Speculation arises about whether the Biden administration’s actions are undermining Venezuela’s democratic opposition, although it isn’t explicitly seeking to do so. Recent interactions between the U.S. and the Maduro regime, including a significant meeting on July 3, have raised concerns. Historically, the Maduro regime has manipulated the electoral process, including barring opposition candidates like Maria Corina Machado and revoking invitations for EU election monitoring. The EU and human rights organizations have voiced their concern over these undermining tactics. Despite these developments, the U.S. sought meetings with Maduro’s officials. According to official statements, the U.S. aimed to push for inclusive elections, but skepticism remains regarding the efficacy of such demands. Human rights abuses, such as the detention of lawyer Rocio San Miguel, highlight ongoing oppression under Maduro. Venezuela’s oil production has significantly increased, attributed to easing U.S. sanctions and actions of firms like Chevron. However, such economic moves are unlikely to influence oil prices meaningfully and raise questions about the U.S.’ interests. Critics argue that the Biden administration may not be effectively consulting with Venezuela’s democratic opposition and could be unintentionally strengthening Maduro’s regime. An impending election raises doubts about fairness and possible subsequent U.S. actions, whether they will reignite sanctions or ease further into diplomatic ties with Maduro. The future of U.S. policy on Venezuela remains uncertain, with significant skepticism about its impact on democracy and human rights in the country. Original Text by Elliott Abrams, published in -> CouncilonForeugnRelations

Democrats want to help Venezuela’s Maduro sell oil, while restricting U.S. drillers […] The Biden Administration’s sanctions dance with the dictator is taking place even as it acts at every turn to restrict U.S. oil and production. The contradiction is hard to fathom other than as the triumph of ideology over reason.by Editorial Board. Full Text -> WSJ

Traducción de cortesía ->Los demócratas quieren ayudar a Maduro de Venezuela a vender petróleo, mientras restringen a las perforaciones en EE.UU[…]Los demócratas quieren ayudar a Maduro de Venezuela a vender petróleo, mientras restringen a los perforadores estadounidenses….[…]… La danza de sanciones de la Administración Biden con el dictador se está llevando a cabo incluso cuando actúa en todo momento para restringir el petróleo y la producción de EE. UU. La contradicción es difícil de comprender de otra manera que no sea el triunfo de la ideología sobre la razón.

In the recent US presidential election, one key swing state where Donald Trump performed better than he did four years ago was Florida – especially in its most heavily Hispanic sections. How did he do it, and how can President-elect Joe Biden and the Democratic Party recover this crucial voter base? By Ricardo Hausman and José Morales-Ardilla. Full Text-> Project-Syndicate

Allowing Venezuelans to live and work legally in the U.S. would be a clear political win for Trump and the GOP in Florida, but Republicans, former administration officials and Latin America analysts say it hasn’t happened because of a conflict between two main groups: Florida Republicans hoping to deliver another win in 2020 in the state, and immigration hardliners trying to keep immigrants and asylum-seekers out of the United States. And so far, the immigration hawks have won the president’s ear. By Sabrina Rodriguez. Full Text-> Politico

Probable Democratic candidate Joe Biden has entered the battle for control of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), opposing the nomination of the hard-line Cuban-American against the dictatorships of Cuba and Venezuela who has been nominated by President Donald Trump to lead the institution. In response to a question I sent last week, the Biden campaign told me in an email that Biden considers Trump’s candidate to head the IDB, Mauricio Claver-Carone, to be “too ideological” and “unqualified” to the post. By Mayhill.J.Fowler. Full Text-> OffThe Bus

Biden has been careful to say he does not support “regime change” for Venezuela, the phrase used to describe the George W. Bush administration’s approach to Iraq. But he has come close to endorsing the concept in substance. As he told the Americas Quarterly in March, Maduro “is a dictator, plain and simple, but the overriding goal in Venezuela must be to press for a democratic outcome through free and fair elections, and to help the Venezuelan people rebuild their country.” By Eli Lake. Full Text -> Bloomberg