U.S. Pressure on Iran-Venezuela-Cuba Crime Network Will Protect Hemisphere

In the Western Hemisphere, some of the gravest threats to U.S. security arise not from conventional armies but from transnational crime-terror networks that exploit permissive states to traffic drugs, engage in money laundering, move people, evade sanctions, and provide cover for terrorist facilitation.

Under President Trump, U.S. policy toward the hemisphere has shifted from passivity to pressure. The objective is straightforward: Dismantle hostile networks operating in our near abroad and deny them permissive access.

About the Author

Michael Baumgartner

Congressman Michael Baumgartner represents the people of Washington’s fifth district and sits on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

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In the Western Hemisphere, some of the gravest threats to U.S. security arise not from conventional armies but from transnational crime-terror networks that exploit permissive states to traffic drugs, engage in money laundering, move people, evade sanctions, and provide cover for terrorist facilitation.

Under President Trump, U.S. policy toward the hemisphere has shifted from passivity to pressure. The objective is straightforward: Dismantle hostile networks operating in our near abroad and deny them permissive access.