Nicolas Maduro and Joe Biden (Carlos Becerra and Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
On the surface it appears President Joe Biden struck a remarkable deal with Venezuela’s tyrant leader, Nicolas Maduro, on Wednesday. Caracas will release 10 Americans and 20 members of Venezuela’s opposition in exchange for a single scumbag businessman.
Thirty for one is not bad as far as hostage negotiations go, but the math tells only part of the story. Just ask the Israelis who traded 1,072 terrorists for the freedom of Gilad Shalit in 2011.
The Biden deal will liberate a dangerous man at a perilous time. Alex Saab is an operative for Hezbollah’s external security organization, known as Islamic Jihad. In May, he was convicted by a jury for receiving training from Hezbollah and making false statements, resulting in a 12-year prison sentence.
According to the Justice Department, Saab conducted surveillance on potential terrorist targets in New York City, focusing on identifying structural weaknesses to maximize destruction in future attacks.
In addition to providing photos to his superiors in Lebanon, Saab shared technical information about potential targets such as Rockefeller Center, the United Nations, and Times Square. He even attempted to assassinate an individual he believed to be an Israeli spy, but his handgun failed to fire.
It’s worth questioning why a Lebanese terrorist was of such high importance to a Venezuelan dictator. Maduro has resorted to aligning himself with more powerful rogues to sustain his disastrous regime. First Russia, then China, and now Iran, Hezbollah’s patron.
The Maduro regime entered into a $460 million contract in June with Iran’s state-owned oil company to renovate Venezuela’s largest petroleum refinery, clearly indicating that Venezuela will serve as a safe haven for operatives associated with the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism.
Israel is currently experiencing the consequences of negotiating with and appeasing terrorists. Their deal to free Shalit in 2011 resulted in the release of Yahya Sinwar, a previously unknown operative who later became the Hamas leader in Gaza and orchestrated the Oct. 7 massacre.
Israel learned this lesson the hard way. America should not have to.
Does the release of the dangerous individual with ties to terrorism compromise the fight against corruption, terrorism, and authoritarianism, and how does the Biden administration plan to address these concerns
Financial network and has been accused of money laundering, corruption, and supporting terrorism. His release could have severe consequences for regional security and stability.
This deal raises questions about Biden’s approach to foreign policy and his willingness to negotiate with authoritarian leaders. While it is important to prioritize the safe return of American citizens and the promotion of democratic values, it is equally important to consider the long-term implications of such actions.
Nicolas Maduro, the autocratic leader of Venezuela, has faced widespread criticism for his oppressive regime and human rights abuses. The United States has taken a strong stance against his government, imposing sanctions and backing opposition leader Juan Guaidó. However, this deal with Maduro seems to suggest a shift in strategy.
Some argue that this deal represents a pragmatic approach to diplomacy, where the United States is willing to make concessions for the sake of national and regional interests. They argue that securing the release of American citizens and Venezuela’s opposition members is a significant achievement, regardless of the individual being exchanged.
Others, however, are concerned about the message this deal sends to other authoritarian leaders around the world. It may be perceived as a sign of weakness or capitulation, encouraging further human rights violations and undermining the credibility of the United States as a defender of democracy and human rights.
The situation in Venezuela is complex and requires a nuanced approach. It is important to promote democracy and human rights while also considering the safety and well-being of American citizens. However, deals with oppressive leaders like Maduro should be carefully evaluated to ensure that they do not compromise long-term strategic interests and undermine the fight against corruption, terrorism, and authoritarianism.
The release of Americans and Venezuela’s opposition members is undoubtedly a positive outcome. However, it should not overshadow the concerns about the release of a dangerous individual with ties to terrorism. The Biden administration must be prepared to address these concerns and provide assurances that the release of Alex Saab will not pose a threat to regional security or undermine efforts to combat international crime and terrorism.
In conclusion, the deal struck between President Joe Biden and Nicolas Maduro raises important questions about the United States’ approach to foreign policy and its willingness to negotiate with authoritarian leaders. While securing the release of American citizens and Venezuela’s opposition members is a significant achievement, the release of a dangerous individual with ties to terrorism must be carefully evaluated and addressed. The Biden administration must ensure that this deal does not compromise long-term strategic interests or undermine efforts to promote democracy, human rights, and international security.
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