In the ever-twisting saga of international politics, one would think that capturing a notorious dictator and drug trafficker would be a cause for global celebration. Yet, in a world where logic often seems upside down, the United Nations’ Human Rights Office has decided to furrow its brow over the U.S. apprehending Venezuela’s regime leader, Nicolas Maduro. Now, this isn’t just any ordinary leader – for those keeping score at home, this is a man who managed to turn a country rich in natural resources into one plagued by poverty and despair. It’s akin to turning a gold mine into a hole in the ground, but hey, apparently the U.N. is worried the world is now less safe without him in power.
Maduro’s rap sheet isn’t exactly a bedtime story for kids. We’re talking about a man who has caused immense suffering in his nation, lining his pockets while his citizens face famine, jailing those daring enough to hold a dissenting opinion, and trafficking drugs as if they were collectible trading cards. But in the whimsical halls of the United Nations, the narrative seems to twist dramatically. It’s as if they believe that because his antics make for dramatic headlines, someone like him is essential for global stability. Color us confused.
Now, one might chuckle at the irony here when you consider the fact that the U.N.’s own investigations had highlighted the grim realities under Maduro’s rule in Venezuela. Torture, killings, and political prisoners seemed to be regular bullet points in reports from their credible documentations. But despite this deep archive of Maduro’s atrocities, their upset seems to center on President Trump’s decisiveness in actually doing something about the problem. Maybe they were hoping for more of those strongly-worded letters they love so much?
The U.S., under President Trump’s lead, decided enough was enough. Sure, Nicolas Maduro could have continued to be a fixture in the Dictators Weekly newsletter, but with him out of play, perhaps Venezuela can begin to mend. Remember when Panama saw improved fortunes post-Noriega? History can be a wonderful teacher, and the bold step to remove Maduro might just set a similar precedent for positive change.
Meanwhile, the U.N., which receives billions of dollars in funding from the U.S., continues to baffle with its choices. This is an organization that at times has put countries with less-than-stellar human rights records on its Human Rights Council and has been known for its fuzzy math when it comes to effectiveness. Perhaps it’s time they use some of their funding for a little reality check app to navigate decisions with a bit more sensibility in them. If we’re defunding anything, maybe it should be those questionable projects, and let’s leave that empty chair at the next Human Rights meeting as a souvenir of what should have been said.
