Despite the oil deal, Venezuela’s dictatorship is still blocking progress

The oil deal with Venezuela is a key move for America’s energy dominance. It takes China and Russia out of the equation, lowers gas prices in the U.S. and brings prosperity to the South American nation. This historic agreement faces one obstacle: a resilient tyranny clinging to power.

Over the last quarter-century, Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Joe Biden tried to make a change in Venezuela, but only the Trump administration opened a real opportunity for a liberation day. Operation Absolute Resolve, which captured Nicolas Maduro and arrested him on federal drug charges, was the beginning of a new chapter for the region.

Now, after eight months, things need to move forward. Expedite the transition and finish the job.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the transition to democracy has a timeline. “Everyone here understands that it has to happen. Because at the end of the day, Venezuela cannot get to where it needs to be without having a legitimate government.”

Rubio called elections a fundamental priority. He said that when they happen — “which, God willing, will be as soon as possible” — they will install “not simply a democratically elected government, but a government that is not inheriting a total and complete disaster. Because then it is going to make the task of creating that lasting republic even more difficult.” He added that........

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