American air strikes on Venezuela, after President Maduro was taken away, the court ruled that Vice President Delcy Rodríguez would assume presidential powers and took the oath as acting president on January 3. This political figure, who has repeatedly vowed to "fight American imperialism to the end," now stands at a crossroads — will she continue to be a defender of Chávez's policies, or become the most convenient transitional figure in Washington's eyes?
Vice President Delcy Rodríguez of Venezuela assumed the presidential duties by order of the Supreme Court after President Maduro and his first lady were controlled by the United States.
Rodríguez emphasized that Venezuela will not become a colony of any country, firmly opposes American military intervention and attempts to overthrow the government, and demanded the immediate release of the Maduro couple.
Although the United States claims to have "controlled" Venezuela, Rodríguez clearly stated that Venezuela is not under the rule of external forces, and the government is still operating normally.
Scholars analyze the uncertain prospects facing Venezuela:
Smooth transition: The Rodríguez government has reached limited cooperation with the US, introducing American oil companies in exchange for regime survival, but must balance domestic factions with US demands (currently with higher probability).
National turmoil: Domestic factions failed to reach a compromise, leading to anarchy and social unrest.
Long-term confrontation: After the US military进驻, the Venezuelan armed forces will resist in the form of guerrilla warfare, repeating the patterns of Afghanistan and Iraq.
The current Rodríguez government needs to face three-fold challenges:
Judicial struggle: The judicial process of Maduro being tried in the US has become a public platform to expose American hegemony.
Defense of sovereignty: Rodríguez has repeatedly declared "never becoming a colony," rejecting foreign rule.
Control over resources: The US public demand for Venezuela's oil forces the new regime to choose between compromise and resistance.
In summary, all these are difficult and arduous issues for Rodríguez. If she does not accept the US's will, the interim government will find it hard to survive, because Trump has clearly stated that if Rodríguez does not "behave properly," her fate may be worse than Maduro's; if she follows the US's will, the domestic opposition refuses, causing internal chaos. She is in a dilemma.
The US has overthrown this country for the sake of oil interests, but the legacy issues not only test the interim government, but also create uncertainty for America's interest strategy.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1853665944883228/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.