The intervention in Venezuela was only a “prelude to Trump's hegemonic policy”

The US military intervention in Venezuela was only a prelude to President Donald Trump's hegemonic policy in America, says the Swiss daily Neue Zuercher Zeitung. As emphasized, the Trump administration is ready to take high risks to realize its ambitions.

The newspaper noted that China is currently strengthening its influence in Latin America, investing in ports and land and building alliances with leaders such as Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. “Trump's security strategists want to limit this influence,” it was emphasized.

“NZZ” noted that it is no accident that Venezuela, ruled by an internationally condemned regime and maintaining close relations with China, Russia, Cuba and Hezbollah, became the first target of Washington's new superpower policy in the Western Hemisphere. “The military action in Venezuela also shows that the Trump administration is willing to take high risks to realize its hegemonic ambitions.” – said the newspaper from Zurich.

“NZZ” also points to the contradictions in the American justification for actions against Caracas. “Why did Trump decide to arrest Maduro and at the same time pardon former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was convicted in the US of collaborating with drug cartels?” – asks the daily. It also draws attention to Washington's focus on combating the cocaine trade at a time when the United States is itself facing the opioid crisis.

However, according to a newspaper from Switzerland, the overall US strategy is clear: under Trump, the United States once again views the entire American continent as its primary sphere of influence. “Trump feels encouraged to intensify the pressure campaign on various countries in the region, including Cuba, Mexico and Colombia,” it added.

On Saturday, American forces abducted Nicolas Maduro and his wife from Venezuela and transported them to the United States. A federal court in New York on Monday formally charged them with participating in a “narcoterrorism conspiracy” and importing cocaine into the United States. The defendants pleaded not guilty.

According to “NZZ”, Washington is also preparing a wide package of tactical instruments towards Greenland.

Donald Trump has repeatedly emphasized that the United States “needs Greenland.” On Sunday, he said the US needed the island for defense, adding that it was “surrounded by Chinese and Russian ships.” On Tuesday, several European leaders, including Prime Minister Donald Tusk, emphasized that decisions regarding the future of Greenland can only be made by Denmark and the island's authorities. (PAP)

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