Ahmed Mostafa writes
In July 2024, Venezuela is facing a series of significant events that could determine its future trajectory. The presidential election after two days, which could mark a turning point in the country’s political landscape, is expected to be closely contested, with the incumbent president facing opposition. The outcome could determine whether Venezuela continues on its current path of the so alleged authoritarian rule or embarks on a new direction towards what so called western democracy model and prosperity. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is expected to decide whether to initiate a formal investigation into alleged crimes against humanity committed by the Venezuelan government. A decision to initiate such an investigation could lead to the indictment and prosecution of senior Venezuelan officials, further isolating the country from the international community. The international community has a critical role to play in supporting Venezuela during this challenging period, as sanctions imposed by the US and EU have unintended consequences, exacerbating the economic crisis and causing suffering for the Venezuelan people.
The story behind the National day of Venezuela “July 05th”
Venezuela’s National Day, celebrated on July 5th, commemorates the country’s declaration of independence from Spain in 1811. The country’s history is a complex one, marked by a struggle for freedom and self-determination over two centuries. In the late 15th century, Spain colonized Venezuela, establishing an exploitative and oppressive system. Indigenous people were forced to work in mines and plantations, and their lands were taken away. African slaves were also brought to the colony, subjected to harsh treatment.
A sense of national identity emerged among the Venezuelan people, and their desire for independence grew stronger. In 1810, a group of Venezuelan patriots seized control of the government in Caracas and established a junta. The Congress of Venezuela declared independence on July 5, 1811, marking the beginning of a new era for Venezuela.
However, the road to independence was not easy, and a bloody war ensued. It took another decade before Venezuela secured its independence, with the help of Simón Bolívar and other great Venezuelan leaders. Today, July 5th is celebrated as Venezuela’s National Day, a day of pride and patriotism for all Venezuelans. It is a time to reflect on the country’s rich history, honor the heroes who fought for freedom and sovereignty, and work towards a better future for all Venezuelans.
Why is Venezuela an important country in Latin America?
Venezuela is a crucial country in Latin America due to its vast oil reserves, which have made it a significant player in the global energy market. Its oil exports provide a significant revenue source for other countries in the region. Venezuela has also been a leader in regional diplomacy and integration efforts, advocating for a unified Latin American identity and establishing organizations like the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).
The country’s rich cultural heritage, influenced by indigenous, African, and European influences, is reflected in its music, art, literature, and cuisine. Its size and strategic location, as the sixth-largest country in the region, make it an essential transportation hub and a key player in regional security and defense issues.
In summary, Venezuela’s significant contributions to the region are largely due to its abundant natural resources, leadership in regional diplomacy and integration efforts, rich cultural heritage, and strategic location. It will continue to play a critical role in shaping the future of Latin America.
Venezuela is a strong country despite the US sanctions, why?
Venezuela, a country facing significant challenges, has demonstrated remarkable resilience and strength despite economic sanctions imposed by the United States. The country’s rich natural resources, including oil, gas, and minerals, have provided a critical source of revenue and economic stability, attracting investment and supporting the country’s industrial sector. Venezuela’s diverse and vibrant culture, influenced by indigenous, African, and European cultures, has fostered a strong sense of national identity and pride, uniting the country amidst adversity.
Venezuela’s political leadership has remained committed to pursuing its own economic and social policies, including subsidized food, housing, and healthcare for vulnerable populations. Despite criticisms and challenges, these policies have helped maintain social stability and prevent widespread unrest.
Venezuela’s geographic location, with access to the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, has allowed the country to maintain strong trade relationships and continue exporting its valuable natural resources despite sanctions. Overall, Venezuela’s resilience and strength are a testament to its resilience and strength amidst adversity.
Venezuela is a world leader in social justice and socialism with the new world powers
Venezuela, under President Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro, has become a global leader in social justice and socialism. The country has made significant strides in reducing poverty, inequality, providing access to education and healthcare, and promoting economic and social development. The Venezuelan government’s commitment to social justice is evident in its extensive social programs, known as ‘misiones,’ which focus on areas such as healthcare, education, food security, and housing.
One notable misione is Barrio Adentro, a healthcare program that has brought medical services to underserved communities, particularly in urban areas. The government has established thousands of medical clinics, hired hundreds of doctors, and provided free medical care to millions of Venezuelans.
Investments in education have led to a substantial increase in literacy rates, reduced dropout rates, and increased university enrollment. The government has also implemented policies aimed at redistributing wealth and reducing income inequality, such as land reform, minimum wage increases, and nationalization of key industries.
