Although “the president of Venezuela has committed serious violations of human rights for years,” the international legal system “has appropriate ways of responding in such cases” that begin “by supporting the rule of law in Venezuela,” said Mary Ellen O’Connell, professor of law and international peace studies at Notre Dame. (OSV News) — The U.S. strikes on — and announced temporary takeover of — Venezuela violate both the United Nations Charter and the Christian principles on which it is based, a University of Notre Dame scholar told OSV News. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, however, argued to media outlets it wasn’t necessary because it was a “law enforcement operation” and not an actual invasion. A war powers vote in the Senate is expected to take place after lawmakers return from the holiday break. A spokesperson said in a Jan. 3 statement that U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres was “deeply alarmed by the recent escalation in Venezuela,” worrying the developments “constitute a dangerous precedent” of disrespect for the rules of international law.

Source: International New York Times January 04, 2026 19:16 UTC