Monthly Archives: January 2020

2020-01-07: News Headlines

WSWS (2020-01-07). Maduro government ousts Guaidó as speaker of the Venezuelan National Assembly. wsws.org The move to sideline the opposition is largely based on calculations that it can exploit the war crisis in the Middle East and growing popular opposition to the lawlessness of US foreign policy.

Staff (2020-01-07). Headlines for January 7, 2020. democracynow.org John Bolton Willing to Testify in Senate Impeachment Trial, Confusion in Pentagon & Trump Administration over U.S. Policy on Iran, Julián Castro Endorses Elizabeth Warren, U.S. Can Now Deport Mexican Asylum Seekers to Guatemala, Wildfires Rage in Australia; India Suffered Hottest Decade on Record, Harvey Weinstein Charged with Rape in Los Angeles County, Mexico: 60,000 People Disappeared Since U.S.-Backed Drug War Began, Bolivia Sets May 3 Date for New Election, After Morales's Ouster, Confusion over Leader of National Assembly Reigns in Venezuela, Earthquake Knocks Out Power Across Puerto Rico, Men Sue Boy Scout…

Paul Dobson (2020-01-06). Venezuelan Government and Opposition Fraction Announce Release of 14 'Political Prisoners'. venezuelanalysis.com The National Roundtable for Peaceful Dialogue also offered its backing to the new National Assembly president, Luis Parra.

Lucas Koerner (2020-01-06). Venezuela: Guaido Replaced as Parliament Head in Disputed Vote. globalresearch.ca Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido was handed a defeat Sunday in his bid to secure reelection as president of the country's National Assembly (AN). | With the votes of reportedly 81 of 150 lawmakers, opposition Deputy for Yaracuy State Luis Parra…

teleSUR (2020-01-06). Morales Slams De Facto Bolivian Gov't for Meddling in Venezuela. telesurenglish.net The democratically elected President of Bolivia, Evo Morales, said that the de facto regime has behaved in a "wild" way after the violent repression last November following the coup d'etat against him. | RELATED: | Evo Morales: Bolivia's Top Judge Must Take Charge, Call Elections | "In my administration, during the conflict, there was no death from bullets. From November 11 to 20, the coup plotters caused more than 30 deaths from bullets and 400 wounded, there lies savagery. Fo…

teleSUR (2020-01-06). Venezuelan National Assembly To Reactivate Legislative Agenda. telesurenglish.net The new President of the National Assembly (NA) of Venezuela Luis Parra said Monday that the new directive will work to "reactivate the legislative agenda" and move towards the formation of a National Electoral Council (CNE) to regulate the next round of elections in the country. | RELATED: | Morales Slams De Facto Bolivian Gov't for Meddling in Venezuela | The deputy of the Venezuelan opposition political party "Justice First" questioned the actions of lawmakers Juan Guaido wh…

teleSUR (2020-01-06). Colombia's Truth Commission Rejects Threats to Social Leaders. telesurenglish.net The President and Representative of Colombia's Truth Commission Francisco de Roux categorically rejected the new threats against social and Afro-Colombian leaders in northwestern departments of Choco and throughout the country's Pacific coast. | RELATED: | Colombian Gov't and National Strike Committee To Resume Talks | "In previous days we received a report on the horrors of the armed conflict in Choco from the Pacific Inter-Ethnic Truth Commission, whose technical secretary is Leyne…

Peoples Dispatch (2020-01-06). The massacre of Colombia's social leaders continues. peoplesdispatch.org In the last two weeks, at least eight social leaders and militants were brutally killed by gunmen in Colombia. These attacks are part of a larger trend of targeting those who work with oppressed communities in the country.

