Venezuela’s political crisis grows more explosive

As Venezuela drifts toward repression, the Obama administration has failed to “name and shame” human-rights violators, as mandated by Congress last December. Robust U.S. action is more critical than ever, as authorities in Caracas last week approved the use of deadly force against Venezuelans protesting food shortages and fresh revelations on the criminality of regime leaders. Career diplomats managing Venezuela policy fiercely resisted Congress’ call for sanctions against individuals using violence to quell student-led demonstrations last spring — giving regime gangs time to crush the unrest, leaving 44 dead, hundreds jailed and thousands injured. More…