The Latest Breaking News from Manuel Noriega

History tells us what happens when American presidents focus on foreign policy and neglect domestic economic policy

Why Maduro's Prosecution Can Continue Even if the US Violated International Law

The US dramatically escalated its confrontation with Venezuela on January 3, moving from sanctions and targeted strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels to direct military action. In a pre-dawn operation, US forces captured the Venezuelan president, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife, Cilia Flores, and removed them from the country.

Most of the Americas have suffered from interference from their powerful northern neighbour – and are usually the worse off for it

Journalist Lucia Newman suggests a secret deal allowed the US to seize Venezuela, drawing parallels to the 1989 Panama invasion and the arrest of Manuel Noriega.

This is clearly a blatant, illegal and criminal act, say law experts

Maduro is a brutal dictator who is getting what he deserves. But Trump's actions are still illegal, because lacking proper congressional authorization. Whether they result in a beneficial regime change in Venezuela remains to be seen.

What comes next is likely years of court battles over how Maduro is charged, how he's treated and where he's held.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife will face criminal charges in the United States after a military raid to secure his arrest.