David Petraeus, the U.S. general who oversaw the transition in Iraq: In Venezuela there will be innumerable mini-crises'

"Weighing each word and carefully choosing his phrases, he welcomes the relative entente between the United States and China, which he considers fundamental to the future of the world; he believes that Ukraine is in a better position vis-a-vis Russia thanks to what the EU, NATO, and the United States have done this year, and suggests increasing pressure on Moscow through sanctions to force the Kremlin to negotiate."

"Petraeus assesses that Iran is in a much weaker position, facing massive protests against the regime, its economy and nuclear program ailing, its radical allies in the Middle East significantly weakened, and Syria no longer in its sphere of influence. In the Americas, the new year began with the U.S. military operation in Venezuela that captured Nicolas Maduro, whose appearance before the courts he considers an improvement for the Western Hemisphere."

David Petraeus, former U.S. general and CIA director, praises relative entente between the United States and China as fundamental to global future. He credits EU, NATO, and U.S. actions for strengthening Ukraine against Russia and recommends increasing sanctions to compel Kremlin negotiation. He assesses Iran as weakened by protests, economic difficulties, a faltering nuclear program, and diminished regional influence, including in Syria. He views the U.S. operation in Venezuela capturing Nicolas Maduro and establishing a U.S.-backed government as an improvement for the Western Hemisphere. He believes the U.S. can sustain multiple simultaneous operations and pressures, including potential action against Iran.

Read at english.elpais.com