Caracas Notebook

A man stopped me in the street in Caracas and grabbed my hand. I was alarmed, but tried not to look scared. This city sometimes ranks as the most dangerous capital in the world. The practical advice we tend to be given by security consultants boils down to ‘Don’t panic’. ‘Gringos,’ said the man, ‘are good people. Thank you. May God bless you.’ And he was gone.

This has been an emotional week for millions of Venezuelans. And there are plenty here who believe the US administration’s endorsement of a rival president means help is on the way; that somehow, someone outside will solve this. The episode reminded me of an equally awkward moment in 2001 in Zimbabwe. Robert Mugabe had ordered the seizure of white-owned farms, and in order to rally his base he and his cronies had spread the rumour that Britain, or more specifically Prince Charles, was planning to lead an invasion and take power.