The petroleum the U.S. gets from Venezuela is “bought at market rates that probably won’t stop”, observes COA’s Eric Farnsworth as violence erupts in the South American country.

"Clearly the economic situation has deteriorated to the point where there are popular and deep frustrations with the [Venezuelan] government," points out AS/COA’s Christopher Sabatini.

The Venezuelan government is “wiping out the ability of the international media to cover the marches [while it] atomizes the opposition,” comments AS/COA’s Christopher Sabatini.

Compared to opposition leader Henrique Capriles, Leopoldo López has been more confrontational at rallying against the government, explains COA’s Eric Farnsworth on the growing street protests in Venezuela.

If the violence worsens in Venezuela ultimately “even the center-left in Latin America are going to have to stand up and recognize this is outrageous what's going on,” suggests COA’s Eric Farnsworth.