General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsThis is why Trump will get away with the attack in Venezuela.
Undeclared war is not without precedent in US history. Congress never declared war in Vietnam, nor Korea in 1950.
We've had a bad habit of sticking our red white and blue noses into global politics ever since the post WWII years. It seems we've become pretty full of ourselves. Be prepared to hear talking points that this is a police action against international criminals, not an illegal war.
The real issue here is why. Why is Trump taking these steps? Certainly it's good for the Venezuela citizens, but we know Trump never does anything that doesn't line his pocket with crypto. He doesn't give a rat's ass about the people in what he deems "shithole countries", so what's the motive? We know he doesn't care one wit about our own people overdosing without health care or food on the table. That should be the focus going forward. Follow the money and impeach on blatant corruption. You're all welcome to tell me I have it wrong, but this is how I see it.
Key Characteristics
Undeclared War: The defining feature is the absence of a formal declaration of war by the legislative body (such as the U.S. Congress).
Limited Objective: These actions usually have specific, restricted goals, such as enforcing international rules, stopping a dangerous situation, or protecting people, rather than conquering territory or completely overthrowing a government.
Auspices: The military forces may act unilaterally, with a small group of nations, or under the authority of an international body like the United Nations Security Council, which can authorize "enforcement actions" to maintain or restore international peace and security.
Historical Examples: The most famous historical example is the Korean War (1950-1953), which U.S. President Harry S. Truman referred to as a "police action". Other examples include the Dutch "politionele acties" during the Indonesian National Revolution and the UN-mandated intervention in Libya in 2011.
In a general law enforcement context, "police action" can also refer to the actions taken by police officers to deal with individuals who break the law, such as making an arrest or using force to de-escalate a situation. However, the term's primary meaning in a military or international relations context refers to the use of armed forces without a declaration of war."
Irish_Dem
(79,859 posts)Fiendish Thingy
(22,055 posts)The Iraq and Afghanistan wars were authorized by congress via an AUMF; Vietnam had the Gulf Of Tonkin resolution; Korea was a joint military exercise in conjunction with the United Nations, IIRC.
Venezuela has none of those legalizing, legitimizing actions, just an arrest warrant from the SDNY.
Once he is no longer president, Trump may not be able to visit his properties out of the US, as he might be abducted by a foreign military and brought to Justice- his retirement level SS detail would be powerless to stop it.
tulipsandroses
(8,131 posts)The US has been unsuccessful in regime change. Sure they oust the sitting leader, but have the people in those countries benefitted?
But I agree, follow the money. I do not for one second believe that this is about drugs
JohnnyRingo
(20,511 posts)Just kidding. Little Marco already speaks the language.
mwmisses4289
(3,243 posts)JohnnyRingo
(20,511 posts)That's who Maduro stole the election from in 2024. He was the popular candidate and certainly has the resources to compensate Trump personally.
That is exactly what it would take to get action from our president. The oil is just icing the bribery cake