More Than Oil?

The Venezuela Chapter
Democratic Restoration | Venezuela
Democratic Debate 2019

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As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect. 

     After taking the time to reflect upon my previous writings with regards to Venezuela, I realized that much of the writing and reflections were an outcome of the desire to learn more about what was taking place, and how historical contexts / leadership, take an influence upon present events. An example of this is when Hugo Chavez picked Nicholas Maduro as his successor. This could be a factor as to why there is resistance for the smooth transitions for leadership. We can also think about the very act for succession, and why this is important not only to a nation, but in the same way as to how leaders build, pass, or create fidelity towards their own nation. Whilst there is resistance from within, the people who are suffering will realize that the suffering will only force them to demand change, creating pressure upon Maduro. But here we can think about how the creation of suffering, and the weakening of the Maduro Government is directly a manufacture for resistance to the Maduro Government / regime, and the change for leadership.  

    Whilst I myself focus upon the humanitarian crisis, we have to understand that the humanitarian crisis is mitigated by the social and political. Socio/ economic forces creating the push-pull. We can wonder and think: If Maduro was allowed to be in full financial control, would he put the interests of his people first? Whilst knowing that international partners are keeping a close eye on him, and his financial activity? I say this because there are complexities to the change of Government / leadership that stem from within. As even with the USA involvement: Financial and Humanitarian, there is resistance from Venezuelan's themselves. The people are filled with stories that portrays negativity towards the USA. We can say that this could be another tactic of the Maduro regime itself. But attitudes such as these become problematic when there is resistance towards the International efforts, and are put forth through a lens of responsibility. 

    But if we go deeper and think further, we can draw upon the highly political and rich resource of oil. Oil that has previously benefited Venezuela. It can't be argued that Venezuela does possess plenty of crude oil and oil supply, it has also benefited from trading partners such as China and Russia. But the fact of the matter is that the US Department of Treasury has now sanctioned state-owned oil companies, as a result of Venezuelan debt. Whilst the factors are present, the resource however valuable or not, is useless right now. Venezuelan's cannot utilize resource benefits for their own survival. We can analyze factors and weigh in as to the whys and hows - which of course is necessary; but the truth is that nations may be reluctant to intervene, because they don't want Venezuela to rise above them, and recognize Venezuelan potential. China and Russia that have taken a step aside. 

     Venezuela should accept any assistance from the USA, even whilst past relations have been strained. It's best for the nations simply because this will allow to ensure that Venezuela; who is vulnerable right now, is not taken advantage of by other powerful nations as mentioned. Whilst the humanitarian and political efforts for stabilization are put to practice, the focus of mediation, and the managing of debt with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), would also allow for Venezuela to eventually regain access to capital markets, oil resources and investments. 

Further Reading:

U.S. Dept of Treasury | Treasury Sanctions Venezuela’s State-Owned Oil Company Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A.

U.S. Dept of State | United States Announces Additional Humanitarian Assistance in Response to Venezuelan Regional Crisis

The New York Times | With Tougher U.S. Sanctions on Venezuela, Bolton Says ‘Now is the Time for Action’

My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :) 

Image 1 - Web Link
Notes-These thoughts were originally hand-written on September 12th, 2019.