On Sunday, three contestants were crowned winners of the inaugural, government-run “Mexico Sings” competition, meant to promote songs that aren’t about drug cartels or violence.

© Luis Antonio Rojas for The New York Times

The move paves the way for a possible military escalation against drug traffickers or the government of Nicolás Maduro.

© Eric Lee/The New York Times

The Trump administration is ratcheting up pressure on Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s president, while attacking boats in the Caribbean Sea.

© Ricardo Arduengo/Reuters

The Trump administration’s Venezuela policy is driven by a desire for vindication and revenge.

Even if the allegations are correct, blowing up the boats is a lawless exercise in the use of deadly force.