Mediation expert sent to push Venezuela talks

A Harvard-educated conflict resolution expert is flying to Caracas next week to attempt the seemingly impossible: jumpstarting political dialogue in deeply polarized Venezuela. The visit by for several days of closed-door workshops with representatives of Venezuela’s socialist government and the opposition comes as the U.S. is threatening more financial sanctions and talk of military action to oust President Nicolas Maduro is swirling. Previous attempts at dialogue have failed amid bitter recriminations. The Spanish-speaking mediator, who helped ease tensions in Venezuela following a 2002 coup against then-President Hugo Chavez, was cautious about the chances of success. The oil-rich nation is submerged in its worst economic crisis in history, with hyperinflation and shortages crushing the poor and driving masses of migrants thousands of miles from their homes. More..