Venezuela has been a vocal advocate for a new world order based on principles of solidarity, cooperation, and mutual respect among nations, seeking to build alliances with other progressive nations, particularly in the global South, to challenge the dominance of traditional powers and promote a more just and equitable international system.
What are the main challenges that face Venezuela? But are the challenges made by US sanctions?
Venezuela is grappling with a severe economic crisis, fueled by hyperinflation, shortages of basic goods, and widespread poverty. The country’s GDP has contracted significantly, and unemployment rates have risen. US sanctions have worsened the crisis by making it difficult for the Venezuelan government to access international financial markets, limiting its borrowing capacity and making it harder to pay for imports. The sanctions have also targeted the Venezuelan oil industry, reducing oil production and causing a decline in oil exports.
The humanitarian crisis in Venezuela is also significant, with severe shortages of essential goods leading to widespread malnutrition and disease. The healthcare system has collapsed, and many hospitals lack basic supplies. The economic crisis and US sanctions have exacerbated the crisis, making it difficult for Venezuela to import goods from other countries, affecting their economies. The political crisis in Venezuela has raised concerns about regional stability and the possibility of the crisis spreading to other countries in the region.
Venezuela is desirous to join BRICS group from Latin America
Venezuela is considering joining the BRICS group, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, to diversify its economic partnerships and reduce its dependence on Western countries. The country seeks access to new markets and investment opportunities, stimulate its economy, and strengthen its political ties with non-Western powers. It also aims to assert its status as a major player in Latin America, with the largest oil reserves in the world.
However, Venezuela faces challenges such as hyperinflation, food shortages, and widespread poverty, which would require significant reforms in its economic management and governance. Despite these challenges, Venezuela remains committed to joining the BRICS group and has signed numerous agreements with China, Russia, and India in areas such as energy, mining, and infrastructure. It also plans to expand its cooperation with Brazil and South Africa. Venezuela’s membership in the BRICS group would also help it strengthen its political ties with non-Western powers and promote its interests more effectively.
Will Venezuela follow the de-dolarization?
Venezuela, a South American country, is grappling with economic challenges such as hyperinflation, a deep recession, and a severe shortage of US dollars. To address these issues, the Venezuelan government has implemented a de-dolarization process, aiming to reduce its dependency on the US dollar and promote the use of other currencies in international transactions. This is driven by the government’s desire to protect itself from the volatility and uncertainty of the global financial system, which is dominated by the US dollar. The sanctions imposed by the US have made it difficult for Venezuela to access international financial markets, obtain loans, and engage in foreign trade, contributing to the country’s economic crisis.
Another factor driving de-dolarization is the desire to promote the use of the country’s own currency, the bolivar, in domestic and international transactions. The government has introduced new bills and coins, launched a digital version of the currency, and established currency exchange centers to facilitate currency conversion. Additionally, the government has implemented measures to stabilize the bolivar’s value, such as fixing the exchange rate and imposing strict controls on foreign currency transactions.
However, it remains uncertain whether Venezuela will fully abandon the US dollar and adopt a new currency regime. Challenges and risks associated with de-dolarization include currency volatility, difficulty in establishing new trade relationships, and the risk of further economic isolation. The success of de-dolarization depends on external factors such as other countries’ attitudes and actions, the stability of the global financial system, and the evolution of US foreign policy.
July 28th Venezuela Presidential Elections
Eight of the 10 candidates in Venezuela’s upcoming presidential election, including President Nicolás Maduro, have signed an agreement binding them to respect the results of the contest as announced by electoral authorities. The agreement could be insignificant due to the government’s history of testing and breaching the terms of agreements, as per western media, and it wasn’t signed by opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia, who has a real chance of ending Maduro’s quest for a third term on July 28.
The electoral body has long been stacked with allies of the ruling party who function as a tool of Maduro’s government, bending rules in favor of preferred candidates and blocking the participation of the opposition, as per Western media. González stated that an agreement can never be imposed unilaterally and must emerge from a respectful dialogue between the parties.
The electoral council set the presidential election for July 28, fulfilling one of the provisions of the accord to which González referred. Under the agreement, both sides vowed to work toward improving conditions for a free and fair election. Maduro and his allies have continuously tested the limits of the accord, including by blocking the candidacy of María Corina Machado, who won the presidential primary of the U.S.-backed Unitary Platform coalition.
Is the Western observation of the Venezuelan presidential elections fair enough or embracing an agenda?
The Venezuelan presidential elections have been a subject of debate and controversy, with concerns that Western observers may be influenced by political agendas rather than promoting democratic values. Critics of the Venezuelan government, particularly under President Nicolas Maduro, accuse the government of human rights abuses, suppressing opposition voices, and undermining the judiciary’s independence. This has led to economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure on Venezuela.
