Podcasts about Caracas

In Part 2 of Mike Drop Podcast Ep. 275, host Mike Ritland talks with retired DEA agent Wes Tabor about his high-risk undercover work in Venezuela under Chávez and Maduro — from diplomatic cover, assassination threats, and fortified life in Caracas to surviving contracts on his head. They dive into Maduro's recent fall, the power vacuum, María Corina Machado's potential role, U.S. strategy, narco-terrorism ops, foreign influences, and why tackling Mexican cartels is far riskier. Raw, insider insights on geopolitics and counter-narcotics in the Western Hemisphere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

VIEW FOR LATER TODAY: VENEZUELA'S FAILED DEMOCRATIC TRANSITION Guest: Mary Anastasia O'Grady O'Grady reports the US hope for Venezuelan democracy is failing because Delcy Rodriguez built no institutions respecting President-elect Edmundo Gonzalez. The Interior Minister controls police and prisons holding 800 political prisoners while accumulating weapons and power, serving as the major obstacle to restoring democracy.1954 CARACAS

Unleashed: The Political News Hour with Nate Cain – This episode examines communist ideology driving unrest in U.S. cities and shaping global threats abroad. Featuring Dr. Eric Patterson, it explores national security, Venezuela's regime collapse, and rising socialism among American youth, while outlining legal, educational, and cultural strategies to confront Marxism and defend freedom at home and overseas...

Watch the full podcast! https://chinauncensored.tv/programs/podcast-323 Did the US use up all its potential for surprise in Venezuela? Can the US even pull off another Caracas? Have Iran and China already prepared for this in the last two weeks? Joining us is former Marine Intelligence Officer Grant Newsham.

Donate (no account necessary) | Subscribe (account required) Join Bryan Dean Wright, former CIA Operations Officer, as he dives into today's top stories shaping America and the world. In this episode of The Wright Report, Bryan marks President Trump's one year back in office, examining the progress and limits of Trump's Five Bucket Strategy on the economy, energy, industry, and global power. He breaks down rising political radicalism on the Left, new polling showing growing tolerance for violence, and why immigration enforcement has become the flashpoint. Bryan then turns to the accelerating AI Revolution, explaining which jobs are disappearing, why even high-skill workers are now vulnerable, and what advice he would give young Americans navigating an AI-driven future. The episode closes with global updates on China's demographic collapse, a first-ever Chinese drone incursion into Taiwan's airspace, Iran's crackdown on protestors, and a revealing meeting between the CIA Director and Venezuela's new leadership that appears to be restoring order in Caracas.   "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32     Keywords: January 20 2026 Wright Report, Trump one year back in office, Five Bucket Strategy assessment, anti-ICE protests violence polling, Democrat radicalization Axios, AI Revolution job losses Stanford study, Claude AI labor disruption, China population decline birthrate, Taiwan Chinese drone incursion, Iran protest crackdown ultimatum, CIA Director Venezuela Delcy Rodriguez

In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin: First up— Iran's tightly controlled propaganda apparatus suffers a rare and embarrassing breach, as hackers hijack state television to broadcast footage of exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi and images of anti-government protests the regime has worked to suppress. Later in the show— CIA Director John Ratcliffe makes a high-stakes trip to Caracas, meeting with Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodríguez in the most senior U.S. engagement since Nicolás Maduro's ouster. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief.  YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief American Financing: Call American Financing today to find out how customers are saving an avg of $800/mo. NMLS 182334, nmlsconsumeraccess.org. APR for rates in the 5s start at 6.196% for well qualified borrowers. Call 866-885-1881 for details about credit costs and terms. Visit http://www.AmericanFinancing.net/PDB. BRUNT Workwear: Get $10 Off at BRUNT with code PDB at https://www.bruntworkwear.com/PDB#Bruntpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Journalist Mariana Zúñiga woke up in the middle of the night to the sounds of explosions and military planes in Caracas, Venezuela. Her WhatsApp chats flashed the news: The ruling dictator, Nicholás Maduro, had just been captured by the US military. She was surprised and felt uneasy about what was to come.In the days that followed, Zúñiga would go into the field, despite the dangers journalists face, to report on what the country feels like at this tumultuous moment. This week on Reveal, we speak with Venezuelans about witnessing this moment of history from up close and afar. For Freddy Guevara, an exiled Venezuelan opposition leader living in the US, there is little confidence in the country's new leadership. “They are not moderate at all,” Guevara says. “They are super radical, and they believe they are smarter than everyone.” And historian Alejandro Velasco explains the role Venezuela's most valuable resource—oil—has played in the country's history and relations with the US. Support Reveal's journalism at Revealnews.org/donatenow Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get the scoop on new episodes at Revealnews.org/weekly Connect with us onBluesky, Facebook and Instagram Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Venezuela's opposition leader Maria Corina Machado gave her Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Trump at a private White House meeting, calling it a recognition of his “unique commitment” to Venezuelan freedom. Mr Trump posted on social media that it was a gesture of mutual respect, and thanked her. The talks come weeks after US forces seized Nicolas Maduro in Caracas and charged him with drug trafficking. Also: President Trump threatens to deploy military personnel to Minnesota as tensions grow over the deployment of ICE officers in the city of Minneapolis. Families of protestors killed in Iran say they are being charged large sums of money to retrieve the bodies of their loved ones. Scientists unveil a detailed new map of the landscape beneath Antarctica's ice. Canada's prime minister Mark Carney meets China's President Xi Jinping in Beijing as both countries seek to forge closer ties. We hear why more people are cutting out alcohol all year round, and how naturally mummified cheetahs found in a Saudi cave are yielding rare DNA from an extinct population.The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY: GUEST EVAN ELLIS. Venezuela's Economic Opening Amidst Humanitarian Crisis. Evan Ellis explores the state of Venezuela, where millions wait for political change. While sanctions easing has allowed some oil flow and the return of American Airlines flights to Caracas, the nation still faces hyperinflation and a severe lack of food for those without access to dollars.

Rival Factions Contending for Power in Post-Maduro Venezuela. Guest: PROFESSOR EVAN ELLIS, U.S. Army War College. Following Maduro's detention, four major crime families are competing for authority in Caracas, including the Rodriguez siblings and military leadership. While Delcy Rodriguez shows cautious cooperation with the U.S. regarding oil and prisoners, the country remains unstable as criminal interests and political repression continue to stifle progress.1902 VZ

