OPINION| A New World Order: Might Is Right
Washington was not only after controlling Venezuelan oil, the largest reserve in the world, but defending its currency and at the same stopping China from gaining a foothold in its backyard. This is a superpowers’ game.
The early morning scenes were straight from Hollywood.
About 150 aircraft of various types descended from the dark skies, knocking down air defenses and simultaneously hitting military targets in Caracas.
Venezuelan early warning systems did not work as missiles from warships flew directly into military targets with precision.
Soon, American commandos rappelled from helicopters to pick up a precious package – President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
In three hours, Caracas was burning and its leader bundled up on a US military ship on the way to New York to face criminal trial.
The military operation reminded the world how Osama bin Laden was neutralized in Pakistan and how another strongman, Manuel Noriega, was removed from power.
It was an awesome display of firepower.
But was US action legal and moral?
The United States had violated Venezuela’s sovereignty.
The US disregarded the United Nations’ charter and international laws.
However, Washington didn’t care.
As far as it knows, it was carrying out just actions to serve its own national interests.
The actions were not surprising. The US had done the same thing before, in Iraq, Iran, Panama, and Grenada.
For years, the US military has been hunting down fugitives running away from the American justice system.
The US has been making illegal incursions into other countries’ territories and sovereignties since the end of World War II - in Vietnam, Somalia, Libya, and Afghanistan.
Donald Trump and other past leaders did not need Congressional approval before launching operations based on actionable intelligence.
Trump had just shown the world who’s the real boss.
It was not easy for the American military to display awesome power and precision, executing the operation according to the textbook plan.
It took meticulous planning, experience and accurate intelligence to carry out a flawless three-hour military operation.
Russia and China, the other world powers which had done the same actions to other countries, would learn from the Venezuelan action.
However, many security analysts say what the US did to Venezuela could undermine global security and stability, encouraging other powers to do the same with weaker neighbors.
China, for instance, can justify its planned invasion of Taiwan while Russia could occupy more Ukrainian territories.
However, there were doubts if other world powers, particularly those with nuclear weapons like France and the United Kingdom are capable of such actions.
Perhaps, if these were in their own national interests.
The US actions in Venezuela are unique. They could not be replicated.
Venezuela is a weaker state and surrounded by equally weak neighbors.
The more capable allies, like China and Russia, are half the world away.
What they can offer are political and diplomatic support.
The US fully controlled the region. There were no credible military power around. Not even Cuba.
In Ukraine, Russia has been trying to subdue its neighbor for more than two years, but other European powers have been helping push back Moscow.
China would think twice before launching attacks on Taiwan because the US, Japan, and other allies would respond immediately.
But, of course, national interests would prevail and risks could be taken.
Trump’s action in Venezuela, which was based on its national interests, ushered in a new world order where military might is right.
Washington was not only after controlling Venezuelan oil, the largest reserve in the world, but defending its currency and at the same stopping China from gaining a foothold in its backyard.
This is a superpowers’ game.
Their national interests prevail over international law and sovereignty of nations.
The new world order would be more chaotic and dangerous.
