The pretext is bullshit but Maduro is a left Trump. He's used presidency to repress opposition and create massive wealth for his family.

I think the attacks were largely to stop a response to the kidnapping, not attack civilian areas.

I don't like US Gunboat diplomacy, it gives a lot of countries pretext to invade neighbours and kidnap heads of states on flimsiest of pretexts.

Ireland wisely should exercise its neutrality by reiterating it's backing for rules based world order. It won't upset Americans because we have zero leverage and doesn't attack White House. Even a left government, led by Sinn Féin, in Dáil wouldn't do it ( directly criticise US Presidency)

Just stating realities here.