In Venezuela, following the removal of President Nicolas Maduro, serious questions are being raised about America's strategy. Elliott Abrams, the former U.S. special envoy for Venezuela and Iran, suggests that the worst move for the U.S. is to allow the Maduro regime to govern without Maduro himself. He advocates for either opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia or Nobel Laureate Maria Corina Machado as the next president.
Speaking to CNN, Elliott Abrams made it clear that compromising with what's left of the Maduro regime would be highly dangerous. He expressed concern that the U.S. might make a deal to maintain the current power structure in exchange for changes in oil policy.
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However, he also indicated that even in such a scenario, Venezuela would still be governed by remnants of the Maduro regime rather than the U.S. Despite President Donald Trump’s claims, according to Abrams, the U.S. cannot run Venezuela.
Interim President Close to Maduro
Following Maduro's arrest, Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez assumed the role of interim president. Rodriguez is considered a close ally of Maduro. President Donald Trump stated that his administration is coordinating with Rodriguez to determine future strategies. This point drew the most objection from Abrams, who warned that this could undermine the fundamental spirit of regime change.
Advice from the American Envoy
Elliott Abrams believes the U.S. should openly support Venezuela's democratic opposition. The opposition claims massive fraud in the 2024 presidential election, asserting that true victory belongs to former ambassador Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia. Abrams insists that the person who won the election should serve as president.
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Advocating for Edmundo Gonzalez or Maria Corina Machado
The former U.S. envoy appeals to the U.S. to support Edmundo Gonzalez and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. However, President Trump has yet to express confidence in Machado or accept her as an interim leader. Meanwhile, Venezuela’s future hinges on whether America prioritizes democratic change or compromises with the existing power structure.