SHOW SCHEDULE1-15-25`1923 GREENLAND Rival Factions Contending for Power in Post-Maduro Venezuela. Guest: PROFESSOR EVAN ELLIS, U.S. Army War College. Following Maduro's detention, four major crime families are competing for authority in Caracas, including the Rodriguez siblings and military leadership. While Delcy Rodriguez shows cautious cooperation with the U.S. regarding oil and prisoners, the country remains unstable as criminal interests and political repression continue to stifle progress. Cuba's Collapse Amidst U.S. Oil Blockade and Economic Ruin. Guest: PROFESSOR EVAN ELLIS, U.S. Army War College. The Trump administration has halted oil shipments to Cuba, exacerbating a crisis where the electrical grid is failing and life is becoming "impossible." Despite minimal aid from Mexico, the repressive communist apparatus remains ingrained, and the regime is expected to muddle through despite massive out-migration. Regional Tensions: U.S. Pressure on Mexico and South American Shifts. Guest: PROFESSOR EVAN ELLIS, U.S. Army War College. The U.S. is pushing Mexico for joint military operations against cartels, forcing President Sheinbaum into a "delicate dance" to protect sovereignty. Meanwhile, Brazil's Lula balances leftist ties against a conservative military, and Colombia shows a potential shift to the right as Petro's policies face significant discredit. Trade Integration and Security Concerns in Mercosur and Costa Rica. Guest: PROFESSOR EVAN ELLIS, U.S. Army War College. Mercosur has achieved a historic trade deal with the European Union, potentially offsetting U.S. economic pressure and deepening ties with China. In Costa Rica, rising public insecurity has led the government to consider El Salvador's "mega-prison" model as they head into elections dominated by concerns over organized crime. The Risks of Seizing Russia's Shadow Fleet at Sea. Guest: ANATOL LIEVEN, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. The U.S. seizure of Russian-owned "shadow fleet" tankers raises the risk of a direct military clash if European nations follow suit. Russia views a maritime blockade as an act of war. Hardliners in the Kremlin may seek to escalate to terrify the West into withdrawing support from Ukraine. Russia's Role as a Stabilizing Factor in Middle East Tensions. Guest: ANATOL LIEVEN, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. Russia has reportedly arbitrated between Jerusalem and Tehran to prevent preemptive strikes and maintain stability in Eurasia. While Russia lacks the power to defend Iran from a U.S. attack, it seeks to avoid regional instability. Russia's diplomatic approach contrasts with perceived universal aggression from other global actors. Economic Realities: Chinese Struggles and U.S. Consumer Strength. Guest: CHRIS RIEGEL, CEO of Stratacache. China's economy is struggling, evidenced by declining imports of raw materials and factory workers facing destitution. In contrast, the U.S. economy remains strong, with banner retail sales during the Christmasseason. However, the "K-shaped" economy shows consumer fatigue in the quick-service restaurant sector. Strategies for a Democratic Transition in Venezuela and Cuba. Guest: CLIFF MAY, Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Marco Rubio is reportedly developing a plan for a gradual transition in Venezuela by making specific demands on the remaining "gangster regime." By cutting off subsidized oil to Cuba, the U.S. hopes to cause the collapse of the Castroite regime, encouraging people to seek liberation from tyranny. Canada's Strategic Pivot to China. Guest: CONRAD BLACK. Prime Minister Mark Carney is visiting Chinato establish a "new strategic partnership" and a "new world order." This mission serves as a "Plan B" to offset potential trade losses with the United States under President Trump, specifically regarding strategic minerals and the renewal of the USMCA agreement. The Upwardly Mobile but Anxious Middle Class. Guest: VERONIQUE DE RUGY. Despite reports of a shrinking middle class, data shows many individuals are actually moving into the upper middle class. However, significant anxiety remains due to rising costs in government-regulated sectors like healthcare, housing, and education. This discontent leads to a search for scapegoats among the elite. Cosmological Mysteries: The Little Red Dots. Guest: DINESH NANDAL. The James Webb Space Telescopediscovered "little red dots"—compact, bright objects in the early universe that are not easily explained as galaxies or accreting black holes. These findings challenge the standard model of cosmology, suggesting the universe matured much earlier than previously thought by 21st-century scientists. Mapping the Future of Space Observation. Guest: DINESH NANDAL. Advancing cosmology requires a "James Webb 2.0" with larger mirrors and a successor to the Chandra X-ray telescope. Funding is also needed for researchers to develop new mathematical models. While AI can assist with pattern recognition, human physicists remain essential for creating the necessary new theoretical frameworks. Sovereignty and the Russian Identity Crisis. Guest: GREGORY COPLEY. Sovereignty is fundamentally tied to geography and identity. In the current period of "cratomorphosis," Russia exhibits defensive nationalism rather than expansionism. To the Kremlin, Ukraine remains the "cradle of Russia," making its loss a profound threat to Russian ethos, historical religious origins, and its personal identity. China's Quest for Legitimacy and Defense. Guest: GREGORY COPLEY. The Chinese Communist Partyyearns for ancient China's legitimacy while defending its modern borders. Rather than traditional imperial expansion, China employs "total war" non-military means. However, the state currently faces a crisis of sovereignty as it implodes internally under disproven totalitarian models and intensifying defensive pressures. The Reassertion of American Empire. Guest: GREGORY COPLEY. During Donald Trump's second term, the United States moved into an offensive mode to reassert dominance and energy security. Simultaneously, the European Union faces a crisis of legitimacy, with nation-states rebelling against its supra-state model. The EUlacks a cohesive vision, leading to internal distress. Lessons from the Superpower's Economic Resurgence. Guest: GREGORY COPLEY. The 21st century reveals that nations prioritizing energy security and enforced borders tend to succeed. President Trump's focus on manufacturing and cheap energy has bolstered the U.S. economy, positioning it as an unchallenged superpower. However, his dynamic approach often alienates allies while redefining grand strategy.

This week MANYBEAT, straight out of Caracas, Venezuela, this radioshow delivers pure Latin soul, rhythm, and sabrosura. A true institution of the Latin sound, Manybeat blends groove, percussion, and latin house with global flavor. This episode celebrates the release of 'Latinjazzu' on Stereo Productions — a powerful fusion of Latin roots, jazz vibes, and dancefloor heat. Turn it up and feel the groove!

Diego Sequera, award winning journalist and writer based in Caracas, Venezuela, discusses the recent kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife and former member of the National Assembly, Cilia Flores, delving into Venezuela's complex historical landscape. He begins with the Caracazo uprising of 1989, which revealed deep socioeconomic inequalities while uniting the working class against President Carlos Andrés Pérez's austerity measures. Sequera notes that this context set the stage for the rise of Chavismo, notably through Hugo Chávez's transformation from a coup leader to an elected president by 1999. Sequera critiques the neoliberal policies, growing foreign debt, and the resulting polarization exacerbated by anti-Communist sentiments while linking Chávez's Bolivarian Revolution to contemporary global conflicts, scrutinizing political figures like Maria Corina Machado for their role in societal divisions. Furthermore, he addresses the role of US foreign policy, detailing the sanctions imposed, starting with the Venezuela Defense of Human Rights and Civil Society Act of 2014 and culminating in the 2015 “Obama decree” ((Executive Order 13692), which targeted the Venezuelan oil industry ultimately aiming to destabilise the country both economically and politically. Sequera critically analyzes the rhetoric of US politicians who categorize Venezuela as a “narco-state” and suggest foreign interference in the 2020 US elections, as he draws parallels between Venezuela, Iran, and Gaza in critiquing the selective moral blindness of Western nations towards their participation in human rights abuses and loss of life in these regions, reflecting on the broader implications of foreign policy decisions on Venezuela's plight. Get full access to Savage Minds at savageminds.substack.com/subscribe

Nuestro corresponsal en Caracas explica cómo han sido las primeras reacciones después de la reunión de la líder opositora venezolana y el mandatario estadounidense en la Casa Blanca. El optimismo de Corina Machado tras el encuentro es comedido entre sus seguidores dentro del país, mientras Delsy Rodríguez pide a la Asamblea Nacional que cambie la legislación para que las petroleras estadounidenses puedan operar.

FAN MAIL--We would love YOUR feedback--Send us a Text MessageTyranny spreads by force, and so must the resolve to stop it. We take a clear-eyed look at what comes after a dictator falls in Caracas and argue for a blueprint that restores Venezuelan sovereignty without sliding into a quagmire. Our approach blends moral clarity with practical steps: empower a transitional council, reform and retrain security forces, and build a justice process that punishes violent crimes while creating space for reconciliation.We walk through a five-part plan designed to lock in stability. First, governance must return to Venezuelans with clean records and the capacity to rebuild services, courts, and media freedom. Second, security forces should be cleaned up rather than destroyed: purge cartel-linked generals, retrain mid-level officers, and sever foreign intelligence ties that turned the state into a proxy. Third, a truth, justice, and reconciliation commission can separate serious crimes from systemic corruption and ensure victims are heard. Fourth, we target the money: dismantle Cartel de los Soles, seize assets, and align banks, shippers, and insurers to choke illicit flows. Fifth, we end election fraud by replacing compromised systems with citizen-verifiable audits, transparent chains of custody, and independent oversight.All of this sits inside a renewed Monroe Doctrine that focuses on our neighborhood: secure oil fields, stop hybrid attacks, and reduce the space for cartels and adversaries to operate. Special forces play a limited but crucial role by training local units and transferring capacity, not occupying. The aim is peace through strength—stability rooted in law, deterrence, and credible ballots. If Venezuela can anchor accountable governance and lawful commerce, the benefits ripple across the hemisphere with safer borders, steadier energy, and fewer reasons for families to flee.Key Points from the Episode:• opening quote from Jeane Kirkpatrick on tyranny and war sharing a source• framing Maduro's capture as a first step, not the finish• goal to restore sovereignty and stability without nation building• five major points to a restored and rehabilitated Venezuela• rationale for a renewed Monroe Doctrine focused on regional security• payoff: secure energy, reduced terror and cartel reach, rule of lawOther resources: Want to leave a review? Click here, and if we earned a five-star review from you **high five and knuckle bumps**, we appreciate it greatly!

