Despite being the most powerful nation, America has continuously intimidated smaller nations, claiming the entire world is trying to unsettle its position. Currently, the focus is on Venezuela. The U.S. forces are actively engaging along Venezuela's maritime borders, sinking boats suspected of drug trafficking. However, no drug shipments have been publicly disclosed yet.
The situation has created two factions. Critics argue that Trump might have ulterior motives, like installing a favorable government in Venezuela to exploit its mineral resources. On the other hand, Trump's supporters believe the action is necessary to combat the drug overdose crisis killing American youth. They advocate actions against all source countries, not just Venezuela.
Pressing Questions Arise
- Has drug overdose truly become commonplace in the U.S.? - Does this country really have the largest drug supply? - Which nations are allegedly supplying these drugs? - Is this truly narco-terrorism, threatening U.S. security?
How Grave is the Threat to the U.S.?
Drug overdose deaths have surged in the U.S., notorious for its long-standing overdose problems. In recent years, nearly 100,000 Americans succumb to drug overdoses annually, with synthetic drugs being the primary culprits, according to the CDC. The gravity of the issue is evident as drug-related deaths surpass those from road accidents, infiltrating small towns and cities.
Source: aajtak
America stands as one of the world's largest drug markets. While specific data is scarce, it's evident that the consumption of cocaine, fentanyl, opium, and meth surpasses that of other Western nations. High population and purchasing power within the U.S. attract traffickers from Russia, Latin America, and Asia.
Over 50 million American adults have experimented with drugs, with teenagers close behind. These figures are backed by U.S. agency studies, noting a rise in both consumer numbers and overdose deaths yearly.
Is it Really Narco-Terrorism?
America's drug crisis is not new. In 1971, President Richard Nixon declared drugs as the country's prime enemy, initiating the 'War on Drugs'. The government promised to dismantle trafficking networks and ensure safety. Trump is now continuing this crusade.
He refers to the issue as narco-terrorism, where drugs become a weapon of terror, a notion echoed by the U.S. government, particularly when addressing Mexico, Colombia, or Venezuela's drug cartels.
Source: aajtak
The U.S.'s relations with these three nations are complex. Venezuela is seen as a fierce rival, engaged in a conflict with the U.S. Mexico remains a trade partner but shares uneasy terms due to drug and migration issues. Colombia has been a trusted ally, yet political differences have emerged over the years.
As the U.S. is a significant market, trafficking towards it persists. However, the likelihood of narco-terrorism deliberately plotted by other nations seems limited.
Where Does U.S. Drug Supply Originate?
- Most illegal drugs in the U.S. are supplied by Mexican cartels, entering via the southern boundary. - Colombia, the world's leading cocaine producer, sends its supply through the Caribbean to southeastern states. - Afghan opium traverses through Europe before reaching the U.S.
Venezuela is not the largest supplier of U.S. drugs, trailing behind Mexico and Colombia. The Trump administration accuses Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro of harboring drug traffickers, but significant supply is not confirmed.
Why is Venezuela the Target?
It's suggested that minerals are the key reason. Minerals have become geopolitical currency. President Nicolas Maduro claims Venezuela's reserves are worth $1.36 trillion, capable of reshaping global power. Maduro accuses Trump of targeting them to install a favorable government and seize these resources.
