The idea that China or Russia would be more friendly to Venezuela is almost laughable. Even Venezuela's corrupt government knows this would piss off its neighbo

The idea that China or Russia would be more friendly to Venezuela is almost laughable. Even Venezuela's corrupt government knows this would piss off its neighbors and the Russians aren't just going to sell you oil. They'll want a military base, submarine dock, or listening post in your country, if not stooges of their own in high positions of government like they did in Ukraine and do in several neighboring countries. I suspect the US has a strong interest in Venezuela not going belly-up and is selling oil just for cash, perhaps turning the wheels on Maduro a bit by having your "enemy" take care of you in a time of need. I imagine Maduro is getting a good price as well. Suddenly all that Socialist talk doesn't make sense when your once wealthy country is dirt poor and the "evil" capitalist neighbor is the guy getting you out of trouble. We don't need anything political or strategic from them, but China and Russia certainly do. Venezuela would be in no position negotiate with these powers and history has shown them how getting into bed with Russia in the Americas tends to end badly. I imagine more civilized and less expansionist countries like Norway want none of the hot mess that is Venezuela and have no problems finding buyers of their oil. It would also be incredibly controversial to Norwegians who believe in human rights and Norway, being a democracy, would bow to the pressure of its people. I don't know why you think Norway would automatically approve such a sale. Just because both countries are 'not the USA' doesn't mean they are bosom buddies or somesuch.