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In an unexpected development, President Donald Trump engaged in a conversation with Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. This dialogue, reported by the New York Times, has sparked discussions about a potential meeting in the United States. Such a meeting would mark a historic first, as no sitting U.S. president has met with the authoritarian figurehead from Venezuela.
Despite this overture towards diplomacy, tensions remain high. Trump has consistently used aggressive language regarding Venezuela while also appearing open to negotiation. This duality raises critical questions about the U.S. government’s approach toward the South American nation.
U.S. stance on Maduro and the Cartel de los Soles
The Trump administration has labeled Maduro’s government as illegitimate, linking it to a notorious drug trafficking organization known as the Cartel de los Soles. However, this designation has faced skepticism from analysts, who argue that there is insufficient evidence to support the existence of a traditional cartel structure within the Venezuelan military and government.
Experts contend that while drug-related corruption is rampant in Venezuela, the term cartel may misrepresent the actual dynamics. The Cartel de los Soles originated in the 1990s to describe high-ranking military officers profiting from drug trafficking, but today it broadly refers to various officials engaged in corrupt practices across multiple sectors.
Escalation of military actions
Recent months have seen a significant increase in U.S. military operations targeting alleged drug trafficking boats from Venezuela. Critics, including human rights advocates and academic experts, have condemned these actions as extrajudicial killings. Trump has hinted at the possibility of bombarding land targets within Venezuela, stating, “The land is easier, but that’s going to start very soon,” signaling the administration’s readiness to intensify military involvement.
Furthermore, the U.S. has strengthened its military presence in the Caribbean, with covert CIA operations reportedly underway. The *Reuters* news agency reported that new phases of operations could include attempts to unseat Maduro, indicating that military intervention remains a viable option for Washington.
Implications of the Cartel designation
On the diplomatic front, the Trump administration is set to formally designate the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization. This classification allows the U.S. to impose more severe sanctions and enhances its ability to act against those associated with Maduro. While the administration claims this move aims to curb drug trafficking, many observers view it as a strategic effort to undermine Maduro’s regime.
The term foreign terrorist organization has traditionally been reserved for groups engaging in politically motivated violence. However, recent decisions by the Trump administration to classify several Latin American criminal organizations in this manner suggest a broadening of this definition, likely aimed at consolidating its anti-Maduro agenda.
Maduro’s response to escalating tensions
In response to these developments, Maduro’s regime has vehemently denied the existence of the Cartel de los Soles, dismissing U.S. accusations as unfounded attempts to justify military intervention. The Venezuelan government argues that these claims are part of a fabricated narrative designed to destabilize the country and provoke international intervention.
Despite these denials, Maduro continues to face mounting pressure both domestically and internationally. The U.S. has intensified its rhetoric against him, with Trump insisting that the Venezuelan leader cannot remain in power, viewing his regime as unsustainable.