U.S. War Crimes in Venezuela? Here's What's Happening

Chapters

1. 0:00

   War Crimes Allegations

   The U.S. military allegedly executes survivors of drug-smuggling boats, which violates war crime treaties. The administration plans onshore strikes against Venezuela without providing Congress with meaningful information or intelligence.

2. 2:21

   Policy Indecision and Leadership

   Leadership is rudderless as the administration concentrates force before deciding on a general approach or end goal. Trump told Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro to leave, but Maduro refused, leaving the U.S. to decide on military action. Occupying Caracas would be difficult due to its location behind a mountain range and the country's heavy reliance on food imports. A mass famine event is almost certain without massive American logistical support because the country imports over 80% of its food.

3. 3:28

   The Hernandez Pardon

   Donald Trump pardoned Juan Orlando Hernandez, the convicted architect of major drug smuggling routes, despite his guilty verdict. Hernandez was convicted and guilty of establishing trafficking routes, whereas Maduro remains merely accused.

4. 5:14

   Encouraging Drug Smuggling

   U.S. policy effectively encourages drug smuggling by pardoning key smugglers while focusing on a marginal player like Venezuela. The U.S. should focus on production countries like Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia rather than Venezuela.

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