World of Politics with Harry McGee

When I first saw the image of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro at the weekend, I was immediately reminded of another dictator — Saddam Hussein.

The photograph released by US authorities showed Maduro after his capture, blindfolded and wearing thick earphones, ostensibly to block out noise. But, as with Saddam, what was most noticeable was the heavy moustache and the passive expression.

Both men had exhibited brutality to retain power in their respective countries and their respective ousters were never going to elicit much sympathy. But it was the manner in which it was done that was so questionable.

It seemed to me that the passivity of those........

© Connacht Tribune