Venezuela in Chaos as U.S. Recognizes Opposition Leader as President

Meanwhile, powerful socialist party leader Diosdado Cabello accused Venezuela’s opposition of being on a mission to “threaten and cause terror.”

At a pro-government rally Wednesday, the head of the all-powerful constitutional assembly said right-wing forces do not represent the majority. He added that anyone who acts out of line at Wednesday’s protest will be met with justice.

Maduro, who started his second term as president on January 11 after disputed elections, is facing increasing hostility from the international community. He has sought to shore up support from the armed forces by doling out key posts to top generals, including one as the head of the PDVSA oil monopoly that is the source of virtually all of Venezuela’s export earnings. He has also been playing commander in chief, appearing last week at a military command meeting wearing camouflage fatigues and receiving the blessing of the defense minister, Gen. Vladimir Padrino Lopez.

Most of Latin America does not recognize Maduro as president anyway, which gave Guaido his opening. There will be more violence in the streets, with the only question being how bloody it will get. Maduro is unstable and stupid — a combination that could easily lead to a massive tragedy in a country that has already seen a collapsing economy, starvation, and lawlessness.

There will be charges of U.S. interference in the internal affairs of Venezuela and they are almost certainly correct. Trump has made no secret of his desire to end the reign of Maduro and bring down his government, and the apparent timing of Guaido’s oath taking and U.S. statement recognizing him as interim leader suggests that Americans were aware of what Guaido was planning to do.

This revolution has happened with lightning speed. The next few days will almost certainly be crucial as Maduro will look to save himself and Guaido will look to solidify his position domestically.