Latest news with #Caracas
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Sweeping victory for Venezuela's ruling party in elections boycotted by opposition
The opposition urged voters to boycott last weekend's regional and parliamentary elections in protest against President Nicolas Maduro's disputed re-election last year. View on euronews
Al Jazeera
3 days ago
- General
- Al Jazeera
Who is behind Tren de Aragua?
Tren de Aragua was a little-known gang in Venezuela – until recently. US President Donald Trump's focus on the group has thrust it into the spotlight, as hundreds of Venezuelans have been deported from the United States.
Forbes
3 days ago
- General
- Forbes
Fearless Leadership In The Face Of Tyranny: Lessons From Leopoldo López
Leopoldo López's body may have been imprisoned, but he was never silenced. His voice is a beacon, and his life is a blueprint for leading with humility, purpose, and gratitude. getty There are some conversations that shift your perspective—and others that completely shake you. My recent conversation with Leopoldo López did exactly that. As I listened to his story of resistance, resilience, and unwavering conviction, I couldn't help but reflect on what true leadership looks like—especially in a world where it's often overpromised and underdelivered. As an economist with degrees from Harvard and Kenyon College, he could have chosen a different path. Instead, he chose one of purpose. Leopoldo chose to be the voice of the people who elected him, and was persecuted for it. That decision would eventually cost him his freedom and nearly his life. By advocating for democracy in the face of a corrupt autocratic regime, he knew that he was putting his life at risk. And when the time came, he faced it head-on, voluntarily surrendering himself to save the lives of the people who elected him. That moment alone speaks volumes. Leopoldo wasn't playing a political game. He wasn't trying to win votes. He was standing for something bigger than himself. And in that act—turning himself in to face unjust charges—he reminded the world that real leadership is about conviction, not comfort. It's about standing in the fire and choosing principle over popularity. Throughout our conversation, I was struck by how calmly he described what most of us would consider unendurable: years in solitary confinement, knowing he was locked up for doing what was right. And yet, rather than breaking him, it amplified his mission. His solitude became a crucible. What emerged wasn't bitterness, but vision and, of all things, gratitude. Then he said something that absolutely blew my mind. In solitary confinement and at the height of his despair, he said this very matter-of-factly: 'I only pray for gratitude.' Yes! He was grateful for the bird that sat near the barred window of his cell. He was grateful for the scraps of food that were thrown at his feet, and he was even grateful for solitary confinement. He believes that people pray for one of three things. Some pray for things they want. Some pray to avoid things they don't want. And a few—like Leopoldo—pray for gratitude. That kind of grit, mental toughness, and leadership that we rarely see today. In healthcare, I have learned that resilience is a key leadership quality necessary to endure the ever-changing landscape. But Leopoldo reminded me that resilience isn't just about weathering adversity—it's about embracing it. It's about taking your pain, your isolation, your setbacks, and being grateful that they are there to fuel the mission. Even now, living in exile, separated from his country and many of his loved ones, Leopoldo still speaks of service. Of community. Of values. He still believes in building, not tearing down. That kind of leadership is rare. It's fearless. And it's needed now more than ever. Leopoldo's story reminded me why I started my podcast in the first place: to learn from those who choose to impact the world no matter what stands in their way. Leopoldo López's body may have been imprisoned, but he was never silenced. His voice is a beacon, and his life is a blueprint for leading with humility, purpose, and gratitude. If you haven't heard the episode yet, I invite you to listen with an open heart. His story might challenge you, but it will also inspire you to show up more fully in your own life. Because leadership isn't about titles or power or influence, it's about impact. And Leopoldo López is living proof.
Fox News
4 days ago
- Politics
- Fox News
US warns Venezuela now poses 'highest risk' for American travelers
The United States government is advising U.S. citizens to avoid traveling to Venezuela and its borders. Venezuela currently has the highest Travel Advisory with a level 4. Per the U.S. Department of State, citizens are warned not to travel to Venezuela due to severe risks. The risks include wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure. Currently, more U.S. nationals are wrongfully detained in Venezuela than anywhere else in the world. In March 2019, the DOS withdrew all diplomatic personnel from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas and suspended operations. This means there is no U.S. consulate operating in Venezuela and the U.S. government cannot provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Venezuela. Police and security forces have instituted a brutal crackdown on pro-democracy or anti-regime demonstrations, including the use of tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets against participants, which occasionally devolve into looting and vandalism. If you are planning to still travel to Venezuela, the State Department recommends you do the following before traveling. Travelers should prepare a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and power of attorney. Develop a communication plan with family or your company with a "proof of life" protocol and consider hiring a professional security detail. Travelers should have an understanding that medical care will be limited in Venezuela, especially over-the-counter medication. Avoid Venezuela's border areas with Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana as Colombian terrorist groups operate in those areas. If you choose to travel to Venezuela, the U.S. will not be able to assist you in recovering lost, stolen or expired travel documents. It is advised that any U.S. citizen currently in Venezuela should depart immediately.
CBS News
4 days ago
- Politics
- CBS News
U.S. warns Americans not to travel to Venezuela due to risks of torture, kidnapping
The U.S. State Department is warning citizens not to travel to Venezuela, warning of "severe risks" including wrongful detention, kidnapping and torture. The State Department said that it does not have an operating embassy or consulate in the South American country, and cannot provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens there. All U.S. citizens currently in Venezuela should leave immediately, the State Department said. "U.S. citizens are at extreme risk of detention when entering Venezuela at any location. They may be unjustly charged with terrorism or other serious crimes and detained for long periods," the State Department said in a news release announcing the warning. "U.S. citizens have been detained upon arrival at land borders, airports, and maritime ports of entry. There is no safe way for Americans to travel to Venezuela." More U.S. nationals are currently wrongfully detained in Venezuela than in any other country, the department said. In some cases, detentions have happened when people accidentally cross into Venezuela from neighboring countries, where borders may not be clearly marked. Detained Americans may also be unjustly charged with serious crimes, including terrorism, the State Department said. The Venezuelan government does not report detentions to the U.S. government, making it impossible for the U.S. to visit those citizens or intervene. U.S. citizens detained in Venezuela also cannot contact family members or private attorneys, the State Department said. Other potential concerns in Venezuela include the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, civil unrest and poor health infrastructure, the State Department said. The map below shows State Department travel advisories by country. Hover over a country to see what level advisory it has and search for a specific nation in the table. Travel advisories by country
