The Biden administration has veered away from the previous administration’s hardline stance against Nicolás Maduro’s regime, opting instead to ease sanctions in hopes of achieving fairer elections in Venezuela. Sadly, as with many idealistic plans, this one seems to be faltering. Despite a six-month sanctions relief following the Barbados agreements, Maduro’s stranglehold remains steadfast, raising questions on whether the diplomatic efforts are yielding any real progress.
“The Biden administration has softened sanctions on the Maduro regime in Venezuela, diverging from the previous administration’s approach.”
Opposition Clampdown and Territorial Diversions
Maduro has not only disregarded calls for fairer elections but has also resumed the arrest of opposition figures, and is now threatening to annex the disputed Essequibo region with Guyana. This territorial crisis is a convenient diversion from Venezuela’s internal chaos and Maduro’s ongoing power grabs. To rub salt in the wound, the funds from sanctions relief are potentially lining up the regime with a hefty $10 billion, further solidifying their control.
Maduro’s Non-Compliance and Biden’s Tepid Response
Despite Maduro openly violating the Barbados agreements by censoring media and harassing opposition, the Biden administration has shown a baffling level of restraint. Instead of reimposing sanctions, there seems to be an odd insistence on negotiating. This includes embracing a process that allows banned candidates to possibly be reinstated – yet, predictably, such processes are controlled by pro-Maduro institutions, complete with censorship clauses to silence dissenting voices.
“The Biden administration has expressed serious concerns about the Venezuelan election but has not declared it fraudulent or called for additional sanctions.”
A Risky Game of Legitimization
María Corina Machado, a leading opposition figure, seems to be the latest victim of this tilted playing field. Despite winning a whopping 92% of the primary vote, she remains banned from running in the 2024 elections. This lack of significant concessions from the regime is alarming and raises doubts about the true impact of the Biden administration’s strategy, which risks legitimizing Maduro’s electoral manipulations.
The Biden Administration finally awakened to the obvious reality that Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro is trying to steal another election. The question is whether the U.S. is willing to do anything other than stomp its feet in protest. https://t.co/9bvkcto5Ll
— Wall Street Journal Opinion (@WSJopinion) August 6, 2024
Regional and Domestic Backlash
The backlash over these policies isn’t just limited to Venezuela. Nine countries, including Argentina and Uruguay, are calling for a comprehensive recount of Venezuela’s election results. Here in the U.S., both sides of the political aisle are pressing the White House for tougher actions. Criticisms are mounting, especially from conservative circles who accuse the administration of enabling Maduro through misguided appeasement and sanctions relief.
“Sen. Marco Rubio and Sen. Rick Scott have accused the Biden administration of enabling Maduro’s power through sanctions relief and appeasement.”
Geopolitical Pressures and Strategic Insolvency
Part of this leniency could be attributed to the geopolitical chessboard – specifically the oil supply factor. Despite increased oil production in Venezuela thanks to eased sanctions, it does little to affect global prices significantly. In the meantime, nearly 8 million Venezuelans have fled the country since 2014, many seeking asylum in the U.S., amplifying the humanitarian crisis and regional migration pressures.
“Venezuela’s presidential election on July 28 is expected to be stolen.”
Conclusion: Time to Recalibrate
It’s high time the Biden administration rethinks its Venezuela strategy. Ensuring a fair election where candidates like Machado can genuinely compete is paramount, but so is addressing Maduro’s territorial ambitions with Guyana. Continued inaction, or worse, appeasement, cannot persist. The last thing the U.S. needs is to see Venezuela’s authoritarian chains tighten further while our elected leaders seemingly twiddle their thumbs. With millions of lives hanging in the balance, failed policies are not just incorrect; they are strategically and morally irresponsible. Time to wake up and smell the coffee, Mr. Biden.
