The US Treasury Department has announced that it will temporarily lift sanctions on Venezuelan oil exports and gold for six months, with the option to amend or revoke the authorizations if President Maduro fails to fulfill his commitments. The move has drawn criticism from Republicans, who argue that it supports oppressive regimes and threatens US national security. However, Latin American scholars and energy analysts see it as a positive step towards stabilizing Venezuela's oil industry, which has been plagued by underinvestment and mismanagement.