Trumps Regime-Change Approach Fails to Gain Traction in Iran

US Special Forces Abduct Venezuelan President Maduro in Caracas

In a dramatic turn of events, US special forces abducted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from his home in Caracas on Saturday. The operation, which involved air strikes on military targets and a team of US commandos, was carried out just over 24 hours after President Donald Trump declared that the United States would take action if Iran’s security forces killed peaceful protesters.

The CIA had been operating in Venezuela for six months prior to the operation, gathering intelligence and preparing for a potential intervention. The agency had an asset close to Maduro who helped track him down. US fighter jets launched air strikes on military targets in and around Caracas before the special forces team abducted Maduro from his residence.

In contrast to the situation in Iran, where the Iranian government has consistently demonstrated its resilience in the face of external pressure, the Venezuelan military was found to be in disarray. Maduro had also been largely abandoned by his allies Russia and China.

The US operation highlights the complexities of regime change in Venezuela. The country’s unique geography and the presence of powerful allies make it a challenging target for intervention. Iran, on the other hand, has a well-established military and a vast business empire that provides its top commanders with a personal interest in regime survival.

Iran has consistently shown its ability to withstand external pressure, including surprise attacks by Israel and US strikes on its underground nuclear sites. The country’s resilience is attributed to its self-imposed isolation from external shocks and the loyalty of its military and civilian population. The Iranian government has also received significant support from China and Russia, which are unlikely to abandon their ally in the face of external pressure.

In recent days, Iran has been experiencing mass protests fueled by economic woes. However, the extent of the unrest remains unclear, with reports suggesting that killings have been excessive but not yet widespread enough to destabilize the regime.

Source: Al Jazeera