Trump can crush the foundations of three dictatorships in three months

These are not usual endless wars or regime-change operations. Yet through them, President Trump is changing the entire geopolitical architecture of the 21st century.

The first three months of this year seem to be defining the next three decades in Latin America and the world. In record time, Trump made moves to crush the foundations of the dictatorships in Venezuela, Cuba and Iran, thus consolidating the model of Peace Through Strength. 

On Jan. 3, the U.S. announced the extraction of Nicolás Maduro through Operation Absolute Resolve. The action far surpassed Panama’s Operation Just Cause against Noriega. Without U.S. casualties, with precision and with a plan for entry and exit, Operation Absolute Resolve made clear a new paradigm. It is not about regime-change but about a new model of negotiation, using deterrent power to bring about change in matters of security, prosperity and democracy. 

The capture of Maduro was not an invasion. It did not leave a country in chaos or confusion. Rather, it simply beheaded a regime and demonstrated U.S. determination and military superiority. All this happened in one day.

The myths about the strength of Russia’s air defense systems and China’s radars crumbled. The operational advantages of the U.S. were clear against a system that neither heard nor saw the attack coming, much less repelled it. 

The suggestion for a peaceful takeover of Cuba is another example of the strategy of Peace Through Strength. The U.S. imposed........

© The Hill