Gabriel Hetland teaches at University at Albany and has written about Venezuelan politics for the Nation, NACLA, Qualitative Sociology, and Latin American Perspectives.
Socialists must stand resolutely against US imperialism. We also can’t turn a blind eye to purportedly leftist states’ suppression of political liberties that socialists around the world have fought and died for.
The Bolivian military forced President Evo Morales to step down — the classic definition of a coup. Now, the country is caught in a spiral of horrors as the far-right regime of terror consolidates its rule.
US policy towards Venezuela is not motivated by a concern for democracy or human rights. And its arrogant intervention is making the country’s humanitarian crisis even worse.
Venezuela is in crisis, and Trump’s saber-rattling is making things worse. Our response should be guided by three principles: non-interventionism, self-determination, and solidarity with the oppressed.
It’s really very simple: the US has absolutely no right to meddle in the affairs of Venezuela, in any way, shape, or form.
Whatever the outcome of today’s Venezuelan election, the US has neither the right nor the moral standing to intervene.
Human rights are worth defending. Human Rights Watch is not.
Opposition violence and the government’s increasing authoritarianism are both to blame.
What mainstream accounts of Venezuela’s “peaceful” opposition leave out.
Bernie Sanders is wrong — Hugo Chávez was no dictator.