Greg Davis
@greg-davis.bsky.social
Watcher of politics in the US and Latin America, fan of too many podcasts, enjoyer of tacos and jokes
https://substack.com/@americaandamerica
https://x.com/americaand55509
https://substack.com/@americaandamerica
https://x.com/americaand55509
Reposted by Greg Davis
Life wasn’t easy in Venezuela’s impoverished fishing towns.
But lately, residents say, it’s gotten worse, as locals find themselves squeezed between the U.S.’s deadly boat strikes and their own country’s repressive regime.
But lately, residents say, it’s gotten worse, as locals find themselves squeezed between the U.S.’s deadly boat strikes and their own country’s repressive regime.
No Safe Harbor: Venezuelan Fishing Towns At the Mercy of Trump and Maduro
In Venezuela’s downtrodden fishing towns, locals are squeezed between a growing U.S. military presence off the coast and what they describe as a new wave of intimidation from Nicolás Maduro’s…
buff.ly
December 20, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Life wasn’t easy in Venezuela’s impoverished fishing towns.
But lately, residents say, it’s gotten worse, as locals find themselves squeezed between the U.S.’s deadly boat strikes and their own country’s repressive regime.
But lately, residents say, it’s gotten worse, as locals find themselves squeezed between the U.S.’s deadly boat strikes and their own country’s repressive regime.
"A senior administration official said the U.S. received permission from the government of Panama to board the Panamanian-flagged Centuries and Bella 1...Panama's president, José Raúl Mulino, is also a U.S. ally and dislikes Maduro" www.axios.com/2025/12/21/u...
U.S. pursuing third oil tanker as Venezuela hostilities intensify
This is the latest sign Trump wants to squeeze the Venezuela's economy.
www.axios.com
December 22, 2025 at 1:00 AM
"A senior administration official said the U.S. received permission from the government of Panama to board the Panamanian-flagged Centuries and Bella 1...Panama's president, José Raúl Mulino, is also a U.S. ally and dislikes Maduro" www.axios.com/2025/12/21/u...
"Though it does not mention the United States by name, China’s paper criticizes 'unilateral bullying' and 'decoupling.' Taken together, the Chinese strategy reads like an indirect rebuttal to the Trump administration’s approach to Latin America and the Caribbean." foreignpolicy.com/2025/12/18/c...
China Responds to Trump’s Revived Monroe Doctrine
Amid the U.S. naval blockade announcement off the coast of Venezuela, Beijing has released its new strategy for the region.
foreignpolicy.com
December 21, 2025 at 5:20 PM
"Though it does not mention the United States by name, China’s paper criticizes 'unilateral bullying' and 'decoupling.' Taken together, the Chinese strategy reads like an indirect rebuttal to the Trump administration’s approach to Latin America and the Caribbean." foreignpolicy.com/2025/12/18/c...
Close look at how Venezuela could respond to US action: "The reality of a possible U.S.-Venezuelan confrontation is that while Venezuela cannot win a conventional war, it can make a U.S. intervention a costly, uncertain, and politically explosive gamble." warontherocks.com/2025/12/weak...
Weak in Battle, Dangerous in Resistance: Venezuela’s Military Preparedness and Possible Responses to U.S. Action
The dramatic surge in U.S. military power in the Caribbean since August 2025 — anchored by the arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the deployment of F-35s
warontherocks.com
December 19, 2025 at 4:22 AM
Close look at how Venezuela could respond to US action: "The reality of a possible U.S.-Venezuelan confrontation is that while Venezuela cannot win a conventional war, it can make a U.S. intervention a costly, uncertain, and politically explosive gamble." warontherocks.com/2025/12/weak...
"I won't hazard a guess as to the outcome. We do know from Cuba's Special Period that dictatorships can persist if they do not mind the immiseration of their own citizens. There is no sign that Maduro or the military care about Venezuelans suffering" weeksnotice.blogspot.com/2025/12/the-...
The U.S. Armada in Venezuela
President Trump announced a "complete and total" blockade of sanctioned oil tankers going to and from Venezuela along with a demand to retur...
weeksnotice.blogspot.com
December 17, 2025 at 10:44 PM
"I won't hazard a guess as to the outcome. We do know from Cuba's Special Period that dictatorships can persist if they do not mind the immiseration of their own citizens. There is no sign that Maduro or the military care about Venezuelans suffering" weeksnotice.blogspot.com/2025/12/the-...
