The US has serious problems with the Venezuelan government, and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s visit to South America appears to be turning into an opportunity to drum up allies against the country, and others.



Pompeo was particularly interested in pushing the idea of the US, and allies “returning democracy” to those countries, especially Venezuela. In Brazil, Pompeo and Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo talked up united moves against Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua, saying that they “do not share the democratic values” of the US and Brazil.



Such cooperation makes sense for the US, as they have struggled with accusations of unilateral imperialism in moving against countries like these historically. Brazil’s new right-wing government can give them the illusion of international cooperation.



It isn’t just Brazil though, as Pompeo also met with Colombian President Ivan Duque, again talking up the idea of “restoring democratic rule” in Venezuela, and ousting the “dictatorship.” The Trump Administration has been talking up moves against Venezuela for quite some time, but these meetings seem to be a sign that is nearing.





Author: Jason Ditz Jason Ditz is news editor of Antiwar.com. View all posts by Jason Ditz