Forget fast elections—U.S. Secretary Marco Rubio has rolled out a meticulous three-stage vision for Venezuela that keeps Washington deeply engaged long-term. Amid the power vacuum left by Nicolas Maduro, this roadmap promises steady progress over speed.
Divided into stabilization, restoration, and transition, the plan acknowledges the deep scars of prolonged decline. ‘Night can’t be fixed overnight,’ Rubio quipped, underscoring the need for sequenced steps.
First, stabilize: Lock down oil exports with rigorous sanctions and sea surveillance to stop chaos from erupting. This phase weaponizes America’s strongest cards.
Phase two unleashes economic renewal, flinging open markets to reputable foreign players for rebuilding roads, grids, and economies. It also pushes unity via prisoner releases and exile returns.
Transition dawns last, timeline TBD. Rubio parried criticisms by touting bipartisan consultations and highlighting risks of premature voting. Ultimately, it’s a savvy shift to economic levers in oil, challenging China’s foothold while securing U.S. priorities.
With Venezuela’s output critical to world oil flows, nations like India brace for potential supply hiccups from this extended U.S.-led effort.