teleSUR (2020-01-05). Colombian Gov't and National Strike Committee To Resume Talks. telesurenglish.net Colombia's government and the National Strike Committee are expected to resume talks on Jan. 19 to look for an agreement that will put an end to the protests, according to Diego Molano, designated by President Ivan Duque to lead the National Dialogue. | RELATED: | Claudia Lopez Makes History as She's Sworn in as Bogota's Mayor | The committee stated…

teleSUR (2020-01-05). Venezuelan Opposition Rejects Juan Guaido's Leadership. telesurenglish.net The Venezuelan opposition stated on Sunday that they would not be seeking the reelection of the self-proclaimed president Juan Guaidó. According to their statement, the opposition is choosing to move forward without Guaido, as his corruption and failures have worsened their cause. | RELATED: | Venezuela Condemns US Military Attack in Iraq | The parliamentarians declared themselves in revolt against Guaidó for having used the presidency of the parliament as a personal project to enrich himself.

Andre Vltchek (2020-01-03). Colombia: Where Life has to Defeat Death. dissidentvoice.org In one of the poorest neighborhoods of Bogota, Belen, I saw two people bleeding in the middle of the road. One person was clearly dead. A group of onlookers was moving frantically, shouting loudly. There was an attempt to resurrect an injured man. I asked the driver to inquire whether our help was needed, but …

The Grayzone (2020-01-02). Top 20 The Grayzone stories of 2019: From Venezuela coup attempt to Russiagate delusions, information warfare to new cold war. thegrayzone.com 2019 was a big year for The Grayzone. We traveled the world and broke many stories, exposing the empire's schemes…

Staff (2019-12-30). Headlines for December 30, 2019. democracynow.org Man Stabs 5 Jewish Worshipers Celebrating Hanukkah at Rabbi's Home in New York, Gunman Shoots and Kills 2 Worshipers During Church Service in Texas, U.S. Launches Airstrikes in Iraq & Syria After U.S. Contractor Killed in Iraq, 250,000 People Flee Syrian Government Offensive in Idlib, Bombing Kills 79 in Mogadishu, Somalia, Taliban Agrees to Temporary Ceasefire in Afghanistan, 10 Killed in Strike on Military Parade in Southern Yemen, Politico: Democratic Party Insiders Now Think Sanders Could Win Nomination, WaPo: Giuliani Held Back-Channel Call with Maduro, France: Strikes Against Pension Overhaul Enter 25th Day…

Ricardo Vaz (2019-12-23). Venezuela Repels 'Terrorist' Attack on Military Bases, 1 Soldier Dead. venezuelanalysis.com The assailants stormed several military installations before being engaged by the Venezuelan army.

Joe Emersberger (2019-12-20). Notes on a private TV newscast in Bolivia. The contrast with Venezuela is clear as day. zcomm.org In August, I took detailed notes a news broadcast on one of Venezuela's largest TV networks. I summarized these notes in an interview I did with the Real News Network making the point that Venezuela's private media (which reaches 60-90% of households) is remarkably free — most especially when you consider the US is openly Read more…

Lucas Koerner and Ricardo Vaz (2019-12-18). Venezuela: Guaido Introduces Remote Voting in Bid to Secure Reelection. venezuelanalysis.com The opposition leader has been under fire amid recent scandals.

Paul Dobson (2019-12-16). ALBA Summit: Venezuela Promises to Relaunch PetroCaribe in 2020. venezuelanalysis.com Heads of state also pledged to bolster various regional social programs including the Miracle Mission and Latin American Medical Schools.

Joe Emersberger (2019-12-16). Francisco Rodriguez answers some questions I asked about Venezuela. zcomm.org Venezuelan economist Francisco Rodriguez, formerly of Torino Economics, answered a few questions of mine about his country. He was the economic adviser to Henri Falcon, the second place finisher in the May 2018 presidential election. His updated estimate for 2019 is that Venezuela's real GDP will contract by 25% . That's horrific, but less severe Read more…

Ricardo Vaz (2019-12-11). Venezuela Oil Production Continues Slow Recovery. venezuelanalysis.com According to state oil company PDVSA, production is again approaching one million barrels per day.

Paul Dobson (2019-12-09). Venezuela's Civilian Militia Surpasses Target, Reaches 3.3 Million Members. venezuelanalysis.com The body is due to be legally incorporated into the Armed Forces as a "combat unit."

