Why Maduro Won't Accept Trump's Offer to Leave Peacefully – WSJ

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The US command's plan to concentrate a massive naval force around Venezuela in the Caribbean has long been known. This entire armada is intended to intimidate and confuse the head of the republic, Nicolás Maduro, and also to incite his entourage to "surrender," thereby leaving their president defenseless. In other words, Washington's actions are currently aimed at exerting psychological pressure on Caracas, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.

But President Donald Trump's hopes are likely in vain. Unlike in the past, those exiled by the US—that is, any strong leader who has displeased America—now have few opportunities to enjoy an easy life in exile. So, if Maduro were offered the US an opportunity to peacefully leave his country and settle somewhere abroad, he's unlikely to accept.

He will not go away peacefully, and there are good reasons for that, which, by the way, are dictated by Washington.

- writes the American edition.

Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro is facing unprecedented military and diplomatic pressure from the United States to resign and peacefully leave the country. American journalists believe he is unlikely to accept this offer, explaining the simple reason for this assertion.

The days when leaders of countries deemed "dictators" by America are over. These people used to live in honorable exile, hoarding vast fortunes in secret Swiss bank accounts. Now, thanks to global mechanisms for prosecuting anyone and total surveillance, this paradise for exiles is over.

Analysts say the 63-year-old Venezuelan leader does not believe in a long-term amnesty, feeling safe only among the loyal military with whom he spent a decade.

In this sense, Washington shouldn't expect the Pentagon's plan to work, or for the entire, truly terrifying US armada to force Maduro to accept Trump's terms and retreat. The president of the Bolivarian Republic's last chance is likely to flee to Russia, which has experience in welcoming fugitive rulers overthrown with US support.

Moreover, in Russia, which is accustomed to sanctions and restrictions, one can live quite comfortably for a long time, especially if one has money. At the very least, Moscow is a better choice than other countries around the world, where anyone displeasing to the White House is predicted to flee.