Where Will The Venezuelan Crisis End?
Start writing a post
Politics

Where Will The Venezuelan Crisis End?

Riots rock Venezuela, which have rippled across other Latin American nations and into the United States.

32
Where Will The Venezuelan Crisis End?

Stretched across the roads from the outer walls of buildings sneaking under the trees and spilling across the sidewalks and streets till it reaches the corner formed by the opposing building and the ground, the crowd of people dressed in the primary colors of the Venezuelan flag and white tees appears as a single entity and perhaps the sole force as far as one can see. But its edge appears where the number of heads ends abruptly where at its periphery the an acidic smell permeates the air and the caustic sensation of the tear gas rolls over the young protesters. Several people across the expanse raise the flag above their heads as the call upon the government to make amendments to the current system which has slowly been deteriorating in the past couple of decades.

Previously Chavez had brought dramatic changes to the people of Venezuela, ushering in health care systems and educational opportunities for its citizens. The current authority in Venezuela, President Maduro, was elected after Chavez's death, a turning point in Venezuela which some academics say was the start of Venezuela's dependence on oil. It's no surprise that Venezuela's economy is currently suffering under the pressure of lower oil prices; so much so that medical supplies and food run scarce across the nation. Not only are some Venezuelans angered by the state of their economy, but they are also exasperated with four years of the repressive regime Maduro leads, sparking the protests and riots which have even led to a helicopter attack on the Supreme Court, a symbol of support for Maduro, and an opposition-led referendum calling for new elections and new judges.

It is difficult to describe the sentiment of Venezuelans as a whole, however, since the two sides of the crisis tend towards extremes leaving around 40% of people in the middle of the opposition and the government supporters. Many people are wary of the opposition whom they believe to be excessively violent towards a legitimate government while on the other hand opposition leaders describe the movement to be defensive when it comes to expressing aggression. Still others distrust the opposition despite its determination and intentions to ameliorate the climate in Venezuela out of fear of losing the gains from Chavez era and concern of the lack of planning.

Within the couple of months of protests, people have been driven out of the country, seeking asylum and refuge in neighboring countries and Caribbean islands, a reversal from previous years when Venezuela was welcoming refugees when its economy was buttressed by the strong oil industry. To the West, Columbia has offered 90 day permits in special border areas although sufficiency in those zones is limited, and the rising number of deportations threaten incoming groups. To the South, Brazil has accepted Venezuelans, yet, like other Latin American countries, it has implemented border policies that are ultimately obstacles for those entering the country: the two-year residency in Brazil for $96, a price too high for most asylum seekers. Further to the Southwest, Peru also has a new policy in response to Venezuelan migrations that provides them a visa for work or study. Not all situations have been accommodating, unfortunately: in the Caribbean, some Venezuelans are harassed by natives as they put pressure on the small populations.

The turmoil has drawn the United States into the midst as President Donald Trump has outwardly opposed Maduro's plan--which would create a new Assembly that could dissolve the state government institutions and could rewrite the constitution--through discussions of sanctions on Venezuela's oil sector. In the opposition-led referendum, voters largely opposed Maduro's plan although the Venezuelan president has denounced the vote as fraudulent and "meaningless". As important as would be for the United States to stand firmly against the dictator government, the sanctions will not improve the situation regardless of whether or not it produces economic stresses. How much more could the already weak oil industry suffer? Even if it were "effective", what improvements would Venezuelans see during a period of food shortages? How would the Venezuelans perceive the sanctions? The latter is a particular issue when the government has accused the opposition to be U.S puppets and accused the Supreme Court attack to be orchestrated by the U.S government.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

39805
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

24381
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

950311
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

130042
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments