What now stands primarily in the way of freeing Venezuela is the Cuban presence, critically supported by Russian financial resources. If Cuba’s military and intelligence networks left the country, the Maduro regime would be in serious, probably terminal, trouble. Everyone understands this reality, especially Maduro, who many believe owes his position as President to Cuban intervention in the struggle for control after Chavez’s death.62 Looking back, it’s clear to me that Havana saw Maduro as the more malleable of the leading contenders, and time has proven this thesis accurate.
