
The Venezuelan government's biggest concern is not what the opposition might do next, but what its own armed forces are capable of.
This year will be the most difficult for Venezuela to weather since oil prices collapsed in 2014, dragging the country's economy down with them. Less than three months into 2017, Caracas is already grappling with relentless inflation and food shortages as well as the uncertainty that has accompanied the new U.S. administration. In the face of troubles that seem to never end, the Venezuelan government has also fended off challenges from its political opponents in the Democratic Unity Roundtable by using offers of conciliation to drive a wedge between them. Caracas' biggest concern, however, is not what the opposition might do next, but what its own armed forces are capable of. A Crisis Is Brewing According to unnamed Stratfor sources, the Venezuelan government has taken to keeping a closer eye on its troops.