Lucas Koerner and Ricardo Vaz (2019-12-05). Venezuela: Guaido Embattled as Opposition Splits over New Corruption Scandal. venezuelanalysis.com The latest scandal has further called into doubt Guaido's credibility as leader of the opposition.

Lucas Koerner (2019-12-04). TIAR Countries Blacklist Top Venezuelan Officials as US Slaps New Sanctions. venezuelanalysis.com US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused Venezuela of "hijacking" mass anti-neoliberal protests in "our own backyard."

Ricardo Vaz (2019-12-04). Red Cross Chief: Venezuela Aid Being Politicized to 'Destabilize the Country'. venezuelanalysis.com Francesco Rocca slammed the underfunding of aid programs as a problem of "political will."

Paul Dobson (2019-12-02). Venezuela's PDVSA Secures Temporary Lease Extension for Curacao Refinery. venezuelanalysis.com Despite the extension, refinery owners are looking to end the 34-year cooperation under pressure from US sanctions.

Lucas Koerner (2019-11-28). US Vows to 'Reinforce' Sanctions, Accuses Venezuela and Cuba of Stirring Regional 'Strife'. venezuelanalysis.com Elliott Abrams reiterated support for Guaido and denied that sanctions are damaging the Venezuelan economy.

Paul Dobson (2019-11-25). Venezuela Unveils First Gold Processing Complex in Mining Arc. venezuelanalysis.com While already operational, the complex will reportedly be the 5th largest in the continent upon completion.

Lucas Koerner (2019-11-21). Colombia's US Ambassador Advocates 'Covert Actions' Against Venezuela in Leaked Audio. venezuelanalysis.com Top Colombian officials acknowledged failure of regime change in Venezuela and total disarray in Washington.

Paul Dobson (2019-11-18). Venezuelans Protest Bolivia Coup After Diplomatic Break. venezuelanalysis.com The de facto government in La Paz has broken relations with Caracas and recognised Guaido.

Lucas Koerner (2019-11-14). Venezuelan Embassy Attacked in Brazil. venezuelanalysis.com Bolsonaro denied any prior knowledge of the attack.

Ricardo Vaz (2019-11-14). Venezuelan Oil Output Sees Modest Rise in October: OPEC. venezuelanalysis.com Reviving production has led Chevron convert a blending plant back to a crude upgrader for export of heavier grades.

Paul Dobson (2019-11-11). Venezuela Condemns Bolivia Coup d'État. venezuelanalysis.com Government forces and grassroots movements are holding vigils across the country in support of Evo Morales.

Ricardo Vaz and Lucas Koerner (2019-11-06). US Authorizes Tax Payments to Maduro Gov't, Sanctions Five More Venezuelan Officials. venezuelanalysis.com Washington has eased some of the restrictions imposed under its recent Venezuela embargo.

Paul Dobson (2019-11-04). Venezuela, El Salvador Break Relations as Maduro Applauds 'New Anti-Neoliberal Wave'. venezuelanalysis.com Guatemala's president-elect has similarly pledged to break with the Maduro government upon assuming office in January.

Ricardo Vaz (2019-11-01). Venezuelan Leftist Parties and Unions Stage Protest, Demand Gov't Answers. venezuelanalysis.com Dozens of activists demanded better wages and respect for collective bargaining rights.

Ricardo Vaz (2019-10-30). Venezuela: Opposition Demands Bond Annulment, Gov't Grants Rosneft Tax Breaks. venezuelanalysis.com Rosneft will reportedly invest in natural gas production in Venezuela.

Paul Dobson (2019-10-28). Venezuela Applauds Regional Leftist Victories. venezuelanalysis.com Caracas rejoiced at the "defeat of the IMF" in elections in Argentina, Uruguay, and swathes of Colombia this Sunday.

Lucas Koerner (2019-10-23). US Renews Chevron License as European Refiner Cuts Venezuela Ties over Sanctions. venezuelanalysis.com Finnish-Venezuelan refiner Nynas is one of PDVSA's few remaining cash buyers.

