What’s new? Crime and violence have simmered along the lengthy Colombian-Venezuelan frontier for decades. But the regional spillover of Venezuela’s political conflict and economic collapse has caused ties between the two states to fray as well, amid border closures, a migrant exodus and rival military exercises.
Why does it matter? Numerous armed groups clash with one another and harm citizens along a border marked by abundant coca crops and informal crossings. High bilateral tensions could spur escalating border hostilities while perpetuating the mistreatment of migrants and refugees whose movements have been restricted by COVID-19.
What should be done? Colombian and Venezuelan authorities should urgently establish communication channels to resolve violent incidents along the border, possibly with international backing. They should reopen formal border crossings as planned, but also increase humanitarian aid to help ensure that migrants and refugees are healthy and can m
a desperate need for food to be delivered to the border with colombia and get across the border with the u.n., put pressure on maduro to make that happen. his people are starving, they re in extraordinary poverty. the americans should take the lead not only in supporting the venezuelan people publicly but get away from this economic deprivation, 10 million inflation in one year. ian bremer, michael penfold, pleasure to have you on. we ll, of course, be following this story closely. when we come back from davos, my take. christa freeland on human rights and jane goodall, on champion a chimpanzees and humans. which i used to offer health insurance to my employees. what s in your wallet?