SHAH ALAM - The removal of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro has been met with both celebration and unease, as activists warn that the United States’ (US) intervention raises serious questions about the country’s future and the legality of Washington’s actions.
Palestinian-American activist and creative director Alana Hadid said celebrations among some Venezuelans did not erase broader geopolitical concerns, adding that "two things can be true at once."
"Many Venezuelans can welcome the removal of Maduro. At the same time, the world can see that the US is carrying out regime change to secure control over Venezuelan oil and to exert power over a country that was strengthening strategic ties with China," she wrote in an Instagram post.
Her comments came as images circulated online showing crowds celebrating in the streets, prompting comparisons with scenes in Iraq in 2003 following the fall of its prominent political leader Saddam Hussein.
Hadid said history suggested such interventions rarely end well for the countries involved, particularly those with significant natural resources.
She alleged that Maduro had been meeting Chinese officials just hours before he and his wife were captured by the US troops.
"History does not bode well for the countries where the US intervenes, especially ones with rich resources," she said.
According to the 2024 data from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven crude oil reserves, accounting for about 19.4 per cent of global reserves, or roughly 303 billion barrels.
This places it ahead of Saudi Arabia, Iran and Iraq, reinforcing arguments that control over energy resources has long shaped international interest in the country.
She also pointed to statements by US President Donald Trump about Venezuela’s oil reserves, saying US intentions had long been made clear.
The parallels drawn with Iraq reflected broader concerns about the long-term consequences of US-led regime change.
The 2003 invasion of Iraq swiftly toppled Hussein’s government, producing early scenes of public jubilation.
However, the early military victory was followed by years of instability.
After then US President George W Bush declared an end to major combat operations on May 1, 2003, less than two months after the invasion began, Iraq entered a difficult period marked by violence, sectarian tensions and political divisions.
Decisions by the US-led Coalition Provisional Authority to dissolve the Iraqi army and dismantle key state institutions were widely seen as having contributed to a security vacuum, fuelling armed resistance.
The ensuing years resulted in tens of thousands of Iraqi civilian deaths, a severe humanitarian crisis and ultimately, the rise of extremist groups such as the Islamic State.
Hadid also expressed concern that Venezuela could be entering a familiar and troubling phase seen in other US-led interventions.
"My concern is that we are seeing a very deeply disturbing history repeating itself here.
"The US cannot police the world and when it does, it rarely does so for the benefit of the people of the country it is policing," she said.
While saying she hoped for a more stable future for Venezuela, Hadid cautioned against optimism rooted only in the fall of a single leader.
"I hope for a better future for Venezuela, but I’ve seen this too often. When major Western outlets are applauding, it’s usually a sign that something is wrong," she said.