VENEZUELA'S CRISIS VECTORINGS

THE tense standoff in Venezuela between Nicolas Maduro and Juan Guaido has morphed into something far larger than a contest for power between-

Between a failed leader still supported by the parts of the army and die-hard leftists, and a young legislator propelled to the front by popular demonstrations.

In part because of the Trump administration's all-in support for regime change, the crisis has become a dangerous global power struggle. That's the last thing the Venezuelans need.

There is no question that President Maduro must go, the sooner the better. Heir to the socialist rule of  Hugo Chavez, he has led this oil-rich country into utter ruin.

Its currency is useless, basic foods and medicines have disappeared and more than three million people have fled, fomenting refugee crisis Colombia, Brazil and Ecuador.

The only solution is an interim government under Mr. Guaido, who as the head of the  National Assembly  has a legitimate claim to the presidency under the Venezuelan Constitution

It would lead to new  presidential elections  and a flood of emergency aid.

The prospect of a  proxy war that could spill over Venezuela's  border horrifies most Latin American leaders, as well as  Canada and the Europeans.

In Mr. Maduro's camp, the motives are also mixed. China, has huge loans out  to Venezuela, Turkey has long embraced Mr. Maduro as a comrade against Western and especially American hegemony.

Russia has been the most vocal in warning the  United States to stay clear.

But every goal must be to give the long-suffering Venezuelans a chance to freely choose their government and start the arduous task of rebuilding their economy. not to score a victory in in an ideological struggle.