Brewing Crisis in Venezuela Over Shortages, Protests and Arrests

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Shortages and long lines have sparked violence and arrests in Venezuela.  Consumers now spend hours in lines for a chance to buy basic necessities, but there are no guarantees about what will be available.  The opposition continues to call for peaceful demonstrations and point to the failure of government policies, while international accrediting agencies warn investors of a deteriorating situation.  President Nicolás Maduro has charged dark forces (namely, the United States and its rightwing minions in Venezuela) of plotting an “economic coup,” and went on a two-week international tour in search of economic assistance.  Latin American commentators have weighed in with various diagnoses, condemnations, and grim assessments.