"In a survey of 144 countries they are the sixth most fearful of walking alone at night, far more alarmed than Mexicans or even Malians, who are in the midst of a civil war." www.economist.com/the-americas...
José Antonio Kast is Chile’s probable next president. How will he govern?
With a hyper-conservative president the country may be a test case for deportations, security crackdowns and spending cuts
www.economist.com
December 14, 2025 at 6:01 PM
"In a survey of 144 countries they are the sixth most fearful of walking alone at night, far more alarmed than Mexicans or even Malians, who are in the midst of a civil war." www.economist.com/the-americas...
"First, they underestimated the scale of migration that was coming. Second, they failed to appreciate the political reaction to that migration — believing that stronger enforcement would alienate Latino and progressive voters, and also that a border surge would..." www.nytimes.com/2025/12/07/u...
How Biden Ignored Warnings and Lost Americans’ Faith in Immigration
www.nytimes.com
December 9, 2025 at 12:14 AM
"First, they underestimated the scale of migration that was coming. Second, they failed to appreciate the political reaction to that migration — believing that stronger enforcement would alienate Latino and progressive voters, and also that a border surge would..." www.nytimes.com/2025/12/07/u...
“For Latin Americans, Spain didn’t exist,” she said. “It was Europe, across an ocean.” But as the United States became less appealing, with the Trump administration cracking down, “people are starting to look to Spain as the country.” www.nytimes.com/2025/12/04/w...
Spain Sees Itself as a Beacon for Immigrants. So Do Many Latin Americans.
www.nytimes.com
December 9, 2025 at 12:13 AM
“For Latin Americans, Spain didn’t exist,” she said. “It was Europe, across an ocean.” But as the United States became less appealing, with the Trump administration cracking down, “people are starting to look to Spain as the country.” www.nytimes.com/2025/12/04/w...
"My point, nevertheless, is that even if you buy the untenable claim that they are combatants, it is a war crime to intentionally kill combatants who have been rendered unable to fight. It is not permitted, under the laws and customs of honorable warfare" www.nationalreview.com/corner/we-in...
‘We Intended the Strike to Be Lethal’ Is Not a Defense | National Review
The laws of war, incorporated in the federal war crimes statute, prohibit the killing of people who have been rendered hors de combat.
www.nationalreview.com
December 1, 2025 at 7:26 PM
"My point, nevertheless, is that even if you buy the untenable claim that they are combatants, it is a war crime to intentionally kill combatants who have been rendered unable to fight. It is not permitted, under the laws and customs of honorable warfare" www.nationalreview.com/corner/we-in...
"Trump’s astonishing intervention in favour of Hernández, who is known by his initials JOH, has baffled many observers, with one Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) agent calling the move 'lunacy.'" www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Trump’s pardon of Honduras’s ex-president shows counter-drug effort is ‘based on lies and hypocrisy’
Why has Trump blown up alleged narco boats in the Caribbean and at the same time decided to let a big time trafficker off the hook?
www.theguardian.com
December 1, 2025 at 7:22 PM
"Trump’s astonishing intervention in favour of Hernández, who is known by his initials JOH, has baffled many observers, with one Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) agent calling the move 'lunacy.'" www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Enlightening debate. Almost seems to me the best argument the “yes” side has is that the previous war on drugs hasn’t worked. Also seems like that’s the “no” side’s best argument 🙃 @opentodebate.bsky.social
The U.S. is launching military strikes against cartels, deploying warships, and reshaping foreign policy in real time. Is this a necessary response to a growing threat—or a dangerous step toward endless conflict? Watch the debate now. https://youtu.be/1UVYAs9sDE0
November 22, 2025 at 1:13 AM
Enlightening debate. Almost seems to me the best argument the “yes” side has is that the previous war on drugs hasn’t worked. Also seems like that’s the “no” side’s best argument 🙃 @opentodebate.bsky.social
Article from Puerto Rico about the US military buildup in Vieques: "La herida abierta que la Marina de Guerra de Estados Unidos dejó en esta isla municipio supura desde que, en septiembre, arribaron al país decenas de militares para realizar maniobras y ejercicios" www.elnuevodia.com/noticias/gob...
