Will Venezuela abandon Chavismo?

By David Frum, CNN Contributor

Updated 2158 GMT (0558 HKT) February 19, 2014

A member of the Bolivarian National Police clashes with protestors during a demonstration against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas on Saturday, May 10. Clashes between anti-government protesters and security forces have left more than 40 people dead and about 800 injured since February, according to officials.
Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela
Protests in Venezuela – A member of the Bolivarian National Police clashes with protestors during a demonstration against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas on Saturday, May 10. Clashes between anti-government protesters and security forces have left more than 40 people dead and about 800 injured since February, according to officials.
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Venezuelan riot police stormed four encampments of opposition students on Thursday, May 8, across Caracas, including one in front of the United Nations headquarters in the capital city, detaining hundreds.
Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela
Protests in Venezuela – Venezuelan riot police stormed four encampments of opposition students on Thursday, May 8, across Caracas, including one in front of the United Nations headquarters in the capital city, detaining hundreds.
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Venezuelan National Guard personnel in riot gear dismantle a students' encampment in front of the U.N. headquarters in Caracas on May 8.
Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela
Protests in Venezuela – Venezuelan National Guard personnel in riot gear dismantle a students' encampment in front of the U.N. headquarters in Caracas on May 8.
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Venezuelan riot police arrest a student taking part in an anti-government protest in Caracas on May 8.
Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela
Protests in Venezuela – Venezuelan riot police arrest a student taking part in an anti-government protest in Caracas on May 8.
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Members of the Venezuelan National Guard detain a man during a protest against the government of President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, on Saturday, April 26. Over several months, protesters unhappy with Venezuela's economy and rising crime have squared off against security forces.
Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela
Protests in Venezuela – Members of the Venezuelan National Guard detain a man during a protest against the government of President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, on Saturday, April 26. Over several months, protesters unhappy with Venezuela's economy and rising crime have squared off against security forces.
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Demonstrators destroy a bank sign in Caracas during a protest against the government on Sunday, April 20.
Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela
Protests in Venezuela – Demonstrators destroy a bank sign in Caracas during a protest against the government on Sunday, April 20.
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Police officers shield themselves from fireworks thrown by protesters in Caracas on April 20.
Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela
Protests in Venezuela – Police officers shield themselves from fireworks thrown by protesters in Caracas on April 20.
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A man helps an injured demonstrator in Caracas on April 20.
Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela
Protests in Venezuela – A man helps an injured demonstrator in Caracas on April 20.
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A masked protester watches clashes with the National Police in Caracas on Thursday, April 17.
Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela
Protests in Venezuela – A masked protester watches clashes with the National Police in Caracas on Thursday, April 17.
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A police officer runs from a fire set off by a Molotov cocktail thrown by protesters in Caracas on April 17.
Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela
Protests in Venezuela – A police officer runs from a fire set off by a Molotov cocktail thrown by protesters in Caracas on April 17.
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A masked anti-government demonstrator throws a tear gas canister back at National Police during clashes in Caracas on Saturday, April 12.
Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela
Protests in Venezuela – A masked anti-government demonstrator throws a tear gas canister back at National Police during clashes in Caracas on Saturday, April 12.
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A protester shouts for fellow demonstrators to not attack the National Police trapped under a highway with protesters during clashes on April 12.
Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela
Protests in Venezuela – A protester shouts for fellow demonstrators to not attack the National Police trapped under a highway with protesters during clashes on April 12.
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A student opposed to the Venezuelan government looks toward the National Police during a protest outside the Central University of Venezuela in Caracas on Thursday, April 3.
Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela
Protests in Venezuela – A student opposed to the Venezuelan government looks toward the National Police during a protest outside the Central University of Venezuela in Caracas on Thursday, April 3.
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An opposition student struggles with members of a pro-government group at the Central University of Venezuela on April 3.
Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela
Protests in Venezuela – An opposition student struggles with members of a pro-government group at the Central University of Venezuela on April 3.
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People shout insults at police Tuesday, April 1, during clashes between police and anti-government protesters in Caracas.
Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela
Protests in Venezuela – People shout insults at police Tuesday, April 1, during clashes between police and anti-government protesters in Caracas.
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