Banana Republic Newsflash

[SciFiFisher]

If Maduro were more like Trump he would cheerfully accept the U.S. aid and then have your television channels broadcasting that the aid really came from Russia and China. Or that he produced it himself while working for the people.

[Sigma_Orionis]

If Maduro were more like Trump he would cheerfully accept the U.S. aid and then have your television channels broadcasting that the aid really came from Russia and China. Or that he produced it himself while working for the people.

Well dude, in local media, Maduro claims that the aid from Russia was paid for because "we have dignity"

In amusing development on the story I just posted. A former Army Intelligence officer (and alleged Drug Trafficker, I posted about him way earlier in this thread when he was detained in Aruba) Hugo Carvajal, just turned on Maduro

However, former military intelligence chief Hugo Carvajal called on the military to break with the president and to allow aid in. In a video posted online, the congressman recognised Mr Guaidó as "president in charge" and issued a stinging rebuke to Mr Maduro.

"You've killed hundreds of young people in the streets for trying to claim the rights you stole - this without even counting the dead for lack of medicines and security."

Guess he's either pissed off cause he had a fallout with Maduro's Clique OR he saw the writing on the wall.

In that same article they now mention what I've been worrying about:

There is no doubt this has become a political issue. Juan Guaidó and his supporters want to spread the word about how important the foreign humanitarian aid is. President Maduro accuses it of being a Trojan horse.

There is a feeling of optimism among many Venezuelans at the moment - an energy that has not existed in the country for a long time. And the hope that Saturday may be the start of a new path.

But if the stand-off drags on, the fear is that this positive energy that has revived Mr Maduro's critics will wane, as will the interest of the international community, and that's what Mr Guaidó needs to achieve regime change.

People want to know about a plan B - if indeed Mr Guaidó has thought of one. Otherwise, the hope here will soon turn to despair.

So far, SEEMS to be working, Guaidó's Caravan just made it to the border with Colombia despite that the National Guard detained them several times on the way. The fact that they haven't been arrested leads me to think Maduro is scared shitless. Yet, tomorrow is the big day. I think that if the aid makes it through the border. It's the beginning of the end. If it doesn't, they better have a Plan B.

Edited to fix Hugo Carvajal's name

[Sigma_Orionis]

So it begins. Two dead in a border clash in Brazil

[pumpkinpi]

I usually don't say much in this thread because it's really beyond my comprehension. But I do read through all the posts, and think of you often. Sometimes I feel bad when I'm complaining about my leg or the weather, that it's nothing compared to your situation.

I really appreciate that you keep us updated, and that you are a part of this community, and would join in with the others to help you out in any way possible. Stay safe, and stay in touch!

[Sigma_Orionis]

I usually don't say much in this thread because it's really beyond my comprehension. But I do read through all the posts, and think of you often. Sometimes I feel bad when I'm complaining about my leg or the weather, that it's nothing compared to your situation.

I really appreciate that you keep us updated, and that you are a part of this community, and would join in with the others to help you out in any way possible. Stay safe, and stay in touch!

Thanks Don't feel bad when complaining about your leg, or the weather or whatever. I have it easy compared with a lot of other people here. However it was the majority of the people in my country that caused this by voting for these maniacs long after it was obvious what they were.

[geonuc]

The rival concerts would be funny if it weren't for the whole situation being not funny.

[Sigma_Orionis]

The rival concerts would be funny if it weren't for the whole situation being not funny.

Indeed.

One thing is certain Maduro is on the defensive.

Turns out that he's accepting EU Technical Assistance through the UN for our "non-existent" Humanitarian Crisis.

It gets better

The Cubans are claiming that the US is moving Special Forces to assault Venezuela.

[geonuc]

Positive developments?

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-47343918

[Sigma_Orionis]

Positive developments?

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-47343918

Might be, just three or four soldiers though.

HOWEVER: this part is interesting

Meanwhile, a top ally of President Maduro has suggested the government would allow Venezuelans to accept aid "at their own risk", but that no foreign soldiers would "set foot" inside Venezuela.

The "top ally" is Diosdado Cabello (aka Numero Dos). I saw the video on twitter and he actually says that.

So, let's recap:

- First, there was "no humanitarian crisis" and "Foreign Aid" was a sham and would be rejected.
- Then they started saying that the "Foreign Aid" was "tainted" and "carcinogenic".
- THEN, Maduro announces that 300 Tons of Aid is coming from Russia "paid for by the republic, because we're not beggars" DESPITE that there's not supposed to be a humanitarian crisis
- And THEN: Maduro announces that he has accepted technical assistance from a European Union led "Contact Group" to receive humanitarian assistance through the UN System.
- AND NOW "Numero Dos" is implying that they'll let volunteers through with "whatever", and if they use that stuff it would be "under their responsibility". But that "foreign troops" would not be allowed in. As there was any announcement by any party that foreign troops would be delivering aid.

So: yeah, it's a positive development. It's slow of course. But, seems to be getting through.

[Sigma_Orionis]

Alas is getting ugly

[Sigma_Orionis]

Maduro demanded that all Colombian Diplomatic Personel must leave within the next 24 hours

[Sigma_Orionis]

Whatever is their Plan B, they better get to it

[geonuc]

I had to laugh at the scene where police were tossing tear gas grenades with the breeze blowing it back on to them.

[SciFiFisher]

I cannot fathom what the average person in Venezuela is going through right now.

[Sigma_Orionis]

RIght now, I'm sitting here wondering what'll happen next.

[Sigma_Orionis]

Indeed, what next?

I'd like to believe them...

... But, so far, the bulk of the Military is still taking orders from Maduro.

[Sigma_Orionis]

This is exactly what I'm afraid of

As the humanitarian aid at the heart of a Venezuelan border standoff remained shut in warehouses on Sunday, and with President Nicolás Maduro’s blockade still intact, it became clear that the opposition leaders trying to oust him had little in the way of a Plan B.

[Sigma_Orionis]

Well, there he goes again.

[SciFiFisher]

Well, there he goes again.

His claim that he is standing up for democracy rings a little hollow.

[Sigma_Orionis]

Well, there he goes again.

His claim that he is standing up for democracy rings a little hollow.

Specially after he had another foreign news crew detained, their equipment stolen and then deported. the next PSF I catch crying "Trump wants to invade Venezuela" is going to have to explain why Maduro is such a Democrat.

I've read that the there are more and more Military Defections through the border with Colombia, over 300 so far, according to local media

[Thumper]

Is more and more military defections a good thing?

[SciFiFisher]

Is more and more military defections a good thing?

Potentially. Military support is crucial to keeping the regime in power.

[Thumper]

That's what I was gathering reading the last few months of this thread. Then I worried that if there was a complete breakdown in the military, that would lead to a complete breakdown in law and order. Could more violence and anarchy ensue?

I realize for Maduro to go, he has to lose most of his power. And that is his control of the military and police forces that will follow his orders and do his bidding.

[Sigma_Orionis]

Still, 300 defections is not all that much. Although I've read that a lot of them are mid level officers.

[geonuc]

Three hundred today, three thousand tomorrow.