I look at what unfolded in Venezuela, and frankly, I feel some contradictions. On the one hand, you know, I’ve reported in Venezuela and Nicolás Maduro was a dictator. Venezuela and the entire region would be much better off with Maduro out if he is replaced by somebody better. If Maduro could be replaced in Venezuela by a democratic government that could manage the economy well, that would be great for Venezuela. I think it’s important to yearn for a better Venezuela and yet hold realistic doubts about whether today’s operation will actually accomplish that.

Source: International New York Times January 04, 2026 15:12 UTC