Understanding the New Softer U.S. Strategy Towards Cuba and Venezuela: Internationalism and Realism in a Post-Alex Saab Era
The United States finds itself at a crossroads concerning its approach to Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Colombia. The recent release of Alex Saab, a key figure in Venezuelan business and political circles, has added a layer of complexity to an already intricate geopolitical puzzle. After over three years imprisoned in Cape Verde and Miami, the United States released Colombian businessman Alex Saab in a prisoner exchange with the Venezuelan government. Around 10 American citizens were freed in Venezuela and sent to their homeland. Softening the approach evidences the preference for diplomatic solutions over confrontation (direct or not), and a way to prevent unintended consequences and reduce the risk of an even broader regional crisis, which can even affect the Colombian peace agreement.
Already in late November, the Venezuelan government officially announced an agreement with the United States, with the Biden administration easing oil sanctions to allow Chevron to pump Venezuelan oil and send it to the United States for six months. American officials hoped the deal would encourage dialogue between President Nicolas Maduro and the Venezuelan opposition. Policymakers have been expecting this scenario since the beginning of 2023 in…
