There’s clear and convincing evidence that strongman Nicolás Maduro suffered a humiliating defeat in last month’s election. But no one should’ve been surprised that he claimed victory and refused to cede power.
Then, on Sunday, the Wall Street Journal reported that the Biden administration held secret talks to offer Maduro amnesty. The administration made a public show of denying the report. But the administration protested too much, methinks.
Frankly, this is the most ill-fated diplomatic initiative since the Reagan administration sent a delegation to Iran to strike an arms-for-hostages deal, offering a Bible as a good-faith gesture. Because anyone who knows anything about Maduro knows that amnesty won’t do.
After all, he’s wielding too much power and making too much (drug) money. If Biden really wants to get rid of Maduro, he’ll have to do what Bush Sr. did to get rid of Panamanian strongman Manuel Noriega: send in the Marines!
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