Despite a history of resentment towards U.S. interventionism in Latin America, the response to Trump's actions was largely supportive. Polls indicated that 74 percent of Peruvians, 63 percent of Chileans, and a majority of Colombians, Brazilians, Argentines, and Panamanians approved of the intervention. This support transcended historical grievances, even in Panama, a country invaded by the United States nearly three decades ago to remove an authoritarian leader.
Carlos Segura, a 36-year-old professor in Buenos Aires, expressed his satisfaction, stating, "I am happy because I saw the fall of a dictator, and I am happy because my Venezuelan friends are happy." This sentiment reflected a broader sense of hope and relief among many Latin Americans who viewed Maduro's regime as oppressive.
The intervention and its subsequent endorsement highlight a complex shift in Latin American attitudes towards U.S. foreign policy. While historical distrust remains, the desire for democratic change and stability in Venezuela appeared to outweigh concerns about American interference for a significant portion of the population. The lack of widespread organized protests, despite the initial frenzy, further underscored this nuanced perspective.
The situation in Venezuela remains fluid, and the long-term consequences of the intervention are yet to be seen. However, the initial support from a majority of Latin Americans suggests a potential realignment of regional dynamics and a willingness to consider U.S. involvement, under certain circumstances, as a catalyst for positive change. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this initial endorsement translates into lasting stability and democratic progress in Venezuela.
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