Political conflict between the United States and Venezuela has been an issue for quite some time but within the past year, tensions have been especially high.  

What started off as U.S. strikes on boats in the Caribbean that were alleged to be transporting drugs transpired into a military operation months later to capture and jail Venezuelan President Nicholás Maduro on narcoterrorism charges. The capture of Maduro came as a surprise to many, especially for retired foreign diplomat Brian Naranjo.  

Naranjo, who served in the U.S. Department of State and at embassies in Venezuela, Canada and Mexico, said he was “utterly horrified” to see Maduro’s capture on the news and warned Maduro’s predecessor may usher in his same radical agenda. 

On the latest podcast episode of “Conversations Different,” host Inez Russell Gomez is joined by Naranjo to discuss his views on the U.S.-Venezuela conflicts ahead of his talk at the World Affairs Forum in Santa Fe that runs April 30–May 1. He shares what the conflicts have meant to him as a former official who has experience dealing with these types of relations.  

In the episode, Naranjo also talks about his ties to Northern New Mexico and how his grandfather Emilio Naranjo, known as one of the last political patróns, inspired him to pursue a life of public service. 

Political conflict between the United States and Venezuela&nbsp;has&nbsp;been an issue for quite some time&nbsp;but within the past year,&nbsp;tensions have&nbsp;been&nbsp;especially&nbsp;high.&nbsp;&nbsp;
What started off as U.S. strikes on boats in the Caribbean that were alleged to be transporting drugs transpired into a military operation months later to capture and jail Venezuelan President Nichol&aacute;s Maduro on narcoterrorism charges. The capture of Maduro came as a surprise to many, especially for retired foreign diplomat Brian Naranjo.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Naranjo, who served in the&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp;Department of State&nbsp;and&nbsp;at&nbsp;embassies in Venezuela,&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;and Mexico,&nbsp;said&nbsp;he was &ldquo;utterly horrified&rdquo; to&nbsp;see&nbsp;Maduro&rsquo;s&nbsp;capture&nbsp;on the news&nbsp;and warned&nbsp;Maduro&rsquo;s predecessor may&nbsp;usher in his same&nbsp;radical&nbsp;agenda.&nbsp;
On the latest podcast episode of &ldquo;Conversations Different,&rdquo; host Inez Russell Gomez is joined by Naranjo to discuss his views on the U.S.-Venezuela conflicts ahead of his talk at the World Affairs Forum in Santa Fe that runs April 30&ndash;May 1. He shares what the conflicts have meant to him as a former official who has experience dealing with these types of relations.&nbsp;&nbsp;
In the episode, Naranjo also talks about his ties to Northern New Mexico and how his grandfather Emilio Naranjo, known as one of the last political patr&oacute;ns,&nbsp;inspired him to&nbsp;pursue&nbsp;a&nbsp;life of public service.&nbsp;

Conversations Different is presented by the Santa Fe New Mexican and features host Inez Russell Gomez in provocative talks with local and regional personalities shaping the landscape of Northern New Mexico.

Inez Russell Gomez is Opinion Page Editor at the Santa Fe New Mexican with decades of experience writing and editing the news in America's oldest capital city.

Conversations Different is presented by the Santa Fe New Mexican and features host Inez Russell Gomez in provocative talks with local and regional personalities shaping the landscape of Northern New Mexico.
Inez Russell Gomez is Opinion Page Editor at the Santa Fe New Mexican with decades of experience writing and editing the news in America's oldest capital city.