Some Western observers view the election as an opportunity to legitimize or delegitimize the results, depending on their political preferences. The Venezuelan government accuses Western observers of bias and double standards, accepting election results in politically aligned countries while being more critical of those not. The involvement of non-democratic actors, such as Cuba and Russia, in supporting the Venezuelan government raises concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the ability of Western observers to be impartial.
What are the possible ways of cooperation between Venezuela and Egypt? How much is the trade figure between the two states?
Venezuela and Egypt, two nations with diverse histories and cultures, have the potential to engage in cooperative efforts that could benefit both nations. One area of cooperation could be in the energy sector, where Venezuela has the largest proven oil reserves in the world, while Egypt is expanding its own oil and gas production. The two countries could explore joint ventures or technology sharing in oil and gas exploration and production.
Another area of cooperation could be in the agricultural sector, where Egypt has a long history of agricultural production and could share its expertise with Venezuela. The two countries could also explore trade in agricultural products, with Egypt importing certain goods from Venezuela and vice versa.
To increase trade and cooperation, the two countries could consider signing bilateral agreements or memorandums of understanding in specific areas such as energy, agriculture, or tourism. They could also participate in trade fairs and exhibitions to promote their products and services.
Lastly, Venezuela and Egypt could collaborate in the area of culture and education, as both countries have a rich cultural heritage. They could organize cultural festivals, exchange exhibitions, or establish student exchange programs.
Bi-national cultural cooperation, joint media production, and startups and establishing a Latin University/School for Latin studies in Egypt will strengthen the relations with Latin America
Bi-national cultural cooperation is crucial for strengthening relations between countries, particularly Egypt and Latin America, particularly Venezuela. Documentaries can promote cultural understanding and cooperation by showcasing different perspectives and similarities between cultures. Producing documentaries focusing on Latin America and Venezuela can increase awareness and understanding among Egyptians, while Latin American and Venezuelan filmmakers can create documentaries showcasing Egypt’s rich history, culture, and society.
Joining TV and media production can also help promote cultural exchange by sharing expertise and resources. Platforms for cultural exchange, such as online forums, social media groups, and cultural centers, can provide a space for individuals and organizations to connect, share ideas, and collaborate on projects. Supporting startups and entrepreneurs can promote innovation, job creation, and economic growth, while also promoting cultural exchange.
Establishing a Latin University or School for Latin studies in Egypt can also promote awareness of Latin American culture, history, and society among Egyptians. This institution can serve as a hub for bi-national cultural cooperation, allowing individuals and organizations from both regions to come together and work on collaborative projects.
Venezuela has a historical stance in supporting the Palestinian Cause, why?
Venezuela has a long history of supporting the Palestinian cause, recognizing the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination, independence, and return to their homeland. The country has consistently called for an end to the illegal Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, and condemned the construction of Israeli settlements on Palestinian land. Venezuela has also been a vocal critic of the human rights situation in occupied Palestinian territories, highlighting violence, discrimination, and repression.
Venezuela has supported efforts to bring those responsible for human rights violations to justice through international mechanisms like the International Criminal Court. In addition to diplomatic and political support, Venezuela has provided humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people, including medical assistance, food, and other basic necessities. At the international level, Venezuela has actively advocated for a peaceful and just solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, advocating for an independent Palestinian state living side-by-side with Israel on the 1967 borders.
Venezuela has a good relation with both Arab and Islamic worlds, how?
Venezuela, a South American country, has a strong and positive relationship with both the Arab and Islamic worlds. This relationship is rooted in historical, cultural, and economic ties, strengthened through bilateral agreements and cooperation initiatives. In the Arab world, Venezuela has established diplomatic relations with countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Algeria, and Morocco, promoting peace, stability, and development.
Venezuela is an active member of the Arab League, promoting common interests and values among Arab countries. In the Islamic world, Venezuela has developed strong ties with countries like Iran, Turkey, and Malaysia, based on shared religious and cultural values and mutual benefits in trade, investment, and technology transfer. Venezuela has also been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause and advocated for the rights of the Palestinian people in international forums.
One key area of cooperation between Venezuela and the Arab and Islamic worlds is energy. As a member of OPEC, Venezuela has worked closely with Arab and Islamic countries to stabilize oil prices and ensure a fair distribution of revenues. Venezuela has also established scholarships and exchange programs to promote cultural and academic exchanges, and hosted conferences on Arab and Islamic culture, art, and literature. In politics, Venezuela has supported Arab and Islamic countries in their quest for independence, self-determination, and development.
