Donald Trump and his senior advisers have indicated that military action against Venezuela remains a possibility as tensions escalate in the region. Concurrently, Australia braces for an extreme heatwave this Christmas, with varying weather conditions across the states.

VENEZUELA: POTENTIAL FOR MILITARY ACTION
In a recent interview with NBC News, President Donald Trump stated that he does not rule out the option of war with Venezuela, as Nicolás Maduro's regime faces increasing pressure. Trump’s comments come as Maduro urged his navy to protect oil tankers against the largest US naval deployment in decades. Marco Rubio, a key adviser, reinforced the administration's stance, asserting that the US reserves the right to utilize all elements of national power to safeguard its interests. The US has intensified its campaign against drug trafficking from Venezuela, which has led to a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers, significantly impacting Maduro's revenue streams.

Experts suggest that the blockade not only disrupts the Venezuelan economy but also provides the US with leverage in negotiations aimed at changing the regime. The Atlantic Council's Jason Marczak noted that cutting off oil revenues could be a strategic move to weaken Maduro's grip on power. The situation remains fluid, with potential military action being a consideration as the US seeks to address what it views as an intolerable status quo in Venezuela.

AUSTRALIA: EXTREME HEATWAVE FORECAST
As discussions about military intervention unfold, Australia is set to experience a significant heatwave this Christmas. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has released its weather forecast, indicating a mix of conditions across the country. Queensland is expected to have warm, humid weather with potential thunderstorms, while New South Wales will see mostly dry and sunny conditions, with Sydney reaching a high of 25C.

In contrast, Western Australia is bracing for extreme temperatures, with Perth forecasted to hit 39C. The heatwave, which began on Thursday and is expected to last through the weekend, poses a risk to health and safety across several regions. The BoM has issued severe heatwave warnings for areas in New South Wales and parts of Victoria, where temperatures could soar into the high 30s or low 40s.

The weather forecast highlights the stark differences in experiences between the two regions, with one grappling with international conflicts and the other facing domestic challenges related to extreme weather.

WRAP-UP
The potential for military action against Venezuela is escalating as the Trump administration considers its options, while Australia prepares for a challenging Christmas marked by extreme heat. Both situations underscore the complexities of global and domestic issues that impact lives and governance across nations.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team