Venezuela Threatens to Annex Oil-Rich Land in Guyana: Is Armed Conflict Imminent in South America?

likely that this will end with any sort of deal being reached,” said Marjorie Karpan, an analyst with the International Crisis Group.
Meanwhile, the United Nations is considering sending a special envoy to the region. With South American states not eager to serve as mediators, it could be up to outsiders like Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), who has been pushing for U.S. pressure on Maduro, to seek a peaceful resolution. “What happens at those meetings is going to set the tone for a long time,” said Karpan. “This is a serious matter that could easily spiral out of control.”