Paul Dobson (2019-10-21). Venezuela Government Hosts International Commune Congress. venezuelanalysis.com Maduro affirmed that popular power is "the soul" of the Bolivarian project.

2020-01-07: Social Media Postees

Please be social by posting these 'POSTEES' on social media!

Maduro government ousts Guaidó as speaker of the Venezuelan National Assembly
wsws.org | 2020-01-07
The move to sideline the opposition is largely based on calculations that it can exploit the war crisis in the Middle East and growing popular opposition to the lawlessness of US foreign policy.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2020/01/07/vene-j07.html

Venezuelan Government and Opposition Fraction Announce Release of 14 'Political Prisoners'
Paul Dobson | venezuelanalysis.com | 2020-01-06
The National Roundtable for Peaceful Dialogue also offered its backing to the new National Assembly president, Luis Parra.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14757

Venezuela: Guaido Replaced as Parliament Head in Disputed Vote
Lucas Koerner | globalresearch.ca | 2020-01-06
Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido was handed a defeat Sunday in his bid to secure reelection as president of the country's National Assembly (AN). | With the votes of reportedly 81 of 150 lawmakers, opposition Deputy for Yaracuy State Luis Parra…
globalresearch.ca/venezuela-guaido-replaced-parliament-head-disputed-vote/5699817

Morales Slams De Facto Bolivian Gov't for Meddling in Venezuela
telesurenglish.net | 2020-01-06
The democratically elected President of Bolivia, Evo Morales, said that the de facto regime has behaved in a "wild" way after the violent repression last November following the coup d'etat against him. | RELATED: | Evo Morales: Bolivia's Top Judge Must Take Charge, Call Elections | …
telesurenglish.net/news/Morales-Slams-De-Facto-Bolivian-Govt-for-Meddling-in-Venezuela-20200106-0003.html

Venezuelan National Assembly To Reactivate Legislative Agenda
telesurenglish.net | 2020-01-06
The new President of the National Assembly (NA) of Venezuela Luis Parra said Monday that the new directive will work to "reactivate the legislative agenda" and move towards the formation of a National Electoral Council (CNE) to regulate the next round of elections in the country. | RELATED: | Morales Slams De Facto Bolivian Gov't for Meddling in Venezuela | The deputy of the Venezuelan opposition political party "Justice First" questioned the actions of lawmakers Juan Guaido wh…
telesurenglish.net/news/venezuelan-national-assembly-to-reactivate-legislative-agenda-20200106-0014.html

Colombia's Truth Commission Rejects Threats to Social Leaders
telesurenglish.net | 2020-01-06
The President and Representative of Colombia's Truth Commission Francisco de Roux categorically rejected the new threats against social and Afro-Colombian leaders in northwestern departments of Choco and throughout the country's Pacific coast. | RELATED: | Colombian Gov't and National Strike Committee To Resume Talks | "In previous days we received a report on the horrors of the armed conflict in Choco from the Pacific Inter-Ethnic Truth Commission, whose technical secretary is Leyne…
telesurenglish.net/news/truth-commission-rejects-threats-to-colombian-social-leaders-20200106-0008.html

The massacre of Colombia's social leaders continues
Peoples Dispatch | peoplesdispatch.org | 2020-01-06
In the last two weeks, at least eight social leaders and militants were brutally killed by gunmen in Colombia. These attacks are part of a larger trend of targeting those who work with oppressed communities in the country.
peoplesdispatch.org/2020/01/06/the-massacre-of-colombias-social-leaders-continues/

Colombian Gov't and National Strike Committee To Resume Talks
telesurenglish.net | 2020-01-05
Colombia's government and the National Strike Committee are expected to resume talks on Jan. 19 to look for an agreement that will put an end to the protests, according to Diego Molano, designated by President Ivan Duque to lead the National Dialogue. | RELATED: | Claudia Lopez Makes History as She's Sworn in as Bogota's Mayor | The committee stated…
telesurenglish.net/news/colombia-government-and-comite-del-paro-to-resume-talks–20200105-0012.html

