Putin was just paid $1 trillion in gold for military coverage of the Maduro. Purin wants to control the petroleum assets of Venezuela and dictate the outcomes for countries that depend on Venezuela's petroleum. Putin wants this one bad. Strength Columbia first and then with gathered intelligence seek a way to end the conflict in Venezuela.
Putin and other allies may seek to export small arms to Maduro supporters. Not everyone receiving small arms with be Maduro supporters so the idea a civil war can break out will be ever present.
The best way to end the conflict in Venezuela is to strengthen the region around it, regardless of country. Stronger borders and control of refugees into reasonable camps will begin the process of Russian containment in the region. Rubio has a strong focus on Columbia, so he will be a strong asset for Columbia and the USA.
This is a near border conflict for the USA and kindly recall Russia has signed an agreement with Cuba, so the threat and the desire by Russia is real.
Entering Venezuela directly is a very bad idea. Too many people will be killed and it could explode into a regional war with every country surrounding Venezuela becoming a Russian asset. There is a good approach that will strength the countries and protect people. It is the worst case scenario that needs to be avoided for the stability of the region. The bloodshed has to come from Russia and not anyone else.
Putin practices brinkmanship and sends unsuccessful Russian mercenaries to test the waters, while his spy planes are shot down accidentally. Putin's conventional weapon warfare lacks expertise. His brinkmanship prevents failure in the field and loss of public support for his regime.
The entire circumstance with Venezuela is unfortunate, but, it does exist. The man that opposes Maduro and wants to lead Venezuela is seen in film footage unafraid to be among the people. He is benevolent and brave.
There is some talk that the Venezuelan Generals are not behind Maduro. That may or may not be the case. If they are loyal to the people, there is a real chance of ending all this mess peaceful. Then Venezuela has grounds to recall the $1 trillion in Russian assets back to the country as it backed an illegitimate dictator. When, not if, the change takes place the economic recovery will be vital to bring refugees home and allow the country to establish a lasting peace with a strong economy.
February 2, 2019
By Mariana Zuniga, Anthony Faiola and Rachelle Krygler
Caracas — Venezuela’s embattled president, Nicolás Maduro, (click here) faced challenges on multiple fronts Saturday, as massive anti-government rallies choked the streets, a top general defected and the opposition urged European powers to join the international alliance against him.
The dramatic events underscored the pressures mounting on Maduro. They also suggested the strategies ahead for opposition leader Juan Guaidó — an untested 35-year-old industrial engineer — as he tries to expand Maduro’s global isolation and appeals for the support of more Venezuelans.
Guaidó, who heads the opposition-controlled National Assembly, has won the backing of the United States and a host of other nations since declaring Maduro a usurper and himself interim president.
Across the nation, huge numbers of protesters — possibly hundreds of thousands — took to the streets....
