In Focus delivers deeper coverage of the political, cultural, and ideological issues shaping America. Published daily by senior writers and experts, these in-depth pieces go beyond the headlines to give readers the full picture. You can find our full list of In Focus pieces here.

With this week’s arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, along with her three destroyers and one attack submarine escort, the U.S. military has completed a major buildup around Venezuela. It could now credibly attempt a decapitation operation against dictator Nicolas Maduro should President Donald Trump order it. The president has already authorized CIA action to destabilize Maduro’s regime.