“Hay una comunidad alerta”: creciente remilitarización destapa las heridas de residentes en Vieques
La preocupación por la seguridad de la población también aumenta al restringirse el espacio aéreo en el antiguo polígono de tiro para disponer de armamento
www.elnuevodia.com
November 21, 2025 at 11:26 PM
Article from Puerto Rico about the US military buildup in Vieques: "La herida abierta que la Marina de Guerra de Estados Unidos dejó en esta isla municipio supura desde que, en septiembre, arribaron al país decenas de militares para realizar maniobras y ejercicios" www.elnuevodia.com/noticias/gob...
Fun read: "Enter Mexico City. It might be out of mind to most of us U.S. Americans, but it’s about as close to the East Coast as Phoenix or Salt Lake City. And there’s undeniable upside there. Mexico City is both the most populous city proper and metro area in..." www.natesilver.net/p/bring-the-...
Bring the big leagues to Mexico City
The rewards outweigh the risks for the NFL, NBA and MLB
www.natesilver.net
November 20, 2025 at 6:11 AM
Fun read: "Enter Mexico City. It might be out of mind to most of us U.S. Americans, but it’s about as close to the East Coast as Phoenix or Salt Lake City. And there’s undeniable upside there. Mexico City is both the most populous city proper and metro area in..." www.natesilver.net/p/bring-the-...
“'The core problem does not appear to be addressed anywhere, namely that most of the precursors today are non-scheduled chemicals,' said Vanda Felbab-Brown, a Brookings Institution scholar and one of the world’s preeminent experts on the illicit fentanyl trade..." insightcrime.org/news/missing...
What’s Missing From the US-China Fentanyl Agreement
The US and China announced they would step up the fight against fentanyl, but it is unclear if this will address designer precursor chemicals.
insightcrime.org
November 14, 2025 at 1:58 AM
“'The core problem does not appear to be addressed anywhere, namely that most of the precursors today are non-scheduled chemicals,' said Vanda Felbab-Brown, a Brookings Institution scholar and one of the world’s preeminent experts on the illicit fentanyl trade..." insightcrime.org/news/missing...
Interesting comparative article: "When I listen to African leaders in global forums these days, I feel a mix of pride and envy. In an increasingly fragmented world, Africa has achieved something rare: a unified voice."
www.americasquarterly.org/article/the-...
www.americasquarterly.org/article/the-...
The Necessary Quest for Latin American Unity
Current policies toward the region make speaking with a common voice even more urgent, writes a former Costa Rican president.
www.americasquarterly.org
November 14, 2025 at 1:56 AM
Interesting comparative article: "When I listen to African leaders in global forums these days, I feel a mix of pride and envy. In an increasingly fragmented world, Africa has achieved something rare: a unified voice."
www.americasquarterly.org/article/the-...
www.americasquarterly.org/article/the-...
"The first person I ever heard use the term 'narco-terrorist' was Alvaro Uribe. I have wondered if it’s a case of a Spanish term being imported into the U.S. political lexicon." x.com/BrazilBrian/...
November 5, 2025 at 3:50 AM
"The first person I ever heard use the term 'narco-terrorist' was Alvaro Uribe. I have wondered if it’s a case of a Spanish term being imported into the U.S. political lexicon." x.com/BrazilBrian/...
“They don’t know whether there’s any data or metrics that would show (the strikes are) impeding the flow of drugs, whether there has been an increase in the price due to higher demand or lower supply, like there’s just no information” www.cnn.com/2025/10/31/p...
Pentagon shifts to Pacific strikes seeking stronger link between targets and US drug trafficking | CNN Politics
The Pentagon has deliberately shifted its strategy in recent weeks to striking suspected narcotraffickers in the eastern Pacific Ocean rather than the Caribbean Sea because administration officials be...
www.cnn.com
October 31, 2025 at 11:27 PM
“They don’t know whether there’s any data or metrics that would show (the strikes are) impeding the flow of drugs, whether there has been an increase in the price due to higher demand or lower supply, like there’s just no information” www.cnn.com/2025/10/31/p...
"The location is irrelevant to the question of whether the laws of war permit lethal force. The question is whether there is a state of armed conflict. If there is not, then lethal force may not be used." www.nationalreview.com/corner/the-b...
The Bogus ‘High Seas’ Rationale for the President’s Missile Attacks | National Review
The issue is not where the alleged drug boats are located but whether we’re in a state of armed conflict.
www.nationalreview.com
October 30, 2025 at 4:02 AM
"The location is irrelevant to the question of whether the laws of war permit lethal force. The question is whether there is a state of armed conflict. If there is not, then lethal force may not be used." www.nationalreview.com/corner/the-b...
