© Reuters/Miraflores PalacePresident of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro
When the "virtually unknown" US-backed opposition figure Juan Guaido declared himself "interim president" in January, he won instant support from Washington's global allies as the "legitimate" leader of Venezuela. Western media was soon consumed with a sense of hopeful anticipation that Washington was on the verge of overthrowing another 'bad actor' and preparing to pat itself on the back for supporting the cause of "democracy" and "human rights."
Change of tune
Now, nearly a year later, the sense is one of reluctant resignation and an admission that, despite best efforts, another attempt at 'regime change' has failed - and that Guaido's opposition was not all it was cracked up to be.
In a recent lament for the failed coup, the Wall Street Journal admits that Maduro appears to be "in firm control" and bemoans that the Trump administration had predicted his "imminent downfall" too early. The WSJ admits that the White House showed "excessive optimism" and suffered from what critics called "unrealistic expectations that [US] pressure tactics" would easily force Maduro from power. The newspaper acknowledges that Maduro's position is secure despite debilitating US oil sanctions and attempted international isolation.
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