Contacto con Omar Lugo desde Caracas by En Perspectiva

Venezuela's Power Vacuum and the Path Forward. Guest: MARY KISSEL, Executive Vice President at Stephens Incorporated. Mary Kissel discusses the "unfinished" state of Venezuela following the removal of Maduro, characterizing the remaining leadership as "thugs" and "gangs" focused on drug money. She explores the roles of Cuba, regional neighbors like Colombia and Brazil, and the Vatican's new moral leadership in the region.1902 CARACAS

North Korea is closely watching the situation in Venezuela after the U.S. captured President Nicolás Maduro, shaking up one of Pyongyang's few political friendships in the Western Hemisphere. In this episode, Gabriela Bernal and Camilo Aguirre Torrini delve into what happened in Venezuela, how North Korea has reacted in state media and what lessons Kim Jong Un may be drawing. The guests discuss why the DPRK-Venezuela relationship has been more symbolic than substantial, how sanctions and a shared anti-American ideology have shaped ties and what the future could look like if Caracas shifts further under U.S. influence. Dr. Gabriela Bernal is a North Korea analyst and non-resident fellow at the European Centre for North Korean Studies who writes on Pyongyang's external relations and information strategy. She recently wrote an analysis for NK Pro titled “Where North Korea-Venezuela ties stand after Nicolás Maduro's downfall.” Dr. Camilo Aguirre Torrini is a researcher whose work traces DPRK-Latin America ties and sanctions-era politics. He previously wrote a piece for 38 North titled “Can Venezuela and the DPRK Wipe the Slate Clean and Make a Fresh Start?” About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists.

A young woman lies dead on a Minneapolis street, an ICE officer pulled the trigger, and the official story leans on power instead of necessity. We open with what the footage actually shows, why the shot trajectory matters, and how a federal investigation shifts accountability away from local control. The human loss is personal and visceral—and the reaction is telling. When partisan voices celebrate lethal force as a message, we all lose a piece of our democratic soul. From there we follow the thread to Venezuela, where a brazen kidnapping of a foreign leader and airstrikes get sold as something short of war. Megyn Kelly's caution and Kat Timpf's pushback puncture the cheerleading and force the real questions: What's the plan after the “win”? Who pays when “rebuilding” turns into contracts for friends and photo ops in Caracas? And if drug flows are the excuse, why ignore the obvious—demand starts at home, and public health beats cruise missiles every time. We break down the Senate's War Powers maneuver, applaud rare moments of GOP restraint, and explain why a veto threat still matters for shaping the debate. Finally, we take apart the latest NATO spin. If Europe adds little to American defense relative to what we provide, committing more while inflating 5 percent spending fantasies won't fix deterrence. It's mission creep masquerading as solidarity. Across policing, foreign policy, and alliances, our case is simple: draw firm lines, resist the spectacle, and demand strategy over swagger. If you value clear-eyed analysis without the corporate gloss, hit subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review telling us where you stand on Minneapolis, Venezuela, and NATO. Your voice shapes what we dig into next.

Venezuela's oil industry has long been a site of struggle—between national sovereignty and foreign control, between social development and extraction for profit. In this wide-ranging conversation, Gregory Wilpert situates today's crisis in that longer history, from the Chávez government's effort to reclaim PDVSA for Venezuelans to the current U.S. strategy of tying sanctions relief to oil exports. As Washington pushes Caracas to increase production and redirect crude away from China, Wilpert examines whether interim leadership in Venezuela is navigating an impossible economic bind—or whether the country's oil and sovereignty are once again being bargained under coercion.

No 3 em 1 desta quinta-feira (15), o destaque foi a decisão do Banco Central de decretar a liquidação da CBSF Distribuidora de Títulos e Valores Mobiliários, novo nome da Reag Trust DTVM, após os desdobramentos da Operação Compliance Zero. A gestora é suspeita de participação em fraudes envolvendo o Banco Master, segundo as investigações. Reportagem: Matheus Dias. O novo ministro da Justiça, Wellington César Lima e Silva, assumiu o cargo no lugar de Ricardo Lewandowski, que pediu exoneração. O novo comandante da pasta defende uma atuação conjunta e integrada no enfrentamento ao crime organizado. Reportagem: Janaína Camelo. O presidente dos Estados Unidos, Donald Trump, recebeu a líder da oposição venezuelana, María Corina Machado, para um almoço privado na Casa Branca. Informações de bastidores indicam que a opositora teria sugerido a entrega do Prêmio Nobel da Paz ao americano — algo que, oficialmente, não é permitido pelas regras da premiação. Reportagem: Eliseu Caetano. Uma nova pesquisa Genial/Quaest revela que 46% dos brasileiros aprovam a ação dos Estados Unidos na Venezuela, enquanto 39% desaprovam a operação militar realizada em Caracas. Os dados mostram a divisão da opinião pública no Brasil sobre a intervenção americana no país vizinho. O vice-presidente e ministro Geraldo Alckmin (PSB) afirmou que o acordo entre o Mercosul e a União Europeia envia uma “mensagem positiva ao comércio internacional”. Segundo o governo federal, a expectativa é de que o tratado entre em vigor já no segundo semestre deste ano. Reportagem: André Anelli. Aliados de Jair Bolsonaro (PL) voltaram a compartilhar a carta escrita pelo ex-presidente na prisão, na qual ele fala sobre a “missão de resgatar o Brasil”. Na mensagem, Bolsonaro afirma: ‘Entrego o que há de mais importante na vida de um pai: o filho'. O governador Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicanos) também se manifestou, dizendo que Flávio Bolsonaro é “um grande nome”. Reportagem: Matheus Dias. O ministro Alexandre de Moraes determinou a transferência do ex-presidente Jair Bolsonaro (PL) para a Papudinha, atendendo a um pedido da defesa. Moraes também autorizou que Bolsonaro tenha assistência médica integral, 24 horas por dia, com médicos particulares previamente cadastrados. Reportagem: Janaína Camelo. Tudo isso e muito mais você acompanha no 3 em 1. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

- EE.UU. extrajo a Maduro a través de un poderoso y preciso operativo militar ejecutado en Caracas. - Trump amenazó públicamente, por primera vez, que tiene considerado atacar a Cárteles en tierra. - Dos muy importantes periódicos norteamericanos describen la preocupación de Sheinbaum y su gabinete sobre éstas amenazas y la discusión acerca de cómo deben tratar a Trump. - Sheinbaum habla con Trump por teléfono y, extrañamente, éste guarda silencio sobre la llamada. - Ante lo que parece inminente ¿qué escogerá Sheinbaum? ¿Salvaguardar los intereses de México o los de su Narco Régimen? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

María Corina Machado interviene en el Capitolio de EE. UU. tras reunirse con Donald Trump. La líder opositora venezolana expresa su deseo de una Venezuela libre, segura y aliada de EE. UU. Ella entrega a Trump una réplica del Nobel de la Paz por su liderazgo democrático. Trump se compromete con la democratización y la libertad de presos políticos. Cientos de venezolanos la reciben. La portavoz de Trump, Caroline Levy, indica que Machado carece de apoyos suficientes para liderar Venezuela, siendo Delcy Rodríguez la interlocutora oficial, aunque Trump valora a Machado. Delcy Rodríguez, desde Caracas, no teme el diálogo con EE. UU. y desafía la visita de Machado. En Irán, la Casa Blanca informa que el régimen ha paralizado 800 ejecuciones. Washington vigila la situación; el embajador de la ONU, Mike Walt, reitera que "todas las opciones están sobre la mesa". Trump mantiene su plan de anexión de Groenlandia. Francia lidera la defensa europea, y España sopesa unirse a la misión ...

Guest: Gregory Copley. Following the arrest of Maduro, Venezuela is controlled by four competing "crime families." Copley notes the absence of a clear U.S. plan for citizens facing food and medical insecurity. The U.S. seeks to enforce an oil embargo against Cuba, which is currently suffering from infrastructure collapse and electric grid failures.1902 CARACAS

As Trump's support collapses, he has lashed out in two directions--sending an unprecendented number of ICE agents to Minneapolis, where one of them murdered Renee Good, and sending the military to Venezuela, where he says he has seized control of the oil industry. Harold Meyerson comments.Also: Twenty Minutes Without Trump: There's a new TV series about how capitalism came to Communist China, 30 episodes made for Chinese TV by the great Hong Kong director Wong Kar Wai, running now on the Criterion Channel. John Powers, critic-at-large on Fresh Air with Terry Gross, explains.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Venezuela no se está jugando solo en Caracas. Se decide en Washington y en cada movimiento invisible que define poder, dinero y control. En este episodio hablamos de la salida del dictador, la relación con Estados Unidos, el rol de Rusia y China, y los escenarios reales para reconstruir un país que lleva años sobreviviendo. ¿Puede haber inversión sin libertad? Este no es un episodio optimista ni pesimista: es un episodio honesto sobre lo que pensamos que viene y sobre lo poco que depende de nosotros.

