Compact Podcast Waltzing Away
Jan 6, 2026
In a riveting discussion, experts delve into the tactical success of capturing Nicolás Maduro, while cautioning against the misconceptions of regime change. They reflect on historical lessons from Iraq and Libya, urging a clear post-capture strategy. The chat transitions to the political fallout of Tim Walz stepping down amid scandal, revealing insights into intermediaries fueling corruption in public services. A surprising clash with El Salvador's president sparks a debate about crime narratives, showcasing the complexities of modern governance.
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Clean Capture, Uncertain Aftermath
- The Maduro extraction was operationally clean but not regime change; it preserves the governing apparatus while removing one leader.
- That raises big questions about the day-after plan and whether the U.S. has a coherent long-term strategy.
Avoiding The Libya/Iraq Trap
- The operation avoided the destructive approach of toppling an entire governing apparatus, unlike Libya or post-invasion Iraq.
- But without a clear occupation or reconstruction plan, success may be hollow or temporary.
Competing U.S. Factions Shape Policy
- U.S. policy likely reflects a compromise between neocon hopes for regime replacement and transactional realism willing to work with regime remnants.
- The crucial question is whether Venezuelan actors will cut a deal acceptable to the U.S. administration.
