Venezuela's New Power Players: Who's Really in Charge?

Venezuela's political scene has shifted dramatically. A tight-knit group of politicians and military leaders now hold the reins, with the U. S. playing a significant role. At the helm is Delcy Rodriguez, the interim president. She's known for her economic influence and is seen as a key figure in rebuilding the country's oil industry. Her brother, Jorge Rodriguez, leads the National Assembly and is crucial in negotiations with the U. S. and opposition groups. One of the most feared figures is Diosdado Cabello. He controls the military counterintelligence agency and is known for suppressing opposition. The U. S. has indicted him on narcoterrorism charges. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino commands the armed forces and is seen as more open to U. S. influence than Cabello.On the opposition side, Maria Corina Machado stands out. She's a Nobel Prize laureate and a strong critic of the ruling party. However, her path to leadership is uncertain, as the U. S. has downplayed her chances. In the U. S. , key figures like Marco Rubio, John Ratcliffe, Stephen Miller, Pete Hegseth, and Chris Wright are deeply involved in Venezuela's affairs. They are pushing for U. S. interests, from rebuilding the oil sector to ensuring Venezuela doesn't align too closely with China. The situation is complex. Power struggles and shifting alliances make it hard to predict Venezuela's future. The U. S. has a strong hand, but local dynamics could change the game at any moment.