How the neocons captured Donald Trump

Source: Washington Post

How the neocons captured Donald Trump

The return of Elliott Abrams puts the movement back in the White House

By Brian D'Haeseleer
Brian D'Haeseleer teaches U.S. History at Lyon College and is the author of "The Salvadoran Crucible: The Failure of U.S. Counterinsurgency in El Salvador, 1979-1992."
February 5 at 6:00 AM

President Trump’s foreign policy has largely been defined by its inconsistency. Venezuela, however, has been an exception. Since the campaign, Trump has maintained that “all options are on the table” for ensuring the removal of the government of Nicolás Maduro. Trump has even openly mused to reporters and foreign leaders about launching military action against the South American country.

In recent weeks, the White House has ratcheted up the pressure and sanctions against Maduro’s regime and backed Juan Guaidó as the legitimate head of Venezuela. But perhaps nothing better exemplifies the administration’s commitment to regime change in Venezuela than the return of Elliott Abrams.

While nowhere near as well known today as some such neoconservative allies as Richard B. Cheney, Abrams has been a staple in Republican administrations, serving under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush. Now, Trump has appointed him to serve as the administration’s special envoy for Venezuela. According to reports, Abrams’s mission is to assist Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in making the case for Guaidó to the international community.

Given his history, Abrams’s appointment sends a strong, unmistakable message to Venezuela. But it should also send shudders down the spines of all Americans, both North and South. Abrams has ruthlessly pursued his agenda, letting no obstacle, including legality or congressional oversight, obstruct his goals in Latin America and the Middle East. Even worse: The policies Abrams has pursued have proved nothing short of disasters. That should raise serious questions about his — and Trump’s — plans for Venezuela.

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Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2019/02/05/how-neocons-captured-donald-trump/