Donald Trump’s military operation to seize the president of Venezuela, with a view to trying him in the United States for drug-related and other crimes, presents European leaders – and Sir Keir Starmer more than most – with a dilemma.
On the one hand, the removal of President Nicolas Maduro had its desirable aspects: he took power in an evidently rigged election, and his general mismanagement impoverished what should be a rich country by virtue of its oil wealth. On the other hand, the manner of his removal clearly violated pretty much every principle that Europeans profess to hold dear, starting with respect for national sovereignty.