Cosa si è sbloccato e cosa è realmente cambiato nel governo chavista di Caracas per permettere il rimpatrio di Alberto Trentini e Mario Burlò dopo oltre un anno nelle carceri venezuelane?

À Caracas, la vie quotidienne reprend dans un climat tendu Les États-Unis divisés après l'intervention militaire au Venezuela George Clooney obtient la nationalité française et suscite la polémique Musique : la French touch aux portes de l'UNESCO

As Trump's support collapses, he has lashed out in two directions--sending an unprecendented number of ICE agents to Minneapolis, where one of them murdered Renee Good, and sending the military to Venezuela, where he says he has seized control of the oil industry. Harold Meyerson comments.Also: Twenty Minutes Without Trump: There's a new TV series about how capitalism came to Communist China, 30 episodes made for Chinese TV by the great Hong Kong director Wong Kar Wai, running now on the Criterion Channel. John Powers, critic-at-large on Fresh Air with Terry Gross, explains.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

AP correspondent Jennifer King reports that Venezuelan leader Delcy Rodríguez talked about the release of prisoners during a briefing at the presidential palace in Caracas.

  THE FOUR FAMILIES OF CARACAS AND THE END OF THE REGIME Colleague Alejandro Peña Esclusa. Esclusa analyzes the four mafias currently competing for power in Caracas: the Rodriguez siblings, Diosdado Cabello, Padrino Lopez, and Maduro's remnants. He argues that overwhelming US military force has rendered local weapons irrelevant and that the dismantling of these groups is necessary for elections. NUMBER 121865 VENEZUELA

SHOW1-12-26"THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW""The Making of the John Batchelor Show" is a live-streaming "beta" experiment launched by John Batchelor on Monday, January 12, 2026. The primary objective of this specific program is to demonstrate "total transparency" by allowing the audience to see the behind-the-scenes process and technical "bumps" involved in producing the show.GLOBAL CHAOS AND THE EROSION OF STABILITY Colleagues Bill Roggio and Husain Haqqani. The guests discuss worldwide instability, arguing that the US has abandoned its traditional role in maintaining global order. They examine conflicts in Iran, Syria, and Venezuela, suggesting US actions are often driven by whims rather than strategic planning, leading to a state of heightened chaos. NUMBER 1FICTIONS IN SYRIA AND THE RISKS OF INTERVENTION Colleagues Bill Roggio and Husain Haqqani. The discussion focuses on the Syrian conflict, criticizing the US for maintaining "fictions" about local actors and security forces. Haqqani warns against military intervention in Iran, citing past failures like Vietnam and Iraq, noting that military force cannot solve misunderstood political problems. NUMBER 2CHINA'S GREAT HEIST OF AMERICAN SECRETS Colleagues David Shedd and Bill Roggio. David Sheddoutlines China's extensive cyber espionage campaigns, including "Salt Typhoon," which successfully hacked US Congressional committees. These operations aim to steal sensitive communications and embed sabotage tools within USinfrastructure, highlighting a critical failure in American defensive preparedness. NUMBER 3REGIME CHANGE AND SHIFTING POWER IN THE AMERICAS Colleagues David Shedd and Bill Roggio. Shedd details the removal of Nicolas Maduro and a regional shift toward center-right governments. This transition aims to end Russian and Chinese influence in the Western Hemisphere. Furthermore, the US is demanding stricter security cooperation from Mexico to dismantle powerful drug cartels. NUMBER 4IRANIAN PROTESTS AND THE COLLAPSE OF REGIME CONTROL Colleague Malcolm Hoenlein. Protests across Iran have turned deadly, with reports of hundreds killed by live fire and hospitals refusing wounded demonstrators. Malcolm Hoenlein highlights a communication blackout and a collapsing economy where the currency has plummeted. A new minority coalition of Baluchis and Kurds is now supporting rebellion. NUMBER 5THE SHIFTING BALANCE OF FEAR IN IRAN Colleague Malcolm Hoenlein. As the regime faces potential implosion, discussions involve a return of the Shah's son as a symbolic figurehead, though no clear path to collective leadership exists. Revolutionaries are now tagging the homes of officials, signaling that the balance of fear has shifted from the people to the leadership. NUMBER 6RUSSIA'S ORESHNIK MISSILE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DETERRENCE Colleague John Hardy. Russia is utilizing the Oreshnik missile to strike Ukrainian infrastructure, leaving thousands without heat. John Hardy explains these strikes serve as psychological intimidation to deter Western nations from providing security guarantees or ground troops. Recent strikes likely targeted an aircraft repair plant, not gas storage. NUMBER 7ESCALATING CONFLICT BETWEEN SYRIAN FORCES AND KURDISH ALLIES Colleague Akmed Khari. Clashes have erupted in Aleppo between the Syrian government and the Kurdish SDF after a failed integration agreement. Akmed Khari notes the complexity of the US coordinating with Syrian security forces that remain riddled with jihadists. The conflict is expected to expand into other contested regions. Analogy: The situation in Syria is like a shaky alliance between rival firefighters who, while ostensibly trying to put out the same blaze, begin turning their hoses on each other while the fire continues to spread. NUMBER 8THE US-MANAGED TRANSITION IN POST-MADURO VENEZUELA Colleague Ernesto Araújo. John Batchelor and Ernesto Araújo discuss the US-led operation that captured Nicolas Maduro. Araújo describes the current situation as a well-managed transition where the US is navigating internal power struggles among military factions and criminal gangs rather than allowing a power vacuum to form. NUMBER 9REGIONAL SHIFTS: COLOMBIA'S DIPLOMACY AND BRAZIL'S POLITICAL FUTURE Colleague Ernesto Araújo. The discussion focuses on Gustavo Petro's pivot toward the United States and the historical concept of "Grand Colombia." In Brazil, they evaluate Lula da Silva's potential re-election bid against the enduring popularity of the imprisoned Jair Bolsonaro and the influence of new nationalist political forces. NUMBER 10REGIONAL REACTIONS TO MADURO'S CAPTURE AND THE ISOLATION OF CUBA Colleague Alejandro Peña Esclusa. Alejandro Peña Esclusa reports that Venezuelans are celebrating Maduro's capture while the Trumpadministration halts oil shipments to Cuba. He explains that regional left-wing leaders fear a trial will reveal their corrupt ties to Maduro, while the Cuban regime faces collapse without Venezuelan energy. NUMBER 11THE FOUR FAMILIES OF CARACAS AND THE END OF THE REGIME Colleague Alejandro Peña Esclusa. Esclusa analyzes the four mafias currently competing for power in Caracas: the Rodriguez siblings, Diosdado Cabello, Padrino Lopez, and Maduro's remnants. He argues that overwhelming US military force has rendered local weapons irrelevant and that the dismantling of these groups is necessary for elections. NUMBER 12ESCALATING IRANIAN PROTESTS AND POTENTIAL US INTERVENTION Colleague Edmund Fitton-Brown. Edmund Fitton-Brown describes the current Iranian protests as a movement that has shifted into a repression phase characterized by internet blackouts and rising casualties. He argues that US military force targeting repression organs could tip the balance in favor of the protesters, who are increasingly calling for a constitutional monarchy. The regime is reportedly attempting to negotiate following US strike threats. NUMBER 13THE COLLAPSE OF THE AXIS OF RESISTANCE Colleague Edmund Fitton-Brown. Fitton-Brown explains how the fall of the Iranian regime would devastate its regional proxies, including Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iraqi militias, which depend on IRGC funding and training. Without Tehran's "big brother" support, these groups would likely be forced to make accommodations with local governments. He also notes Hezbollah's role as an international drug cartel. NUMBER 14THE ZOMBIE REGIME AND STRATEGIC TARGETS Colleague Jonathan Sai. Jonathan Sai labels the Islamic Republic a "zombie regime" facing an existential threat despite its brutal crackdowns. He reports that the IRGC and foreign militias are using automatic weapons against protesters in cities like Tehran and Mashhad. Sai suggests that USintervention should prioritize striking repression centers and state-run propaganda machines to dismantle the regime's control. NUMBER 15HEZBOLLAH'S SURVIVAL AND THE LOSS OF REGIONAL LIFELINES Colleague David Daoud. David Daoud characterizes Hezbollah as an ideological extension of Iran currently in survival mode as its lifelines in Syria and Venezuela weaken. While Hezbollah wants the regime to survive for power projection, Daoud suggests Iraqi militias are more likely to be physically assisting Tehran's crackdowns due to their proximity and lower combat losses compared to Hezbollah. To clarify the current state of the Iranian government, Jonathan Sai uses the metaphor of a "zombie regime": it may appear to be moving and in control, but it is functionally dead because it can no longer sustain its support base or provide basic necessities for its people. NUMBER 161832 PERSIAN GIRL, SKETCHED ON STONE BY JAMES ATKINSON

