You want into that mess?
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That mess has the potential to metastasize into a far greater mess and even more flash points down the road if we don’t neutralize it and deter our adversaries from expanding their presence in this area. Russia, China and Cuba are salivating over the commercial and military opportunities there. An isolationist mentality is a luxury but not reality. When there are problems in your own backyard you ignore them at your own peril.
Whether in our "backyard," or 6,000 miles away, the same questions must be first addressed insofar as: what exactly our objectives are (aside from kicking out Maduro), size and impact of the operation, the ramifications for involvement (and noninvolvement), who the friendlies are, what defines success, and exit strategy. For those who aren't aware, Venezuela isn't exactly friendly territory; at least two generations there have been inculcated with the narrative that the US is an arrogant, aggressive bully.. as such, let's not harbor any "cheering us on the street" notions. They don't like Maduro, but they did like Chavez. The last thing this country wants is yet another bloody and costly quagmire, so those who feel it's an absolute necessity have a tall order on their hands to sell this to the general public. Fortunately so far President Trump - unlike Bush - has shown restraint against engaging the military recklessly. The sales job will first have to be presented to him.