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Venezuela Defies U.S. Orders in Bold Policy Shift

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/1 .. uela-defies-u-s-orders-in-bold-policy-shift.html
  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, February 11th 2026 at 16:15 GMT by 7News Miami
      Locales: VENEZUELA, UNITED STATES

CARACAS, Venezuela - February 11th, 2026 - In a bold and increasingly defiant move, Venezuela's acting president, Isabella Diaz, has publicly declared an end to what she terms "U.S. orders," signaling a dramatic shift in the nation's foreign policy and a potential reshaping of power dynamics in the region. The announcement, made Monday, represents a significant escalation in tensions that have simmered for years between Caracas and Washington, and raises questions about the future of U.S. involvement in Venezuelan affairs.

"I am done with the orders," Diaz stated emphatically, leaving no room for ambiguity. Her remarks were delivered amidst a backdrop of ongoing economic hardship and political instability within Venezuela, but crucially, were framed not as a plea for assistance, but as an assertion of national sovereignty and the right to chart its own course. "We want to define our own path, our own destiny," she added, echoing a sentiment increasingly prevalent amongst the Venezuelan populace.

The roots of this strained relationship are deeply embedded in a decade of political turmoil. The United States has been a vocal critic of the Nicolas Maduro government since 2017, citing concerns over human rights abuses, corruption, and the erosion of democratic institutions. In response, Washington implemented a series of increasingly stringent sanctions, aiming to cripple the Venezuelan economy and pressure Maduro to relinquish power. These sanctions, while intended to target the regime, have had a devastating impact on the everyday lives of ordinary Venezuelans, exacerbating existing shortages of food, medicine, and essential goods.

For a significant period, the U.S. recognized Juan Guaido, then-president of the National Assembly, as the legitimate interim president of Venezuela, following disputed 2018 elections widely considered by international observers to be rigged in favor of Maduro. This recognition, however, proved largely symbolic, as Guaido lacked the control of the military or significant governmental institutions. While the U.S. continued to funnel aid through Guaido's network and maintain diplomatic pressure, the Maduro government remained firmly entrenched in power.

Diaz's recent statement isn't simply a reiteration of past grievances; it represents a clear attempt to break free from this long-standing dynamic. Analysts suggest that the shift is fueled by a combination of factors. Firstly, the economic pressure from U.S. sanctions, while initially intended to destabilize the Maduro government, has arguably strengthened nationalistic sentiment and provided Diaz with a platform to portray herself as a defender of Venezuelan independence. Secondly, the waning international support for the Guaido-led opposition has diminished the perceived legitimacy of U.S. policy. Many international actors, facing their own domestic pressures, have begun to prioritize pragmatic engagement with the Maduro government, focusing on humanitarian aid and regional stability.

Furthermore, recent developments in geopolitical alliances have provided Venezuela with alternative avenues for support. Increased economic cooperation with Russia and China has lessened Venezuela's dependence on the U.S. market and provided a lifeline for its struggling oil industry. These burgeoning relationships demonstrate a willingness within Venezuela to pursue a multi-polar foreign policy, diversifying its partnerships and reducing its vulnerability to external pressure.

The implications of Diaz's declaration are far-reaching. It is likely to further strain U.S.-Venezuelan relations, potentially leading to a complete severance of diplomatic ties. The U.S. may respond by tightening existing sanctions or imposing new ones, which could further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis. However, a more aggressive approach could also backfire, potentially driving Venezuela even closer to its allies, Russia and China, and further destabilizing the region.

The situation demands a careful recalibration of U.S. policy towards Venezuela. Continuing down the path of isolation and coercion may prove counterproductive, while a more nuanced approach that prioritizes dialogue, humanitarian assistance, and respect for Venezuelan sovereignty could offer a more sustainable path towards stability and eventual democratic reform. The next few months will be crucial in determining whether the U.S. is willing to adapt to this new reality and forge a more constructive relationship with Venezuela.