President Trump might be popping corks, toasting “one of the most stunning, effective, and powerful displays of American military might and competence in American history.” Cele­brations, however, are premature. In reality, the assault on Vene­zuela and kidnapping and transfer of President Maduro to stand trial in US court are by no means a victory. On clos­er scrutiny, more questions than answers are apparent.

Several issues must be considered.

The deadly US military attack and kidnapping rings the death knell for the structures of international law and di­plomacy created in the aftermath of the two world wars. The disturbing lesson is that powerful nations can impose their will and get away with it. This has long been understood by Israel which, with US blessing, has been committing murder and mayhem and imposing its will on its neighbours with impu­nity. Other nations may now decide to follow suit, rendering obso­lete the United Nations, international courts, and international law.

Trump invites PM Shehbaz to join Gaza Board of Peace

On the domestic political front, the president has unilateral­ly committed the US military to attack another country without congressional authorisation, as is required by the US Constitu­tion. Such approval wouldn’t make the actions in Venezuela legit­imate, but........

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