The United States is pursuing the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, offering a $50 million reward. Accusations include leading a drug trafficking ring and facilitating illegal immigration from Iran. This has raised questions globally, with Venezuela’s Foreign Minister dismissing the move as absurd.
The US action is viewed in some circles as a continuation of a long-standing feud. The roots of the conflict might be traced back to the era of Hugo Chavez, Maduro’s mentor. In 1999, Chavez took power and immediately clashed with the US. This tension led to a failed coup attempt. Chavez’s anti-US stance, and his public condemnations of US presidents, further fueled the animosity.
**26 Years of Conflict: A History**
The rift between Venezuela and the US began about 26 years ago with Chavez’s presidency. Chavez openly challenged the US, using strong rhetoric against US presidents. In 2006, Chavez described then-President George W. Bush as the devil at the UN General Assembly. He accused Bush of acting as if he owned the world.
**Chavez’s Harsh Words**
Chavez did not hold back, even calling Barack Obama a ‘joker’ in 2011 before his first foreign trip after being diagnosed with cancer. He criticized Obama’s comments on Venezuela’s ties with Iran and Cuba, accusing the US of trying to win votes by attacking Venezuela.
**Maduro’s Connection to Chavez**
Maduro, Chavez’s protégé, served as a key figure in Chavez’s government from 1999 to 2013. He was his foreign minister and later vice president. When Chavez fell ill in 2012, he indicated Maduro as his successor. After Chavez’s death in 2013, Maduro became president.