REGIME CHANGE AND SHIFTING POWER IN THE AMERICAS Colleagues David Shedd and Bill Roggio. Shedd details the removal of Nicolas Maduro and a regional shift toward center-right governments. This transition aims to end Russian and Chinese influence in the Western Hemisphere. Furthermore, the US is demanding stricter security cooperation from Mexico to dismantle powerful drug cartels. NUMBER 41902 CARACAS

This week we talk about Venezuela, Maduro, and international law.We also discuss sour crude, extrajudicial killings, and Greenland.Recommended Book: The Keep by F. Paul WilsonTranscriptBack in mid-November of 2025, I did an episode on extrajudicial killings, focusing on the targeting of speedboats, mostly from Venezuela headed toward the United States, by the US military. These boats were allegedly carrying drugs meant for the US market, and the US government justified these strikes by saying, basically, we have a right to protect ourselves, protect our citizens from the harm caused by these illegal substances, and if we have to keep taking out these boats and killing these people to do that, we will.There's been a lot of back-and-forthing about the legitimacy of this approach, both in the sense that not all of these boats have been shown to be carrying drugs, some just seemed to be fishing boats in the wrong place at the wrong time, and in the sense that launching strikes without the go-ahead of Congress in the US is a legally dubious business. There was also the matter of some alleged follow-up strikes, which seemed to be intended to kill people who survived the initial taking-out of the boats, which is a big international human rights no no, to the point of potentially being a war crime.All of this happened within the context of a war of words between US President Trump's second administration and the increasingly authoritarian regime of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who followed the previous president Hugo Chávez as his hand-picked successor, and has more or less completed the authoritarian process of dissolving, coopting, or diminishing all aspects of the Venezuelan government that might ever check his power, which allowed him, in 2024, to bar the very popular, now Nobel Peace Prize winning candidate María Corina Machado from running, and her sub-in candidate, like previous Maduro opponent Juan Guaido, seems to have won the election by a fair bit, and in an internationally provable way, but Maduro's government faked results that made it look like he won, and his single-party rule has since continued unabated.Or rather, it continued unabated until the early morning of January 3, 2026, around 2am, when US Operation Absolute Resolve kicked into action, leading to the—depending on who you ask—justified captured or illegal kidnapping—of Maduro and his wife from a stronghold in his country.And that's what I'd like to talk about today: the operation itself, but also the consequences and potential meaning of it within the context of other important things happening in the world right now.—Maduro is immensely popular with about a fifth of the Venezuelan population, but essentially everyone else is strongly opposes him and his iron-fisted rule.It's estimated that between 2017 and 2025, just shy of 8 million people, which is more than 20% of Venezuela's 2017 population, has fled the country in order to escape a tyrannical government and its failed policies, which have collapsed the economy, made getting working and feeding oneself and one's family difficult, and made crime, conflict, and the state-sanctioned oppression of anyone who doesn't kowtow to the ruling party a commonplace thing.Trump speculated about the possibility of invading Venezuela even in his first administration, and part of the overt rationale was that it's run by a failed government that most of the locals hate, so it would be an easy win. That justification shifted to orient around immigration and drugs by his second administration, and then more recently, Trump has said publicly that the real issue here is that Venezuela stole a bunch of US company-owned oil assets when it nationalized the industry back in the day, and those assets should be recaptured, given back to the US.Operation Absolute Resolve took months to plan and only about two and a half hours to complete. By most objective measures it was a spectacular military and intelligence success, especially considering all the moving parts and thus, all the things that could have gone wrong.The operation apparently involved at least 150 aircraft of various sorts, a spy within Maduro's government, and months of surveillance, which helped them establish Maduro's habits and routines, and that allowed them to map out where he would be, when, and what to expect going in to get him. All of these patterns changed in September of 2025 when US warships started massing in Caribbean, as Maduro started to get a little paranoid—justifiably, as it turns out—and he started moving between eight different locations, seldom sleeping in the same place more than one night in a row.He was eventually grabbed from a military base in Caracas, Venezuela's capitol, and to make that happen the US military assets in the area had to take out local aviation and air defenses so that US Delta Force troops could be carried in by helicopter. Several air bases and communications centers were taken out by missiles, and fighter jets were bombed on air base tarmacs. Trump alluded that a cyberattack of some kind might have also been used to take out power in the area, though satellite imagery suggests bombs might have been used against a power station to make that happen.The operation apparently went almost exactly as planned, though a helicopter was damaged and the Delta Force team killed a large part of Maduro's security team when he refused to surrender. A few US soldiers were wounded, but none were killed, and Venezuelan officials said, in the aftermath, that lat least 40 Venezuelans were killed throughout the country during the operation. Maduro and his wife were swept from the base before they could lock themselves in their safe room, and they were tucked into the helicopters which headed out to sea, landing them on the USS Iwo Jima, which is an assault ship.All of this took a matter of hours and, again, is generally considered to be an objective success, in terms of precision, outcome, and other such metrics. Morally, legally, and politically, however, the operation is receiving a far more mixed response, and that response is continuing to play out as Maduro works his way through a bizarre version of the US justice system where he's being sent to court for drug dealing.In the US, Trump supporters have generally said all of this was a good, smart move, though some maintain that US involvement in any kind of international conflict is a waste of time, effort, and resources, and they worry about getting bogged down in another Iraq or Afghanistan-style conflict.Everyone else is generally against the effort, even those who admit that Maduro was a tyrant who needed to go—it's good that he's gone, but the way in which it was done is not just questionable, but worrying because of what it says about Trump's capacity to unilaterally launch kidnapping missions against the leaders of other countries. Not a good look, but also kind of scary.Internationally the response is generally aligned with the latter opinion, especially in other countries that Trump has at some point threatened, which is most of them.Governments in South and Central America have been especially concerned, however, because one of Trump's newer messaging efforts has revolved around the concept of a Western Hemisphere basically owned and protected by the US. Do whatever you want in the rest of the world, basically, but everything over here is ours. This has raised the possibility that an emboldened Trump might attempt similar maneuvers soon, including possibly claiming the Panama Canal for the US again, or grabbing the leaders of other Latin American countries he doesn't think are kowtowing enthusiastically enough; toeing the new international line that he's drawing, basically.He's also renewed messaging around the possible purchase or capture of Greenland, which has been raising alarm bells across Europe in particular. Greenland is considered to be a vital strategic base for US security, and it would grant potential access to an abundance of also strategically and economically important minerals, both on land and underwater, but Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, and most European leaders have said something along the lines of “if the US takes action to militarily claim Greenland, that'll be the end of NATO,” an organization that was originally founded to help protect the world, and Europe especially, from military conquest from the Soviet Union, but which, at that point, might be recalibrated to protect against incursions from the US, as well.NATO has been mostly funded and perpetuated by the US until recently, however, so there's a chance that something else would need to replace it, if the US is no longer providing nuclear deterrence as the ultimate whammy against a potential Russian invasion of its European neighbors.The UN has also indicated that they consider this operation to be a violation of international law, and have called it a dangerous precedent—because one nation capturing the leader of another nation, unilaterally, kind of negates the purpose of negotiations and the whole concept of international law. That kind of use of force is meant to be granted by the UN, not attempted secretively and outside the bounds of international processes for such things.All that said, the Trump administration seems to be leaning into the victory, gleefully talking about next-step potential targets, the most likely of which seem to be in Iran, a long-time US opponent, and a target of this administration last year, when the US attacked Iranian nuclear facilities alongside Israel.There are ongoing, very large and seemingly significant protests happening across Iran right now, so the US could see this as another opportunity to topple another unpopular authoritarian regime while also getting the chance to flex its military and intelligence capabilities at a moment in which another big-name player in that space, Russia, is generally flailing; it's failed to protect several of its allies, including Venezuela, over the past few years, and its intended few-day invasion of Ukraine has now stretched into years.That contrast is considered to be meaningful by most analysts, and though a lot of the PR about the capture of Maduro has focused on the oil, most US-based oil executives have said it's a red herring—the hundreds of billions of dollars required to get more of Venezuela's thick, dirty, expensive to process oil pumping and back on the market wouldn't be worth it—and it's more likely that this is partly a means of keeping the press and US public focused on something other than the Epstein files, which is a major scandal for Trump and his administration, while also allowing Trump to test the boundaries of his power; what the public and government will let him get away with currently, and what he can do to expand the range of what he can do without any outside buy-in or significant personal consequences, in the future.Show Noteshttps://theconversation.com/how-maduros-capture-went-down-a-military-strategist-explains-what-goes-into-a-successful-special-op-272671https://archive.is/20260105035543/https://www.theatlantic.com/national-security/2026/01/trump-nicolas-maduro-venezuela/685493/https://www.wsj.com/business/energy-oil/chevron-charts-a-new-path-in-venezuela-to-unlock-vast-oil-reserves-0369ce1bhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/04/tactical-surprise-and-air-dominance-how-the-us-snatched-maduro-in-two-and-a-half-hourshttps://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/10/us/politics/trump-iran-strikes.htmlhttps://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/10/nyregion/nicolas-maduro-lawyers.htmlhttps://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/10/business/dealbook/oil-executives-trump-venezuela.htmlhttps://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/10/world/americas/venezuela-oil-tanker-us.htmlhttps://www.axios.com/2026/01/11/trump-iran-protest-options-death-tollhttps://www.axios.com/2026/01/03/maduro-capture-trump-venezuela-operationhttps://www.axios.com/2025/05/11/trump-maga-western-civilizationhttps://www.axios.com/2026/01/08/venezuela-war-powers-senate-aumf-time-kainehttps://www.axios.com/2026/01/07/trump-russia-oil-tanker-seize-bella-venzuelahttps://www.axios.com/2026/01/08/trumps-donroe-doctrine-sets-us-on-great-power-collision-coursehttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/05/un-security-council-trump-attack-venezuelahttps://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/08/us/politics/trump-interview-power-morality.html This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

