Widening…the Venezuelan conflict?

While the US has been assembling its fleet as a cordon blockading Venezuela’s (and Colombia’s) Caribbean coast – and intermittently blowing narco-boats out of the water – Mad Maduro hasn’t been just sitting on his haunches. We know about his mobilisation of the three wings of his armed forces in the land, water, and air domains – and especially the million-strong People’s Militia that Chavez had created and empowered in the poorer, long-neglected sections of Venezuelan society. Many of these individuals – who have become radicalised with the Chavismo ideology in the communes that were formed – are fiercely loyal to the regime.
As to whether they’ll be willing to fight a war of attrition to “defend the revolution” – as Mad Maduro boasts – is left to be seen. But for sure, if he’s forced out of office by outside action led by the Yanks – whether through an invasion or judicious, directed pinpoint bombings – and the present “oligarchic-origin” Opposition led by Maria Machado takes over, it’s pretty likely there’s going to be – if not a full-blown civil war – at least widespread inter-class violence!
But it’s now been confirmed that Mad Maduro has formally asked Iran, China, and Russia for help in buttressing his armed response to any American attack. Specifically, he’s asked Russia to help strengthen his air defences – including restoring several Russian-made supersonic Sukhoi Su-20MK2 aircraft. He requested support to overhaul eight engines and five radars along with 14 sets of Russian missiles and, finally, provide unspecified “logistical support”. He’s already deployed his 5000 Russian Igla anti-aircraft missiles in his arsenal around Caracas!
According to the US records, Mad Maduro stressed that Russian-made Sukhoi jets “represented the most important deterrent” for Venezuela and sought a “medium-term financing plan of three years” through Rostec. Last week, a Russian transport aircraft – the Ilyushin Il-76 that can ferry some 50 tonnes of cargo or 200 men – landed in Caracas. Did Mad Maduro get his requests fulfilled? The Ilyushin certainly wasn’t bringing in Russian tourists seeking Caribbean sun and surf!
Last week, two of its Russian Sukhoi Su-30MK2 fighters ostentatiously flew over the Caribbean armed with Kh-31 anti-ship missiles. The Kh-31A is a ramjet-powered, sea-skimming weapon capable of reaching supersonic speeds in the terminal phase and attacking surface combatants at standoff range. This gives Mad Maduro a credible anti-navy surface attack capability! And only yesterday, a senior Russian lawmaker said Moscow’s ready to supply advanced Oreshnik ballistic and Kalibr cruise missiles to Venezuela!
We haven’t heard from Iran, but China issued an anodyne statement – while hosting US Pres Donald Trump to negotiate tariff reductions – “opposing actions that undermine peace and stability in Latin America and the Caribbean.”
Will Putin be willing to open another front – this time against the Yanks?

…sartorial splendour?
Nothing exemplified our new politics more than the changed sartorial preferences of the incoming 65 MPs! Clearly, whatever the shirt-jac had signalled at the time of independence has now been dumped in the garbage! It’s now western suits and ties for the gents and tailored suits for the ladies! WPA’s David Hinds marched to his (African) drummer and – even though he’s fervently embraced Burnham’s philosophy – donned a shimmering dashiki! It probably dazzled the paper from which he read his oath – stumblingly – because the fellow next to him had to hold a flashlight over the paper for him to read!
As your Eyewitness had pointed out, there was no “swearing in” of any Leader of the Opposition (LOO)! But Sanction Man was saved his blushes since – like every other MP – he was given a sheet from which to read his oath! He didn’t need any flashlight!
But he shamelessly showed up in the Lamborghini – which he claimed cost US$75,000 – thus gypping the GRA of $371 MILLION in taxes on the actual US$693,000 cost!

…headwear
Hats aren’t allowed in the National Assembly, but Walton-Desir showed up in a “fascinator”! You know, that ornate accessory clipped to the side of the hair and worn at weddings and horse races!