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#21

Off the Record / Re: Trump's Venezuela Vendetta

Last post by Jacob - January 09, 2026, 06:30:16 PM

Was Venezuela Putin's to surrender?

No, much like Ukraine isn't Trump's to surrender. Doesn't mean they won't try.

Putin could, I suppose, take steps to make it easier or harder for the US in Venezuela, however.

#22

Off the Record / Re: Trump's Venezuela Vendetta

Last post by HVC - January 09, 2026, 06:17:25 PM

Was Venezuela Putin's to surrender?

#23

Off the Record / Re: What does a TRUMP presiden...

Last post by Jacob - January 09, 2026, 06:13:34 PM

Looks a bit like:

#24

Off the Record / Re: Trump's Venezuela Vendetta

Last post by Jacob - January 09, 2026, 06:12:10 PM

So it seems like a faction inside Venezuela might have used the US as an instrument for getting rid of Maduro and seize power themselves, and part of that includes some sort of deal being made with the Trump administration.

Also, it is possible that Putin and Trump have reached some sort of understanding about "spheres of influence". Crudely (and I've seen it reported like that), Putin traded Venezuela for Ukraine. Though, of course, Trump is notorious for not holding up his end of the deal, so if he feels secure in getting what he wants from Venezuela he may keep the pressure up on Putin in Ukraine (or honour his deal, who knows?)

If either (or both) of those are true, it looks like it's not regime change in Venezuela as much as it's a change in patron.

Also, if there was an understanding reached with Putin it'll be interesting to see to what degree Chinese interests in Venezuela get screwed as part of any impending changes.

Of course, it remains to be seen how much Venezuela aligns with the US in the next little while.

#25

Off the Record / Re: US - Greenland Crisis Thre...

Last post by HVC - January 09, 2026, 05:55:58 PM

Have most European countries given up the draft? If so what are the odds of reinstating them? Thinking along the line of South Korean "real" training.

I believe the draft is coming back in a number of places.

That's good. Well, not good exactly, prudent? Hopefully it's they're effective training and not just filling barracks and numbers.

#26

Off the Record / Re: Facebook Follies of Friend...

Last post by Syt - January 09, 2026, 05:15:26 PM

#27

Off the Record / Re: Trump's Venezuela Vendetta

Last post by Tonitrus - January 09, 2026, 05:12:20 PM

As the intent seems to be to keep the current regime in power (with Maduro as a token human sacrifice/hostage), with sticks to try and make it do our bidding...it appears we're moving from the discredited "regime change" to instead using "regime control".

#28

Off the Record / Re: What does a TRUMP presiden...

Last post by Grey Fox - January 09, 2026, 04:57:50 PM

He's the leader America needs, love him or die.

#29

Off the Record / Re: Trump's Venezuela Vendetta

Last post by Jacob - January 09, 2026, 04:51:24 PM

@Sheilbh that sounds more reasonable than what I thought you initially had said 

#30

Off the Record / Re: Trump's Venezuela Vendetta

Last post by The Minsky Moment - January 09, 2026, 04:50:30 PM

300-500K is pretty small potatoes