Targeting Venezuela, Trump Escalates US Campaign of Aggression in Latin America

"Earlier this month, the Trump administration bombed a civilian boat in the Caribbean, after sending warships to the region. "Instead of interdicting" the vessel, Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized, "we blew it up." The attack drew harsh criticism from legal experts such as former Human Rights Watch Director Kenneth Roth, who called it "a summary execution - the crime of murder.""

"The drive to overthrow Maduro illuminates an established but often unrecognized pattern of imperialism in Latin America. U.S. officials and regional conservatives have long targeted leftist leaders, attacking political threats to their influence and investments. In recent decades, opposition to "Pink Tide" governments has fostered new forms of interventionism, disinformation, and legal manipulation. Trump's naval expedition highlights this trend, which now threatens self-determination and democracy across much of Latin America."

"The current cycle of conflict began in the early 2000s, as "Pink Tide" governments took power challenging Washington's leadership and neoliberal capitalism. Leftists such as Evo Morales, the first Indigenous president of Bolivia, prioritized social programs, while promoting regional integration to counterbalance U.S. influence. In response, President George W. Bush tried to create a political terrain hostile to reform. Repeatedly, his administration strengthened the local opposition in strategic sectors - especially the judiciary and legislature - to foster political gridlock."

The Trump administration bombed a civilian boat in the Caribbean after sending warships to the region, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated "we blew it up." Legal experts, including former Human Rights Watch Director Kenneth Roth, condemned the attack as "a summary execution - the crime of murder." The drive to overthrow Maduro reflects an established pattern of imperialism in Latin America. U.S. officials and regional conservatives have long targeted leftist leaders to protect influence and investments. Opposition to "Pink Tide" governments has fostered interventionism, disinformation, and legal manipulation. Earlier U.S. strategies strengthened local opposition, especially the judiciary and legislature, to create political gridlock.

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