分类： politics

In an unprecedented diplomatic maneuver, the United States has recalled thirty ambassadors, including 29 career diplomats and its envoy to Suriname, signaling a dramatic shift in Western Hemisphere policy. This mass recall—the largest simultaneous withdrawal of diplomatic personnel in American history—stems directly from President Donald Trump’s newly implemented National Security Strategy (NSS) published in December 2025.

The 30-page NSS document, crafted under Trump’s direct supervision, introduces what it terms the ‘Trump Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine’ on its fifteenth page. This policy marks a modern revival of the 1823 Monroe Doctrine originally articulated by President James Monroe, which sought to limit European colonization and intervention in the Americas while asserting U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere.

The updated doctrine emphasizes restoring American security interests through commercial diplomacy and discouraging partnerships with nations outside the hemisphere. It prioritizes combating illegal migration, dismantling drug trafficking networks, enhancing maritime stability, and supporting governments that align with U.S. objectives.

Most significantly, the NSS legitimizes expanded U.S. military presence in the region through four key provisions: appropriate coast guard and maritime deployments to combat drug trafficking and illegal migration, and control of crucial routes during crises. Current reports indicate over 10,000 U.S. troops are now deployed across the Caribbean region.

This policy has manifested dramatically in Venezuela, where since November 2025, U.S. military aircraft have conducted operations that Caracas has denounced at the United Nations as violations of national sovereignty. The situation escalated on January 3, 2026, with targeted U.S. airstrikes on Venezuelan territory and the reported capture of President Maduro, whom American authorities accuse of involvement in international drug trafficking.

The developments raise profound questions about sovereignty and interventionism, echoing historical U.S. military actions in the Dominican Republic (1965) and Nicaragua (1983). With the U.S. likely to veto any UN Security Council action, the international community faces limited options to address what many consider unlawful sovereignty violations.

For Caribbean nations like Suriname, the new doctrine presents both challenges and opportunities. Regional cohesion through organizations like CARICOM becomes increasingly vital, while commercial diplomacy divorced from military objectives could offer benefits if aligned with national trade strategies. As the hemisphere navigates this new diplomatic landscape, nations must balance engagement with sovereignty in what appears to be a return to great power politics in America’s backyard.

The Surinamese government has expressed profound concern regarding the deteriorating security situation in the region following overnight airstrikes targeting Venezuela. President Jennifer Simons participated in an emergency summit of CARICOM heads of state before convening urgent national consultations with political and security authorities to assess implications for Suriname and neighboring nations.

In an official statement, the government confirmed it had ‘taken note with great concern of the escalation of the security situation in our region resulting from nocturnal aerial attacks on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.’ The emergency CARICOM summit brought together regional leaders to coordinate responses to the developing crisis.

President Simons subsequently convened an emergency meeting with Vice President Ronnie Brunswijk, ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, Defense, Justice and Police, the Chairman of the National Assembly, parliamentary faction leaders, and all national security authorities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established contact with Surinamese diplomatic representation in Venezuela, confirming all personnel remain safe.

The government has committed to ensuring the security of Surinamese citizens potentially affected by the escalating situation and is working to facilitate the safe return of any nationals stranded in the region. Within CARICOM frameworks, ongoing discussions will address the broader regional implications, with particular solidarity expressed for Caribbean islands experiencing immediate economic disruption from the crisis.

Suriname has issued an appeal to international organizations including the Organization of American States, the United Nations, and the global community to actively promote regional peace and uphold international legal order. The government emphasized that vulnerable nations can only thrive within a functioning international legal framework committed to by all countries.

Meanwhile, authorities are implementing necessary measures in anticipation of potential refugee movements and have called for public calm during this period of regional instability.

Surinamese President Jennifer Simons convened high-level consultations with government ministers, security agencies, and political leaders on January 3rd to address the escalating situation in neighboring Venezuela. The emergency meetings focused on regional security implications and reaffirmed Suriname’s commitment to international legal standards.

The comprehensive briefing brought together ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Cooperation, Justice and Police, and Defense at the Presidential Cabinet. Following the ministerial session, President Simons engaged in separate discussions with leadership from various security services, the Chairman of the National Assembly, and parliamentary faction leaders to assess the evolving developments in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

Suriname officially endorsed and expressed full support for the CARICOM (Caribbean Community) declaration regarding the Venezuelan crisis. The South American nation emphasized that the international legal order must be consistently respected and upheld by all parties involved.

President Simons stressed the critical importance of maintaining calm, stability, and security throughout the region to preserve the foundations of peace and cooperation among neighboring states. As a nation committed to dialogue and collaborative solutions, Suriname called on all involved parties to pursue peaceful resolutions while upholding the principles of international law and regional solidarity. The government’s statement highlighted that regional stability remains paramount for continued development and cooperation among Caribbean and South American nations.

In a historic development that marks an unprecedented escalation of U.S. involvement in Latin America, President Donald Trump announced from his Mar-a-Lago estate that the United States will govern Venezuela directly until a “secure transition” of power can be established. The declaration follows a meticulously planned military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife.

Speaking at a press conference with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at his side, Trump characterized Maduro as a leader who has “perpetually engaged in violence, terror, and subversion against the United States,” threatening both American citizens and regional stability. The president revealed that overwhelming evidence of Maduro’s crimes had been obtained by U.S. judicial authorities, describing the situation as “both horrifying and breathtaking.”

The military operation, codenamed “Absolute Resolve,” was executed on January 2 at 22:46 local time after months of preparation. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine disclosed that over 150 aircraft provided air cover while intervention forces stormed Maduro’s residence in Caracas. Venezuelan air defenses were neutralized, and despite one helicopter being struck, it remained operational. Maduro and his wife surrendered without further incident and were taken into custody by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Trump has appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to lead a governance team that will oversee Venezuela’s administration. The president expressed skepticism about opposition leader María Corina Machado’s capacity to lead, questioning her popular support among Venezuelans.

In a significant policy statement, Trump indicated that ground troops would be deployed if necessary and promised that U.S. oil companies would invest billions to restore Venezuela’s damaged oil infrastructure. Profits from these ventures would be partially returned to Venezuela while providing compensation to the United States.

International reactions have been mixed, with allies including Italy and Israel expressing support while other nations warn of escalation and emphasize the importance of dialogue and international law. Regional neighbors are monitoring developments closely due to potential impacts on refugee flows and stability. Brazil temporarily closed its border with Venezuela but has since reopened it.

The legal legitimacy of the operation remains contentious, as Trump did not consult Congress beforehand, raising questions about the action’s compliance with international legal standards.