The Thinking Muslim Power Play: Venezuela, the New MBS and Trump’s World | Sami Hamdi
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Jan 9, 2026 
Sami Hamdi, a political analyst specializing in Middle East affairs, dives into the complexities of global politics. He explores Nicolás Maduro's kidnapping in the context of U.S. intervention, revealing the interconnectedness of oil geopolitics and electoral calculations. Hamdi also examines the evolving Saudi-UAE dynamics, questioning whether Mohammed bin Salman is emerging as an independent leader. The conversation is rich with insights on Iran, Trump's transactional politics, and Israel's recognition of Somaliland, making for a compelling discussion on shifting power dynamics.
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Regime Change Is America’s Continuity
- Sami Hamdi argues the US has long pursued regime change to protect strategic resources and counter rival powers, so Trump’s Maduro action follows historical patterns.
- Trump differs by openly admitting resource motives, removing previous rhetorical pretense about law or humanitarianism.
Intervention For Electoral Economics
- Sami Hamdi explains Trump’s interventions aim for short, high-impact moves that avoid long occupations to secure domestic political gains.
- Seizing Venezuelan oil serves a tangible economic objective to lower fuel prices before elections rather than nation‑building.
Unpredictability Replaces Reliable Assurances
- Netanyahu repeatedly flies to see Trump because Trump’s unpredictability denies clear, stable Israeli assurances.
- That uncertainty forces Israel to seek private, repeated access rather than rely on institutional policy guarantees.