After an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent shot and killed Renee Good in Minneapolis last week, there's widespread outrage over the use of force by federal immigration officers across the country. That includes chokeholds, even though that tactic was banned in most cases after the 2020 murder of George Floyd. ProPublica's Nicole Foy tells us more. Then, Phil Gunson, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, gives an update from Caracas on the recent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

As violence erupts around the world, how must we respond to those who worship power? In Venezuela, global power has reshaped lives overnight, and Elizabeth Sendek and Julio Isaza join Mark Labberton to reflect on faith, fear, and Christian witness amid political upheaval in Latin America. "It made me question, if power is the ultimate good, then questions of morality or theology have no place. We have chosen our idol." Together they discuss how experiences of dictatorship, displacement, and pastoral caution shape Christian responses to invasion and regime change; the relationship between power and idolatry; the moral realities that come with violent and nonviolent action; fear and pastoral responsibility; the global impact of diaspora and migration; how prayer informs action; and how the church bears faithful witness under ruthless power. –––––––––––––––––– Episode Highlights "It made me question, if power is the ultimate good, then questions of morality or theology have no place. We have chosen our idol." "Prayer is a spiritual resource, valuable, needed, urgent every day, in times of peace and in times of crisis." "Prayer must also go alongside personal and collective actions in the defense of life, justice, freedom, reconciliation, and peace." "They are very cautious, because they are not sure who is in control." "We should not normalize violence just because it has always existed in history." –––––––––––––––––– About Elizabeth Sendek Elizabeth Sendek is a theologian and educator specializing in Latin American Christianity, theology and power, and the church's public witness under political violence. Her work draws from lived experience across Latin America, particularly contexts shaped by dictatorship, corruption, displacement, and ecclesial resilience. She has taught theology in academic and pastoral settings, engaging questions of ethics, political theology, and Christian responsibility in fragile societies. Sendek is widely respected for her ability to connect historical memory, biblical theology, and contemporary crises, especially regarding migration, authoritarianism, and Christian hope. Her scholarship and public engagement consistently emphasize prayer joined with concrete action, resisting both naïveté and cynicism. She speaks regularly to churches, students, and leaders seeking faithful responses to power and suffering. About Julio Isaza Julio Isaza, born in Colombia, is married to Katie Isaza and is the father of Samuel and Benjamin. He served with the Covenant Church of Colombia from 1995 to 2006 and later earned a master of divinity degree in Chicago, where he lived for six years. Between 2012 and 2015, he worked in the formation of university students and young professionals with Serve Globally in Medellín, Colombia. From 2016 to 2025, he served in peace-building processes in conflict areas of Colombia and also as a professor at the Biblical Seminary of Colombia, teaching in the areas of missional theology, cultural context, and holistic impact strategies. During this time, he also worked with Indigenous communities in the Colombian rainforest, engaging in oral theology initiatives. His work has focused on holistic discipleship, theological education, and peace-building. He holds a master's degree in Conflict and Peace from the University of Medellín and is currently pursuing a PhD in Theology and Peace at the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies in England. A US citizen, he resides in Minnesota with his family, where he is writing his doctoral dissertation titled "Cultivating Integral (Biblical) Peace in a Context of Socio-environmental Violence." –––––––––––––––––– Helpful Links And Resources Princeton Theological Seminary https://www.ptsem.edu Psalm 73 (New International Version) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+73&version=NIV Brownsville Covenant Church (David Swanson) https://www.brownsvillecovenant.org Christians for Social Action https://christiansforsocialaction.org –––––––––––––––––– Show Notes News of Venezuelan invasion and presidential extrication Awakening to international headlines and Colombian news coverage Power displacing morality and theology "It made me question, if power is the ultimate good, then questions of morality or theology have no place." "We have chosen our idol." Violence beyond headlines and unseen civilian consequences Personal stories from Caracas neighbourhoods and bomb damage "You see in the news about Maduro taken, but you don't see the consequences of what happened." "Some of her family was killed in Caracas because of the bombs." Childhood shaped by armed conflict in rural Colombia Guerrilla groups, military raids, and forced displacement Paramilitary violence and state-backed terror in towns "When I was a child, I would draw helicopters and militaries killing each other." Conversion shaped by studying the life of Jesus "When I began to study the gospel, I thought that Jesus's way is not a violent way." Pastoral caution under volatile political regimes Fear shaping Christian speech and public silence "For the sake of my congregation, I cannot voice any opinion." Churches continuing ministry amid uncertainty "They agreed that this time is an opportunity to share the gospel of hope." Prayer as resistance and sustenance "Prayer is a spiritual resource, valuable, needed, urgent every day, in times of peace and in times of crisis." Prayer joined with embodied action "Prayer must also go alongside personal and collective actions in the defense of life, justice, freedom, reconciliation, and peace." Long histories of dictatorship shaping Latin American theology Skepticism toward purely academic liberation theology Credibility rooted in lived solidarity with the poor Diaspora pressure and forced return narratives "Now people say Venezuelans can go back to their own country." Xenophobia and fear within host communities Displacement as ongoing trauma for migrant families Scripture shaping hope amid cynicism "When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply, till I entered the sanctuary of God." Refusing to normalize power's violence "Our call is not to normalize it, nor to declare it an act of God." –––––––––––––––––– #FaithAndPolitics #LatinAmerica #ChristianWitness #PowerAndViolence #Venezuela #ChurchAndState #PublicTheology Production Credits Conversing is produced and distributed in partnership with Comment magazine and Fuller Seminary.  

