Another Libya or Iraq? Sam George Reacts to US Seize of Venezuelan President

Life Pulse Daily | January 4, 2026

In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the international diplomatic community, United States forces have reportedly captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a pre-dawn raid in Caracas. The operation, which took place in the early hours of January 3, 2026, has drawn immediate and sharp reactions from global leaders, most notably Ghana’s Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George.

As the world grapples with the implications of this high-stakes military intervention, Hon. Sam George has taken to social media to issue a grave warning, drawing parallels to the destabilizing conflicts in Libya and Iraq. His reaction is not merely that of a concerned politician but is deeply rooted in his academic background in peace and security studies, offering a unique pedagogical perspective on the potential legal and geopolitical fallout of this historic event.

Introduction

The geopolitical landscape of the Western Hemisphere shifted violently on January 3, 2026. Reports confirm that U.S. military operatives successfully apprehended Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during a targeted operation in Caracas. The event marks an unprecedented escalation in the long-standing tensions between the United States and Venezuela, raising urgent questions about international law, national sovereignty, and the potential for a new era of Western interventionism.

Sam George, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram and a distinguished alumnus of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), has emerged as a vocal critic of the operation. In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), George articulated his concerns, framing the incident through the lens of international relations theory and the history of foreign interventions. His reaction highlights a growing anxiety among Global South nations regarding the “responsibility to protect” doctrine and its potential weaponization by superpowers.

Key Points

Background

To understand the gravity of Sam George’s comments, one must look at the historical context of U.S.-Venezuela relations and the specific academic background of the Ghanaian legislator.

The U.S.-Venezuela Standoff

Relations between Washington and Caracas have been strained for over a decade. Following the controversial election of Nicolás Maduro and the subsequent economic collapse of Venezuela, the U.S. has employed various sanctions, diplomatic isolation, and support for opposition figures. However, a direct military incursion to capture a sitting head of state represents a radical departure from previous strategies, moving from economic pressure to kinetic military action.

Sam George’s Expertise

Hon. Samuel Nartey George is not a casual observer of international conflict. As an alumnus of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), an institution of excellence in peace and security education in Africa, he possesses a formal education in the complexities of international law and peace operations. His reference to his dissertation is significant; it signals that his critique is based on theoretical frameworks regarding the legality of interventions, the definition of aggression, and the conditions under which the international community is permitted to act within sovereign borders.

Analysis

The capture of Nicolás Maduro is a watershed moment that requires a rigorous analysis of international norms and the potential for global destabilization. Sam George’s commentary provides a framework for understanding these risks.

The “Libya or Iraq” Precedent

When Sam George asks, “Do we see another Libya or Iraq scenario evolve in Latin America?”, he is invoking the history of regime change operations that resulted in prolonged civil wars.

• The Iraq Parallel: The 2003 invasion of Iraq, justified by claims of weapons of mass destruction and links to terrorism, led to the dismantling of the state apparatus, sectarian violence, and the rise of extremist groups. A similar power vacuum in Venezuela, a country with significant oil reserves and a polarized society, could lead to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis and mass migration.
• The Libya Parallel: The 2011 NATO intervention in Libya, while initially framed as a humanitarian intervention to protect civilians, resulted in the collapse of the state and the creation of a failed state plagued by warlordism. George’s fear is that removing Maduro by force, rather than through domestic political processes, could yield a similar outcome.

International Law and Sovereignty

George’s reference to “multinational law” (International Law) highlights the legal precariousness of the U.S. action. The United Nations Charter is the bedrock of international relations. Article 2(4) explicitly bans the use of force by states against the territorial integrity of another state. Exceptions exist only under Chapter VII (Self-defense or Security Council authorization).

Without a UN mandate, the operation in Caracas exists in a legal gray area. George’s comments suggest that this action could erode the norms of non-interference, potentially emboldening other nations to launch similar “pre-emptive” strikes against leaders they deem hostile.

The Double Standard Dilemma

One of the most poignant points raised by George is the comparison to “Russia’s attempts in Israel’s movements in Palestine” (a phrasing that suggests the complex web of interventions and conflicts). The core argument here is Selective Interventionism. Critics argue that the “Responsibility to Protect” (R2P) doctrine is applied selectively based on the geopolitical interests of powerful nations. The international community’s inability to stop the war in Gaza or the invasion of Ukraine, juxtaposed with a swift military operation in Venezuela, fuels narratives of a two-tiered international legal system.

Practical Advice

For observers, students of international relations, and citizens trying to navigate the unfolding crisis, it is essential to approach the news with a critical eye. Here is how to analyze the situation effectively:

• Verify the Source: Distinguish between confirmed reports from major news agencies (like Reuters or AP) and unverified claims on social media. The situation is fluid; facts change rapidly.
• Understand the Terminology: Familiarize yourself with terms like “Sovereignty,” “Regime Change,” and “Humanitarian Intervention.” Knowing the difference helps in understanding the arguments being made by diplomats like Sam George.
• Watch the UN Security Council: The reaction of the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, will determine the legitimacy of the operation. Veto power dynamics between the U.S., UK, France, Russia, and China will play a massive role.
• Monitor Regional Bodies: Look for statements from the Organization of American States (OAS) and the African Union (AU). The AU has historically been protective of the principle of non-interference.

FAQ

Conclusion

The reported capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces represents a flashpoint in modern international relations. Sam George’s reaction serves as a crucial intellectual counterpoint to the narrative of the operation. By invoking his academic background and the painful history of interventions in Iraq and Libya, he warns of the potential for catastrophic instability and the erosion of the international legal order.

As the world watches the aftermath of this historic event, the principles of sovereignty, consistency in international law, and the potential for a new Cold War in Latin America hang in the balance. The events in Caracas will undoubtedly be studied for decades to come, serving as a “live case study” for the theories of peace and conflict that George once researched.

Sources

• Life Pulse Daily. (2026, January 4). Another Libya or Iraq? Sam George reacts to US seize of Venezuelan president.
• Sam George Official X Account. (2026, January 3). Thread on Venezuela Intervention.
• United Nations. (1945). Charter of the United Nations. Article 2(4).
• Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC). Academic Programs in Peace and Security Studies.
• International Crisis Group. Venezuela Crisis Reports.