belief they claim is to the 'left' of their form of rightwing totalitarianism, siding with China, an alleged communist (i.e. 'left') led nation, and Maduro, an alleged socialist (i.e. 'left')?

No more wars for oil!

Let Venezuelans decide for themselves.

Sadly, the long-suffering Venezuelans are the last people who will get to decide:

"The United States has participated in the overthrow of dozens of Latin American governments since the late 19th century. These interventions have taken the form of direct military attacks, covert operations (often involving the CIA) and aid to internal actors bidding for power. By appointing Elliott Abrams as its point man in Venezuela, the Trump administration embraces that history of interventions. During the Reagan presidency, Abrams was central to U.S. actions that resulted in human rights violations in Central America. He was also convicted of lying to Congress in the Iran-contra investigation."

https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2019/01/29/dangerous-game-donald-trump-is-playing-with-venezuela/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.5e20f0f2cab4

https://wikispooks.com/wiki/Elliott_Abrams

Sadly, the long-suffering Venezuelans are the last people who will get to decide:

I fully agree. I'm not 'naive', instead expressing an opinion, maybe wish, that the sovereignty of states should be respected.

I'm well aware of the US history of incursions of all sorts. That the US empire is rapidly fading even faster under Trump is obvious. What worries is its neocons might resort to more disastrous military interventions in final pushes to preserve what's left.

I'm also worried about Russia's ongoing attempts to re-establish its empire, which we're seeing in its former soviet states, MENA, now Venezuela and elsewhere. I can NOT be convinced Russia's interests in Venezuela are benign.

I'm also worried that China for perhaps the first time in its history wants to establish its empire beyond its borders, which it's pretty clear it's doing.

I'm also well aware empires are how the world's been organized for millennia. And all I can do about it is carp.

Don’t loot yet...leave it for the international big brothers!!

Why is Russia, ruled by a far right regime whose leaders, their media outlets and social media trolls constantly assail any political belief they claim is to the 'left' of their form of rightwing totalitarianism, siding with China, an alleged communist (i.e. 'left') led nation, and Maduro, an alleged socialist (i.e. 'left')? 

Actions speak louder than any self-proclaimed name. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is neither a republic, nor is it very democratic. The “Liberal Democratic Party” which people love to hate is more conservative than the conservative sounding “Constitutional Democratic Party” which is more socialist.

For heavens sakes, do not meddle in Venezuela’s Socialist implosion! The last thing we need to hear is about how those Yankees are interfering in the internal affairs of some Latin American country. Americans keep trying to save thing from their own failed governments - all they get in return is blame. No - let them sort it out themselves. Viva la indifference!

For heavens sakes, do not meddle in Venezuela’s Socialist implosion! 

Then the other half of the world would blame the US for doing nothing while dictators, criminals organizations, China and Russia move in to suck up the power vacuum. Venezuela will get worse before it gets better, US intervention or not. And although it has been holding together for the most part, mainly due to a fairly developed infrastructure already in place, the world does not need another failed socialist state for the predators to eat up.

There is, of course, ANOTHER country that is badly in need of an "interim president" -- the good ol' US of A! If Trump loses in 2020, I wonder whether Putin will recognize HIM as "interim president" -- or something equally DAFT??!!

I understand what PTown is trying to say, but it comes off as quite naïve and a little too distanced from reality.

Maduro is doing exactly what every other kind of dictator (living or dead) has done before. Rob the country's coffers, paying into corruption to make sure they get out with a financial cushion when things go deep poop for the rest of the citizens.

One thing I've always noticed about dictators, is they love flouting how their military "backs them up". I was just telling my Iranian co-worker yesterday, the easiest way to tell a dictator apart from a true leader, is that the military is only there to protect the people of the country, NOT the political regime. If you see the military supporting the government and not protecting the people, there is corruption, tyranny, and blatant oppression afoot. If you see the military protecting the people, you will never see them turning their arms on the citizens because a dictator/corrupt government told them to.

China has done this. Russia has done this, Iran has done this, and even the US had it's bout with such a thing (the Kent State incident), and too many other countries to list. But the US learned it's lesson and strove to do better.