The dramatic unfolding of “Operation Absolute Resolve” is what one might call a masterstroke of precision and planning. As January 2nd cloaked the skies in darkness, over 150 formidable aircraft took to the skies across the Western Hemisphere. Their mission? To orchestrate an intervention in the heart of Caracas and apprehend the infamous Venezuelan leader, Nicolás Maduro, without giving him or his cronies a hint of what was coming. It seems fair to suggest that Maduro probably should have glanced at a calendar or two, though it’s unlikely days and nights matter much when you’re hiding out in a fortified bunker.
While the mission itself was a tour de force, leaving minimal traces of destruction, the real story is what follows this bold move. In a classic example of political chess, the Trump administration opted not for a straightforward regime change that would have required boots on the ground, but rather to attempt an olive branch approach. Some might raise an eyebrow at the idea of negotiating with a cadre of indicted leaders, yet the plan indicates America’s readiness to direct Venezuelan affairs toward a cooperative and constructive future—or at least as cooperative as you can get with a handful of individuals known for their less-than-peaceful track records.
The intention is to persuade the remaining Venezuelan administration to clamp down on narcotics trafficking and demobilize their gangs who have practically signed career contracts in oppression and street control. Not an easy feat, but when the alternative involves a less pleasant “or else” option, even a dictator’s entourage might think twice. So far, the new interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez, who seems to have ghosts of non-verified Moscow visits, has made some murmurings about collaboration and co-existence, perhaps hinting that mysterious discussions have occurred behind closed doors—possibly involving one or two stern-faced American officials.
The focus seems clear: strengthen an existing democratic infrastructure without reassembling it from the ground up—a refreshing and less wallet-draining strategy compared to previous nation-building exercises elsewhere. With existing institutions like a Supreme Court and a National Assembly, albeit in dubious hands, the plan is to breathe life back into Venezuelan civil society and prepare it for elections. Of course, it’ll take some time, as evidenced by the administration’s initial steps toward fostering stability before rushing to the polls. Like turning a cruise ship with a paddle, there needs to be careful consideration and patience—two elements not always in vogue in international dealings.
As the world watches, keen to see whether this intricate diplomatic dance ends with a standing ovation or in a diplomatic spiral, the Trump administration holds a unique blend of leverage and amnesty. They may offer exile instead of imprisonment to those few in power willing to swap sides. Yet, behind these seemingly cordial façades lies the ever-present understanding of that “or else” option—it’s not so much a velvet glove as it is an iron fist quietly poised and ready. This tale is still unfolding, and even the commentators, feeling very much like they’re knee-deep in an epic novel, understand that this is just the beginning. Stay tuned—it’s only chapter one, and the plot is about to thicken.