Solid breakdown of the US domestic groups pushing for action in Venezuela: "At home, it may please multiple MAGA factions—oil interests, nationalists, MAHA-supporters, ICE-enthusiasts, and Florida Cubans and Venezuelans." @javiercorrales.bsky.social
Trump’s Domestic Pressures for a Potential War in Venezuela
"Trump is not a democracy builder. In the case of Venezuela, he is more of a coalition repairman."
time.com
October 28, 2025 at 2:32 AM
Solid breakdown of the US domestic groups pushing for action in Venezuela: "At home, it may please multiple MAGA factions—oil interests, nationalists, MAHA-supporters, ICE-enthusiasts, and Florida Cubans and Venezuelans." @javiercorrales.bsky.social
"The U.S. hasn’t sent this many ships to the Caribbean since the Cuban missile crisis. There are already roughly 6,500 Marines and sailors in the region, operating from eight Navy vessels, as well as 3,500 troops nearby." www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
The U.S. Is Preparing for War in Venezuela
More U.S. military firepower is headed to the Caribbean as Trump escalates his anti-Maduro rhetoric.
www.theatlantic.com
October 25, 2025 at 11:05 PM
"The U.S. hasn’t sent this many ships to the Caribbean since the Cuban missile crisis. There are already roughly 6,500 Marines and sailors in the region, operating from eight Navy vessels, as well as 3,500 troops nearby." www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
"I think when the world's biggest consumer of cocaine and the world's biggest producer of cocaine stop working together, there is no way this is going to have a happy ending" (20:04)
insightcrime.org/news/behind-...
insightcrime.org/news/behind-...
Behind the Curtain: How Trump’s Spat With Colombia Could Impact Anti-Drug Ops
US anti-drug assistance to Colombia is fundamental and it will benefit no one to cut resources used to fight the cocaine trade.
insightcrime.org
October 23, 2025 at 2:46 AM
"I think when the world's biggest consumer of cocaine and the world's biggest producer of cocaine stop working together, there is no way this is going to have a happy ending" (20:04)
insightcrime.org/news/behind-...
insightcrime.org/news/behind-...
"Ironically, were the United States to launch an attack on Venezuela, it would do so from within Latin America. Puerto Rico hosts a US naval training base in the island of Vieques, and in the last months the US sent guided missile cruisers, fighter jets and warships, along with 4,500 sailors.."
The US is a Latin American country
Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown ignores the United States’ Hispanic roots
www.newstatesman.com
October 17, 2025 at 3:36 AM
"Ironically, were the United States to launch an attack on Venezuela, it would do so from within Latin America. Puerto Rico hosts a US naval training base in the island of Vieques, and in the last months the US sent guided missile cruisers, fighter jets and warships, along with 4,500 sailors.."
☕☕☕ "Colombia has just enjoyed its best coffee harvest for decades, the country’s National Coffee Federation reported, thanks to good weather conditions and crop renewal which has boosted production." open.substack.com/pub/harte/p/...
The Colombia Briefing | 13th October
🗞️ Reported by Sophie Foggin
open.substack.com
October 16, 2025 at 1:55 AM
☕☕☕ "Colombia has just enjoyed its best coffee harvest for decades, the country’s National Coffee Federation reported, thanks to good weather conditions and crop renewal which has boosted production." open.substack.com/pub/harte/p/...
"I’m not sure if there’s some special term for this approach. Regime change on the side? Whatever you call it, it may prove harder to pull off than the steps Trump has taken so far."
www.politico.com/news/magazin...
www.politico.com/news/magazin...
Trump Has a Different Plan to Oust Maduro This Time Around
Venezuela’s leader has survived the US president’s wrath before.
www.politico.com
October 14, 2025 at 2:03 AM
"I’m not sure if there’s some special term for this approach. Regime change on the side? Whatever you call it, it may prove harder to pull off than the steps Trump has taken so far."
www.politico.com/news/magazin...
www.politico.com/news/magazin...
The three most recent Americas stories on the NYT right now. Qatar as an attempted US-Venezuela mediator is not something I saw coming.
October 9, 2025 at 2:33 AM
The three most recent Americas stories on the NYT right now. Qatar as an attempted US-Venezuela mediator is not something I saw coming.