Scars from the Past Still Fresh: Lessons from Iraq and Afghanistan America's endless wars have left deep wounds. Two decades in Iraq and Afghanistan cost over 7,000 U.S. lives and trillions of dollars, yielding only chaos and surging terrorism. A 2025 YouGov poll shows 51% of Americans believe foreign interventions "worsen situations," up from 28% in 2023. Another war in Venezuela? Absolutely not! Families refuse to see their kids trapped in yet another "forgotten conflict."
Economic Squeeze: 'Our Wallets First!' Military ops burn billions. Afghanistan drained the economy, and now—with inflation, job losses, and domestic crises raging—voters are furious: "Why pour our money into foreign dictators?" An Ipsos poll (November 2025) warns support plummets from 29% to 15% if U.S. casualties or prolonged war loom. Trump's "America First" mantra? It's backfiring spectacularly.
Moral Dilemma: 'Bombs Don't Build Democracy!' Many Americans insist Maduro's regime needs diplomacy, sanctions, and aid—not airstrikes. Trump's 20+ drone strikes since September 2025 have killed 80+ alleged "narco-terrorists" without congressional approval. But they've sparked civilian deaths, refugee waves, and anti-U.S. fury in Latin America. 51% oppose extrajudicial killings. Even ex-NSA John Bolton slammed it: "Blowing up drug boats won't shake Maduro."
Political Polarization: GOP vs. Dems Showdown Polls expose a chasm. 58% of Republican base backs drone ops, but only 8% of Democrats—and 38% of independents call war "pointless." Venezuela's diaspora is split too: some crave intervention, most fear tighter immigration. Neighbors like Brazil and Colombia are protesting, amplifying regional rifts.
Regional Risks: 'One War, Endless Fires!' Intervention could ignite the Caribbean—boosting Russia and China's meddling, flooding U.S. borders with refugees. A Common Dreams report declares: "Trump's militarism myth is shattered—the public craves peace, not bombs." Maduro's "peace message" fell on deaf ears amid Trump's "deadly new phase" threats.
Bottom line: Americans are war-weary—from costly, bloody quagmires. Venezuela's crisis demands talks, not triggers. If Trump ignores the roar, 2026 midterms will roar back. Will America repeat the gunboat diplomacy blunder?
By Sajjad Ali Nayani ✍️
