Trump 'ratcheting up' pressure on Maduro after U.S. seizes oil tanker: Haass

Geopolitical Tensions & US Foreign Policy - The US seized a Venezuelan oil tanker, escalating pressure on the Maduro regime [1] - The US administration may continue to increase pressure on Venezuela, potentially seizing more tankers or using military force [1] - The US wants to project an image of American force and power to intimidate Caracas [1] - US actions in Latin America could provoke nationalist anti-American pushback [1] - US actions may be perceived as the US feeling free to do whatever it wants in its "backyard," potentially setting a precedent for Russia and China [1] Venezuelan Political Landscape - Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has been in hiding for about a year [1] - Machado supports Trump's pressure on the Maduro regime and brings credibility due to her Nobel Peace Prize [1] - Venezuela faces internal threats from Russian, Iranian, and terrorist groups [1] Potential for Negotiation & Conflict - Trump is flexible and could potentially negotiate with Maduro, although further confrontation seems more likely [1] - Senator Ran Paul suggests the tanker seizure could be the beginning of a war [1] - Trump threatened Colombia's leader regarding drug production, implying potential intervention [1]