It is obvious that the rationale for the invasion of Venezuela is that it has huge reserves of oil that are coveted by President Trump, just as those of Iraq were coveted by President Bush.
While no one mourns the demise of Nicolas Maduro or Saddam Hussein, the beneficial democracy building that was expected in Iraq is just as unlikely to happen this time.
I think that here in New Zealand, we can be very grateful that we are not “blessed” with large oil reserves.
Neville Cameron, Coromandel.
Praise for America
As a Trinidadian born and bred, and now a proud New Zealander for 53 years, I am thrilled at America’s actions in removing one of the world’s most dangerous criminals from power.
My home country and others in the region have been destroyed by the drug trade through Venezuela, Colombia, Mexico and others.
Maduro is a brutal and illegal dictator.
Steve Clerk, Meadowbank.
New axis of evil?
The once-mighty United States invades Venezuela? Unbelievable. Do we have a new axis of evil: Russia, the USA and Israel? Industrialised, educated nations that are also whining bullies, using brute force to smash and grab what they want, indifferent to the suffering they cause. I am appalled.
Penelope Sender, Auckland.
Who’s next?
So, without declaration of war, America has attacked and invaded Venezuela, “captured” Maduro, who is to stand “trial” in New York, and Venezuela will now be “run” by the United States. This is truly disturbing. Who’s next? Panama? Anyone who has different views from Donald J Trump?
My hope is that New Zealand stands up and declares this action to be wrong and against the rules of international law and humanity.
Paul Cheshire, Maraetai.
Looking after oil interests
Among the many loose ends and future imponderables created by the US incursion into Venezuela is the notion, fostered by Trump, that oil revenues would be used in the interests of the people of Venezuela.
A more balanced and truthful statement would include reference to the fact that Venezuelan oil assets, resources and revenues will be controlled and operated to benefit American Government and oil company interests.
Larry. N. Mitchell, Rothesay Bay.
Fifa balls-up
I was wondering if Fifa might reconsider its specially minted “Peace Prize” that Trump just unsuspectingly received for his services to relieving the suffering of man and womankind globally?
The incursion by the US into Venuzuela plus his rambling over somehow acquiring sovereign Danish Greenland, seems to contradict Trump’s peaceful intentions and show a growing audacity.
Was the Fifa Peace Prize simply meant to placate a toddler who fawns over awards, medals and glittery things like gold-painted ornaments?
Rob Buchanan, Kerikeri.
New Monroe Doctrine?
With Trump’s kidnapping of Maduro, he has abrogated any right he thinks he may have to condemn Putin on his unlawful invasion of Ukraine. But perhaps his past dealings with President Zelenskyy indicate that he himself also has dictatorial leanings.
The only possible explanation is that he is following the 1823 Monroe Doctrine and acting within the hemisphere the Americas are situated in. However, if that is the case, why does he think he can solve issues in other parts of the world that the Monroe Doctrine expressly said the United States would not involve itself in?
However, I can’t visualise Trump paying too much attention to history when he was a student.
Graeme Leary, Clevedon.
There goes the peace prize
There goes any hope of the Nobel Peace Prize for the Orange Overweight Geriatric in Washington. He’s now trying to out-invade Putin.
Fred Wilson, Devonport.