Monday, January 5, 2026

The failure of global accountability for the civilian massacre in Palestine in the hands of brutal Israeli military forces on innocent Palestinians, and grabbing their lands and properties, with the mighty military and diplomatic support of the U.S., a key ally of Israel, has created an environment where the United States feels emboldened to undertake unilateral military interventions elsewhere. This dynamic contributed to the U.S. operation in sovereign state of Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of that country's president.

Further. Today’ statements by the U.S. President regarding potential actions against other states as evidence of an escalating pattern of unilateral force. This perspective, held by several nations as reflected in Emergency Meeting at the  UN Security Council today on Monday contends that such actions fundamentally violate established international laws governing national sovereignty and the permissible use of force.

President Maduro Appearance in New York Court
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores appeared in Manhattan Court in New York today. They wore blue prison clothes and said they were not guilty to gun and drug charges brought by the U.S. government. Maduro told the judge, "I am a decent man, the president of my country." Flores also declared she was "completely innocent." The judge, Alvin Hellerstein, promised a fair trial and informed them of their right to meet with Venezuelan consular officials.

New Leadership in Venezuela
In Venezuela's capital, Caracas, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, 56 years old was sworn in as interim president after Maduro's capture. She called Maduro and Flores "heroes" who were taken hostage by the United States. Venezuela's Supreme Court had ordered her to take over immediately. U.S. President Donald Trump has stated the U.S. will temporarily oversee Venezuela, possibly using troops.

Reaction at the United Nations
Venezuela told the UN Security Council that the U.S. captured Maduro to take control of Venezuela's natural resources, like oil. Venezuela's UN representative called the U.S. action an "illegitimate armed attack" and a violation of international law. He demanded the immediate release of Maduro and Flores.

International Condemnation
Several countries criticized the U.S. action at the UN meeting:

• Ira called it "state terrorism" and a violation of the UN Charter.
• Russia said it was a return to "lawlessness" and an attempt by the U.S. to control Venezuela's resources.
• Colombia and Cuba also condemned the attack, calling it a violation of Venezuela's sovereignty.

Comments on Greenland
In a related matter, U.S. President Trump again suggested the U.S. should take control of Greenland for security reasons. The European Union and Denmark reaffirmed that Greenland is part of Denmark and its status cannot be changed by outside forces. Greenland's Prime Minister said his country is a stable democracy and rejected comparisons to the situation in Venezuela.

U.S. Politics and Venezuela
Reports indicate President Trump is now distancing himself from Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado. Sources say Trump was upset that she accepted the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, which he had wanted. Trump commented that she lacks support within Venezuela to be a leader. The U.S. State Department now seems focused on working with various groups in Venezuela to manage a stable transition, rather than supporting a single opposition figure.