By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Following the removal of Nicolás Maduro, the political landscape in Venezuela is shifting as the existing regime tightens its control. Despite initial hopes for a new government after Maduro’s capture, there has been no release of political prisoners, and the government is cracking down on any dissent. A classified intelligence assessment suggests that top members of the Maduro regime are best positioned to maintain stability. This situation has led to mixed reactions, with some Venezuelans feeling disillusioned, while others remain optimistic about the prospect of change.
Read the original article here
Venezuelans hopeful of regime change are understandably dismayed as the government appears to remain the same. It’s a harsh reality that’s sinking in for many who had pinned their hopes on a different outcome. The initial celebrations seem to be fading as the very forces they were hoping to be rid of are still present, and in some cases, even empowered. Reports of pro-regime paramilitary groups acting with impunity, possibly with tacit state approval, are a clear sign that the old power structures are largely intact. The promise of a new era is quickly being replaced by the unsettling feeling of déjà vu.
The core of the issue seems to be a continuation of the status quo, even if the figurehead changes. The speculation is that the Trump administration, or any administration, is more interested in Venezuela’s oil reserves than in the well-being of its citizens. The concern is that while there might be cosmetic changes, the fundamental problems of corruption, oppression, and economic mismanagement will persist. The fear is that the country is being exploited, and the people will continue to suffer.
The emphasis on oil as the primary motivation for any external involvement casts a long shadow over the situation. This perception, whether accurate or not, undermines any hope for genuine reform. The suspicion is that any “regime change” is a mere rearranging of the deck chairs, with the same players retaining their positions and the same interests driving the decisions. The focus is on extracting resources, not on building a better future for the Venezuelan people.
This brings up a larger point about the complexities of international relations and the motivations of powerful nations. It is widely expressed that the U.S. is not necessarily driven by altruism. The expectation of significant and beneficial changes to Venezuela is very low, and it seems there are very few people who truly believe this is about helping Venezuela. The reality is that Trump’s (or any other leader’s) interest lies primarily in the oil. It’s an inconvenient truth for those who believed that a change in leadership would automatically translate into freedom and prosperity.
The narrative suggests that the removal of Maduro was never the ultimate goal; rather, the objective was control of Venezuelan resources. There is a strong skepticism that the US is there to do what’s best for Venezuelans. The possibility of the U.S. using the military to remove Maduro and then receiving unfettered access to oil, leaving the same oppressive structures in place, is now very prominent. The irony is that the supposed “liberators” might be perpetuating the very problems they were supposed to solve.
The comments also reflect a deep sense of betrayal. The hope for a better future, for democracy and human rights, is being replaced by the grim reality of a power grab. The concern is that the new government, or rather, the government that remains, will be even more ruthless and indifferent to the needs of the people. They are very much worried that the country will now be worse off. This is a chilling prospect for those who had envisioned a brighter tomorrow.
The current situation is far from ideal. People who had long hoped for change see that the same regime is in charge, and that the only true difference is the loss of oil. Venezuela’s destiny is now tied to whoever is willing to offer the most to maintain the status quo. It’s hard to imagine a worse outcome.
Many seem to believe the US is more concerned with its own economic and strategic interests than with the welfare of the Venezuelan people. The US is after the oil and resources, and the rest is secondary. It is said that the US might even actively hinder a transition to democracy. And thus, those who once celebrated are now facing the harsh reality that they were never the priority. It’s the oil, stupid!