Brett McGurk, a seasoned CNN global affairs analyst with extensive experience in national security roles across four U.S. presidencies, reflects on the parallels and pitfalls of U.S. military interventions. Drawing from his harrowing arrival in Baghdad in 2004, McGurk emphasizes the importance of prudence in foreign policy, particularly when deploying military power. His insights come amid escalating tensions in Venezuela, where the U.S. has mobilized 15% of its naval forces and conducted ground exercises nearby. While some draw comparisons to the Iraq War, McGurk argues that Venezuela’s situation more closely resembles Panama in 1989, where a successful U.S. operation ousted dictator Manuel Noriega and restored democracy. However, he warns that Venezuela’s complexities—such as its size, internal divisions, and the involvement of global powers like Russia and China—make it a far riskier endeavor. McGurk also highlights the Trump administration’s ambiguous strategy, dubbed Operation Southern Spear, which aims to combat narcoterrorism but leaves room for broader objectives. While the removal of Nicolás Maduro could benefit both Venezuela and the U.S., McGurk cautions against military intervention, advocating instead for leveraging diplomatic and economic pressure to achieve key objectives, such as free elections and the dismantling of drug networks. He stresses the need for congressional debate and regional support before any decisive action is taken, underscoring the lessons learned from decades of protracted military engagements.
ANALYSIS: What are US aims toward Venezuela? The historical parallel is Panama – not Iraq