Low Value Mail is a live call-in show discussing current events, politics, conspiracies and much more.Every Monday night at 7pm ETSupport The Show:

On January 3, the Trump administration authorized a large-scale military invasion in Venezuela that killed one hundred people. The US bombed infrastructure in and around Caracas, and in other states, and kidnapped President Nicolas Maduro and First Combatant (aka First Lady) Cilia Flores. Outright lies are being reported in the corporate media on a massive scale to justify crimes committed by the US military and to mislead the public. Clearing the FOG speaks with activist and policy analyst Leonardo Flores. Flores addresses many of the common myths and provides the facts you need to understand that President Maduro is still the President of Venezuela, that the US-backed far-right opposition led by Maria Corinna Machado has little power within Venezuela, that the Venezuelan government and the Bolivarian Revolution remain strong and united and that gains claimed by the Trump administration are exaggerated. He also discusses what people in the US are doing to mobilize in support of President Maduro and First Lady Flores. For more information, visit PopularResistance.org

Donate (no account necessary) | Subscribe (account required) Join Bryan Dean Wright, former CIA Operations Officer, as he dives into today's top stories shaping America and the world. In this Monday Headline Brief of The Wright Report, Bryan breaks down the explosive growth of anti-ICE protests, the Democrat Party's accelerating push to abolish deportations altogether, and the deadly confrontation in Minneapolis that has become a national flashpoint. He then turns to major global developments involving Venezuela, Mexico, Iran, Honduras, Syria, and the rising clash between Marxist movements and the American Republic. Abolish ICE Goes Mainstream: What was once a fringe socialist demand has now become a central position inside the Democratic Party. From Senator Kristen Gillibrand to Representatives AOC and Ilhan Omar, Democratic leaders are openly calling for the abolition of ICE and the end of deportations. Bryan explains how this movement began more than a decade ago alongside calls to open America's southern border and why it represents a fundamental challenge to national sovereignty. The Minneapolis Shooting and the Legal Reality: New video and body camera footage show activist Renee Good using her vehicle first as a protest tool and then as a weapon after being urged to drive forward into an ICE officer. Bryan walks through the legal standard set by the Supreme Court case Tennessee v. Garner, explaining why the officer's use of force is likely lawful despite intense political pressure to prosecute him at the state level. Doxxing, Threats, and Escalating Violence: ICE officers in Minneapolis are being doxxed, threatened, and forced to relocate with their families for safety. Activists have shouted death threats, thrown objects, and targeted hotels housing federal agents. Bryan warns that the line between protest and organized violence is rapidly disappearing. Democrat Officials Push Defiance: Local and national Democrats are openly encouraging resistance. Minneapolis City Council leaders texted supporters to block ICE vehicles, Philadelphia's sheriff vowed to arrest ICE agents, and Representative Eric Swalwell praised prosecutors who threaten federal officers. Bryan argues this rhetoric now borders on seditious conspiracy. ICE Expands Enforcement Nationwide: The Trump administration has doubled the size of ICE over the past year, offering large signing bonuses and deploying contractors to locate 1.5 million illegal aliens with final removal orders. New tools include facial recognition and interagency databases, raising both effectiveness and civil liberties debates. Venezuela Descends into Chaos: Armed gangs known as colectivos are rampaging through Caracas, hunting suspected collaborators after Nicolás Maduro's capture. The White House reposted accounts suggesting U.S. forces used advanced directed energy weapons during the raid, a message Bryan says is aimed squarely at China and other adversaries. Trump Signals China to Leave the Hemisphere: Administration officials confirmed that the Venezuela operation was intended to warn Beijing to withdraw from Central and South America. U.S. oil executives are being pushed to invest in Venezuela, while Trump blocked courts from seizing oil revenues collected by the United States. Mexico, Colombia, and the Marxist Bloc: Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum shipped oil to Cuba over the weekend, prompting warnings from the White House. Colombia's president resumed attacking Trump with rhetoric echoed by U.S. Democrats, highlighting a coordinated leftist response across the Americas. Iran on the Brink: At least two thousand protestors are reported dead as the Iranian regime shuts down internet access and threatens mass executions. The Pentagon is preparing strike options for President Trump, while protestors chant against the Ayatollah and openly discuss restoring a transitional government led by the former Shah's son.   "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32     Keywords: January 12 2026 Wright Report, abolish ICE Democrats, Renee Good Minneapolis shooting video, Tennessee v Garner deadly force standard, ICE officer doxxing threats, Tim Walz resistance rhetoric, ICE facial recognition contractors, Venezuela colectivos chaos, directed energy weapon raid claim, Trump China Western Hemisphere warning, Mexico oil to Cuba Sheinbaum, Colombia Petro anti Trump rhetoric, Iran protests internet blackout Ayatollah

I'm joined by one of my favorite fellow podcasters and Substackers, Kaiser Kuo, host of the long-running Sinica Podcast, for a wide-ranging conversation on China, Venezuela, and America's shifting role in the world. We start by unpacking how trade ties between Venezuela and China have produced a deeply imbalanced relationship between Caracas and Beijing, before turning to Beijing's reaction to Trump's audacious move in Venezuela and the broader foreign-policy message it sends. What does China make of this "Donroe Doctrine"? What does it mean for Beijing's claims in Asia, including Taiwan? And as the United States retreats from the liberal international order it once championed, is China prepared—or even willing—to step into the void? https://www.globaldispatches.org/40percentoff

Today Justin sits down with Matthew John Heath. Matthew served in the US Marine Corps from 1999 until 2003, including a combat deployment to Iraq. Afterwards, he worked with the US State Department as a private contractor in Afghanistan. In 2020, Matthew was arrested inside Venezuela, near the Colombian border, and charged with multiple false offenses, including treason and arms trafficking. He spent more than two years captive in prison in Caracas before he was released in a prisoner exchange in October, 2022 along with several other American citizens. He's here today to discuss his service in the Marine Corps, his time working in Afghanistan and elsewhere, his arrest and imprisonment in Venezuela, and readjusting to life back home after the ordeal. Connect with Matthew: matthewjohnheath.com hostageus.org Connect with Spycraft 101: Get Justin's latest book, Murder, Intrigue, and Conspiracy: Stories from the Cold War and Beyond, here. spycraft101.com IG: @spycraft101 Shop: shop.spycraft101.com Patreon: Spycraft 101 Find Justin's first book, Spyshots: Volume One, here. Check out Justin's second book, Covert Arms, here. Download the free eBook, The Clandestine Operative's Sidearm of Choice, here. Kruschiki The best surplus military goods delivered right to your door. Use code SPYCRAFT101 for 10% off! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The PDB Situation Report: First up—less than a week after a United States special operations mission removed Nicolás Maduro from power, new details are emerging about how the operation unfolded and what comes next for Venezuela. We're joined by Rick de la Torre, retired Central Intelligence Agency operations officer and former Station Chief in Caracas, with insight into both the mission itself and Washington's long game in the region. Later in the show—nationwide demonstrations in Iran continue to escalate, shifting from economic grievances to open defiance of the regime's legitimacy. Behnam Ben Taleblu from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies joins us to break down what this moment means for Tehran, how the regime may respond, and where the protests could be headed next. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief.  YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief Goldbelly: Discover iconic meals from legendary restaurants delivered nationwide with Goldbelly—get 20% off your first order at https://Goldbelly.com using promo code PDB. ZBiotics: Visit https://zbiotics.com/PDB for 15% off BUBS Naturals: Live Better Longer with BUBS Naturals. For A limited time get 20% Off your entire order with code PDB at https://Bubsnaturals.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a U.S. citizen was shot and killed by an immigration agent, the Department of Homeland Security is sending even more forces to Minneapolis. On this week's On the Media, how the Trump administration is spinning the narrative around the shooting. Plus, an exiled Venezuelan journalist explains the state of the press in his home country.[01:00] Host Micah Loewinger speaks with Jeffrey Meitrodt, a senior investigative reporter for the Minnesota Star Tribune, to examine the veracity of conservative content creator Nick Shirley's viral video claiming to uncover evidence of widespread fraud at Somali-run daycares in Minnesota.  [21:32] Micah talks with Rafael Osio Cabrices, editor-in-chief at Caracas Chronicles, about Venezuela's evolving media landscape. Plus, what foreign news outlets are missing in their coverage of the US raid and capture of Nicolás Maduro. [36:15] Host Brooke Gladstone sits down with Abe Newman, a political scientist and Georgetown professor, to discuss “neo-royalism.” Newman coined the term, with his co-author Stacie Goddard, to explain the logic of the Trump administration's foreign policy, from Greenland to Venezuela.   Further reading / watching:“We went to the day cares Nick Shirley did. Here's what we found,” by Deena Winter and Jeffrey Medtroit“How Foreign Media and Analysts are Misreporting Venezuela,” by Rafael Osio Cabrices“Further Back to the Future: Neo-Royalism, the Trump Administration, and the Emerging International System,” by Stacie E. Goddard and Abraham Newman On the Media is supported by listeners like you. Support OTM by donating today (https://pledge.wnyc.org/support/otm). Follow our show on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @onthemedia, and share your thoughts with us by emailing onthemedia@wnyc.org.

The Anchormen kick off the new year with Latin America expert Damian Merlo to break down the Trump administration's strategy on Venezuela – and how a post-Maduro future could unlock major economic opportunities for both the U.S. and Venezuela. Plus, Pearson Sharp previews his OAN exclusive documentary “Ukraine: War and Peace”, revealing the conflict through the eyes of those who lived it, and why the truth has been buried.

