Attacking Venezuela Would Be a Crime

Any attack on Venezuela would be an act of criminal aggression.

The New York Times’ resident genocide denier, Bret Stephens, has some more thoughts on foreign policy:

Barring that, he deserves the Noriega treatment: capture and transfer to the U.S. to face charges, accompanied by the destruction of Venezuela’s air defenses and command-and-control capabilities, the seizure of its major military bases and arrest warrants for all senior officers — with promises of leniency for those who turn themselves in.

“If you start to take Vienna, take Vienna,” Napoleon is said to have told one of his generals. Same for Caracas, Mr. President.

The U.S. has no right to change the government of another country by force. Venezuela poses no threat to the United States, and its de facto government has done nothing to warrant U.S. military action. Military intervention in Venezuela is completely unnecessary and unjustified. Crucially, it would be totally illegal under both U.S. and international law. Any attack on Venezuela would be an act of criminal aggression.