Comment by aswegs8

Looking just at the facts, the action to take over Venezuela seems to be a good decision.

1. Public opinion isn't as important anymore, as Trumpism has found a way to flood the zone with so much shit, they have many more options

2. International environment looks way harsher and less cooperative, stressing the need to gain resources/influence

3. Resource rich, unstable country that has been in the headline and run down for years, right on the doorstep of the US

If they really gain access to all that oil the challenges US hegemony is bolstered up again. Seems low risk high reward. If they give it the facade of legitimacy by installing a local puppet government, they might get away with it.