When the Monroe Doctrine was declared, in 1823, it was aimed at European colonial powers. It told them to butt out: the U.S. “sphere of influence” included all of Latin America and the Caribbean. During the past two centuries, virtually every Latin American and Caribbean country has had to endure U.S. intervention and interference in their internal affairs. The coups, political manipulation and aggression directed by Washington have been relentless.

Washington and its allies demanded Caracas show “meaningful progress” in talks with Guaidó and upholding “international standards for democracy.”