On Monday, comedian Jon Stewart criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump for what Stewart characterized as an excessive focus on oil during the ongoing conflict in Venezuela. The remarks came on this week's episode of "The Daily Show," following U.S. airstrikes on the Venezuelan capital and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Stewart questioned the justification for the intervention, contrasting it with historical precedents. "Now look, generally, in American history, when we intervene in another country, whether true or not, we come up with a high-minded pretense," Stewart said. "Liberating a people, spreading democracy, introducing baseball to the Japanese. They complained at first, but totally worth it. On what moral foundation will this conflict be framed?"

The U.S. military action in Venezuela follows a period of heightened tensions between the two nations. The Trump administration had previously imposed sanctions on Venezuela, citing concerns over Maduro's human rights record and the legitimacy of his re-election in 2018. The U.S. has long held strategic interests in Venezuela, primarily due to its vast oil reserves, which are among the largest in the world.

Venezuela has experienced significant political and economic instability in recent years, marked by hyperinflation, shortages of essential goods, and a large-scale emigration crisis. These conditions have fueled domestic unrest and drawn international scrutiny. The current military intervention adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile situation.

The international community has reacted with a mix of concern and condemnation. Some nations have called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict through diplomatic channels, while others have criticized the U.S. for violating international law and undermining Venezuelan sovereignty. The United Nations Security Council is expected to hold an emergency session to discuss the crisis.

The situation in Venezuela remains fluid, with the potential for further escalation. The future of Maduro and his government remains uncertain, as does the long-term impact of the U.S. intervention on the region.