Jason Kander and Ravi Gupta break down the fallout from Trump's Venezuela operation as the president announces an oil deal following the capture of Nicolás Maduro, raising questions about coercion, profiteering, and global backlash from China and regional allies. They analyze Trump's claims about seizing billions in Venezuelan oil, the response from interim leader Delcy Rodríguez, and mounting fears of authoritarian crackdowns as armed militias flood Caracas under a sweeping emergency decree. Kander and Gupta also dive into Trump's revived push to acquire Greenland, unpacking Marco Rubio's closed-door comments, NATO alarm, and the administration's refusal to rule out military force. Plus, they discuss new scrutiny over Epstein-related DOJ delays, fresh data showing young men souring on Trump, escalating GOP infighting, and renewed attempts to rewrite the history of January 6. This and more on the podcast that helps you, the majority of Americans who believe in progress, convince your conservative friends and family to join us—this is Majority 54! MANDO: Go to https://ShopMando.com and use code MAJORITY for 20% off sitewide plus free shipping. HIMS: Hims: Thanks to HIMS! Start your free online visit today at https://hims.com/majority for your personalized ED treatment options BRANCH: Discover unbelievably soft, responsibly made sheets from Boll & Branch and get 15% off plus free shipping at https://BollAndBranch.com/MAJORITY with code MAJORITY (exclusions apply). SMALLS: Get 60% off your first order plus free shipping at https://Smalls.com/MAJORITY54. Subscribe to Ravi's Substack: https://realravigupta.substack.com/ For more information visit: https://www.ravimgupta.com/analog Majority 54 on Twitter: https://twitter.com/majority54 Jason on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JasonKander Jason on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonkander/ Ravi on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RaviMGupta Ravi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ravimgupta Ravi on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LostDebate Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts: MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcast Legal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af MissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial The PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcast The Influence Continuum: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-influence-continuum-with-dr-steven-hassan Mea Culpa with Michael Cohen: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show Burn the Boats: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/burn-the-boats Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54 Political Beatdown: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Scott sat down with his Lawfare colleagues Benjamin Wittes, Natalie Orpett, and Molly Roberts for a special deep-dive into the intervention in Venezuela, including:“A Hop, Skip, and Jump Across the Rubicon.” This past weekend, the Trump administration took the step that Trump has been threatening for months: he deployed special operations to capture Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro and bring him to the United States for criminal prosecution. The targeted operation was only hours long and resulted in no American fatalities, though more than 70 people in Venezuela were reportedly killed. The Trump administration has described it as a “law enforcement” operation. But what was it really? And where did he get the authority to do it?“A Truly Extraordinary Rendition.” By Monday, Maduro and his wife were in New York being arraigned on an array of drug- and weapons-related conspiracy charges. But prosecuting a head of state—albeit one not recognized by the United States—presents certain unique challenges. How should we expect the criminal case to proceed? “Running in Place.” President Trump has asserted that he and his advisers are now going to “run” Venezuela. But he's left Maduro's deputy, Delcy Rodríguez, in place, in lieu of the opposition movement the United States and many other countries have recognized as Venezuela's legitimate government. Trump and his advisers seem intent on dictating terms to Venezuela through the “leverage” provided them by the ongoing quarantine over Venezuela's oil, and potentially the threat of additional military action. But can this light-touch strategy succeed? In object lessons, (notably Chicagoan) Natalie delights in her long-standing admiration of The New Yorker with Netflix's documentary “The New Yorker at 100.” Molly approaches Trump's takeover of D.C. golf courses with a pitch for Knotty by Nature's wooden putters. Scott honors the 5th anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol with a recommendation of Ellie Silverman's moving profile of Nathan Tate in the Washington Post. And Ben honors the same anniversary with both a revisiting of Lawfare's narrative podcast series The Aftermath, and, relatedly, a surprise interview by Holly Berkley Fletcher with one of the attack's most infamous perpetrators. To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Tuesday's Mark Levin Show, Michael Reagan, the eldest adopted son of President Ronald Reagan and Jane Wyman, passed away at age 80 in Los Angeles. He was a man of deep faith who overcame early issues to become an engaging and supportive figure, strongly defending his father, Ronald Reagan, and backing President Trump. He wasn't just the son of a president; he was a strong voice for conservative principles and a defender of the values that made this country great. Also, the military's operation that swiftly removed Nicholas Maduro from Caracas, without injuring any American soldiers, was spectacular. Democrats previously called for Maduro's removal but now criticize the action, raising questions of impeachment of President Trump and war crimes. There's a lack of national unity. In the past both parties would celebrate such an event and praise the president and military, but now Democrats oppose it while their militia protests in U.S. cities. The country is in deep trouble regardless of the president, as constitutional protections for free speech and association are exploited by these groups, now joined by a recurring Hitlerian wing of neo-fascists who celebrate Hitler and Stalin, obsessively trash Jews, evangelical Christians supporting Israel, and the U.S. itself, while promoting Islamism and Sharia law. Later, property rights are fundamental human rights, earned through intellectual and physical labor, reflecting one's limited time on earth to accumulate wealth for family. Slogans like Zohran Mamdani's "warmth of the community" mask an iron fist of centralized government that erodes individual rights and liberties, rejecting Enlightenment and Judeo-Christian values in favor of Islamism and Marxism, which are incompatible with America's founding. The collective dehumanizes individuals and diminishes their creations. Afterward, these ideologies, whether Islamist or Marxist are incompatible with Americanism, posing a survival threat rather than an affordability issue. Marxism has failed everywhere, yet it's not taught in schools, media, or by podcasters. Our generation—parents and grandparents—must reclaim the public square to shield children from brainwashing by these diabolical saboteurs, including the Democrat Party, historically hostile to American beliefs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump says the United States will run Venezuela after U.S. forces seized Nicolás Maduro and his wife in Caracas.Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodriguez shifts from defiance to calls for cooperation as the White House ramps up pressure and threatens further action.And Nicolás Maduro is set to appear in a New York courtroom, facing drug trafficking, weapons, and narco-terrorism charges that could test the reach of U.S. law overseas.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Andrew Sussman, Tara Neill, Krishnadev Calamur, Mohamad ElBardicy, and HJ Mai.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange.(0:00) Introduction(01:54) U.S. In Venezuela(05:49) Future Of Venezuela (09:46) Maduro In NYC CourtLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Event Summary (WATCH: PRESIDENT TRUMP PRESS CON HERE) The U.S. military executed a highly complex and precise operation in Caracas, Venezuela, to apprehend Maduro. The mission involved over 150 aircraft, advanced coordination across multiple military branches, and cyber and space operations. The operation was completed without any American casualties, which is emphasized as a major success. Geopolitical Context Venezuela’s significance stems from its vast oil reserves (largest in the world) and strategic location near the U.S. Maduro’s regime is portrayed as illegitimate, corrupt, and deeply involved in drug trafficking and alliances with U.S. adversaries (Russia, China, Iran, Hezbollah). The discussion highlights Venezuela’s decline from being one of the wealthiest nations in the 1950s to a failed state under socialist rule. Legal Justifications President Trump acted within his constitutional authority under Article II as Commander-in-Chief. References are made to historical precedents, notably the 1990 capture of Manuel Noriega in Panama. The legal basis includes: FBI’s extraterritorial arrest authority. Precedents like the Ker-Frisbie doctrine and United States v. Alvarez-Machain. DOJ opinions (including one by Bill Barr) affirming presidential power to authorize such actions. Anticipated legal challenges include head-of-state immunity and UN Charter arguments. Future Implications (WATCH HERE: Is Cuba Ready to Fall?) There will be geopolitical ripple effects in Latin America, especially Cuba and Colombia. Avoiding prolonged U.S. military occupation in Venezuela is key Discussion of possible democratic elections and leadership changes in Venezuela. Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz X: https://x.com/tedcruz X: https://x.com/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a dramatic overnight operation, U.S. forces capture and arrest Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro inside a heavily fortified Caracas compound, flying him to New York to face sweeping federal charges. The Trump administration calls it a precise law-enforcement action, while critics warn it risks war, constitutional overreach, and chaos for Venezuela's future. A viral investigation alleges massive taxpayer fraud tied to Somali-run childcare and healthcare operations in Minnesota, prompting a federal payment freeze and a growing FBI probe. Far-left democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani is sworn in as New York City mayor and immediately moves to erase his predecessor's policies. Riverbend Ranch: Visit https://riverbendranch.com/ | Use promo code MEGYN for $20 off your first order. Lean: If you want to lose meaningful weight at a healthy pace and keep it off... Add LEAN toyour diet and exercise lifestyle. Get 20% OFF WHEN YOU ENTER MK at https://TAKELEAN.com   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.