How to Read Venezuela’s Chaotic Power Struggle
Discard political preconceptions. Ignore the ideological noise. Don’t rely on what you see. Here’s what you can do to figure out what happened on April 30th—and its effects—without going crazy.
Politics
The Official Rampage Against Venezuelan Media Intensifies
Reporters targeted by security forces, radio station shutdowns, news channels taken off the air and blocking websites have become normal. Maduro's siege against the press is getting worse.
‘Peace privilege’ Also Means Disgust for Someone Else’s Suffering
After Cristal Palacios shared with us her concept of “peace privilege” to explain the inability to understand Venezuela from the comfort of development, Manuel Llorens takes the cue to propose another dimension of the phenomenon: everyone tends to reduce the contemplation of pain.
48 Hours of Violent Protests Highlight Resilience
May 1st gave Caracas a crowded chavista march and a constellation of anti-regime protests severely repressed. Four young Venezuelans have been killed so far since Tuesday morning. The unrest, again, is nationwide and people look determined to resist.
The (few) Known Facts of April 30th
It was the kind of incredible days we’re used to: at dawn, spectacular and hopeful news; at sunset, confusion and defeat. While night falls, Guaidó appears at the brink of jail and Maduro looks weaker and stronger at once. Let’s try to make sense of this, now.
“May 1st Began Today”
Guaidó announced "the beginning of the end of usurpation" accompanied by Leopoldo López from La Carlota airbase, after National Guard officers rose against the regime. Protests erupt in several cities. Earlier, regime spokespeople attempted to minimize the incident but are now silent. The international community congratulates soldiers for supporting the Constitution and democracy.
Nina’s Vamosbien-o-meter, Vol. III
Caretaker President Guaidó and his team are working hard for the march on May 1st, understanding it’ll be a crucial date. Three months ago, we felt we were going well, then we felt we were going OK but too slow… now, we just feel stuck.
Is It Legal To Be an International Correspondent in Venezuela?
The recent deportation of Swedish reporter Annika H. Rothstein brings attention to the legal status for foreign journalists who want to cover Venezuela. The regime has its excuses to stop foreign eyes to see what’s happening.
The Trap of ‘Peace Privilege’
Truly understanding the nature of conflict is quite hard when looking from the distance. This is what happens with so many people in Europe or North America, when they fall into binary thinking and they explain to Venezuelans what is happening in their own country. Even in post-conflict societies like Northern Ireland.
There’s Already an Airbridge from Venezuela… to Export Drugs
A thorough report by a CNN team sheds light on the “cocaine superhighway” that connects Colombia, Venezuela, Central America and the United States, revealing details about Venezuelan high-ranking military officers’ deep involvement in drug trafficking.
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