Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and Democracy #1750 "America's Backyard" - The War on Terror Meets the War on Drugs
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Nov 7, 2025 Jeffrey Stein, an ACLU National Security Project staff attorney, dives into the controversial use of military strikes against suspected drug-smuggling vessels in Venezuela. He argues these actions, framed as part of the war on drugs, violate both U.S. and international laws, amounting to extrajudicial killings. The discussion also critiques Trump's narrative linking Venezuelan officials to drug cartels, revealing the shaky evidence behind such claims. Stein emphasizes the need for transparency in the legal justifications for such lethal strikes.
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TDA Fears Fueled Local Raids
- Tren de Aragua emerged amid Venezuela's collapse and migration, gaining international attention as a purported threat.
- Denver saw sensationalized policing and raids that arrested far fewer alleged gang members than claimed.
Historical Pattern Of US Intervention
- U.S. interference in Venezuela follows a long history of imperialist interventions disguised as democracy promotion.
- Trump openly pursues what past administrations did secretly, accelerating regime-change tactics tied to resource control.
Boat Strikes Lack Legal Basis
- Trump authorized lethal strikes on boats without public evidence and framed them as counter-narcotics operations.
- Those strikes likely violate U.S. and international law because they target civilians without due process.
