The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim Could Trump go for Greenland or Cuba next?
Jan 7, 2026
The podcast delves into the recent U.S. operation that captured Nicolás Maduro, exploring the implications for Venezuela and Latin America. Richard reports from Colombia, capturing the regional mood and fears of U.S. dominance. The discussion shifts to Greenland, highlighting its strategic resources and why Trump is eyeing it. Yalda raises concerns about the potential for U.S. actions in Cuba and implications for Iran, suggesting geopolitical tensions are heating up. The hosts emphasize the importance of monitoring these developments closely.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
US Special Forces' Reach Revealed
- The US conducted a precision special-operations capture of Nicolás Maduro after months of deep intelligence penetration.
- Richard Engel argues this shows the US can execute audacious cross-border actions when it chooses.
Operation Aimed At Compliance, Not Democracy
- The Maduro operation was a warning to Venezuela's interim leadership to comply or face similar consequences.
- Yalda Hakim says the aim is behavior change and securing US influence, not promoting democracy.
Monroe Doctrine Echoes Risk Global Pushback
- Engel connects today's moves to a Monroe Doctrine-style sphere-of-influence strategy in the Americas.
- He warns that aggressive US claims could prompt reciprocal moves by China or Russia elsewhere.