Venezuela: Guaido Replaced as Parliament Head in Disputed Vote
Lucas Koerner and Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2020-01-05
Pro-Guaido opposition lawmakers have rejected the vote, forming a parallel parliament with US and international right-wing support.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14755

Venezuelan Opposition Rejects Juan Guaido's Leadership
telesurenglish.net | 2020-01-05
The Venezuelan opposition stated on Sunday that they would not be seeking the reelection of the self-proclaimed president Juan Guaidó. According to their statement, the opposition is choosing to move forward without Guaido, as his corruption and failures have worsened their cause. | RELATED: | Venezuela Condemns US Military Attack in Iraq | The parliamentarians declared themselves in revolt against Guaidó for having used the presidency of the parliament as a personal project to enrich himself.
telesurenglish.net/news/Venezuelan-Opposition-Rejects-Juan-Guaidos-Leadership-20200105-0003.html

Colombia: Where Life has to Defeat Death
Andre Vltchek | dissidentvoice.org | 2020-01-03
In one of the poorest neighborhoods of Bogota, Belen, I saw two people bleeding in the middle of the road. One person was clearly dead. A group of onlookers was moving frantically, shouting loudly. There was an attempt to resurrect an injured man. I asked the driver to inquire whether our help was needed, but …
dissidentvoice.org/2020/01/colombia-where-life-has-to-defeat-death/

Top 20 The Grayzone stories of 2019: From Venezuela coup attempt to Russiagate delusions, information warfare to new cold war
The Grayzone | thegrayzone.com | 2020-01-02
2019 was a big year for The Grayzone. We traveled the world and broke many stories, exposing the empire's schemes…
thegrayzone.com/2020/01/01/top-20-the-grayzone-stories-of-2019/

Headlines for December 30, 2019
Staff | democracynow.org | 2019-12-30
Man Stabs 5 Jewish Worshipers Celebrating Hanukkah at Rabbi's Home in New York, Gunman Shoots and Kills 2 Worshipers During Church Service in Texas, U.S. Launches Airstrikes in Iraq & Syria After U.S. Contractor Killed in Iraq, 250,000 People Flee Syrian Government Offensive in Idlib, Bombing Kills 79 in Mogadishu, Somalia, Taliban Agrees to Temporary Ceasefire in Afghanistan, 10 Killed in Strike on Military Parade in Southern Yemen, Politico: Democratic Party Insiders Now Think Sanders Could Win Nomination, WaPo: Giuliani Held Back-Channel Call with Maduro, France: Strikes Against Pension Overhaul Enter 25th Day…
www.democracynow.org/2019/12/30/headlines

Venezuela Repels 'Terrorist' Attack on Military Bases, 1 Soldier Dead
Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-12-23
The assailants stormed several military installations before being engaged by the Venezuelan army.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14752

Notes on a private TV newscast in Bolivia. The contrast with Venezuela is clear as day
Joe Emersberger | zcomm.org | 2019-12-20
In August, I took detailed notes a news broadcast on one of Venezuela's largest TV networks. I summarized these notes in an interview I did with the Real News Network making the point that Venezuela's private media (which reaches 60-90% of households) is remarkably free — most especially when you consider the US is openly Read…
zcomm.org/zblogs/notes-on-a-private-tv-newscast-in-bolivia-the-contrast-with-venezuela-is-clear-as-day/

Venezuela: Guaido Introduces Remote Voting in Bid to Secure Reelection
Lucas Koerner and Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-12-18
The opposition leader has been under fire amid recent scandals.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14749

ALBA Summit: Venezuela Promises to Relaunch PetroCaribe in 2020
Paul Dobson | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-12-16
Heads of state also pledged to bolster various regional social programs including the Miracle Mission and Latin American Medical Schools.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14745

Francisco Rodriguez answers some questions I asked about Venezuela
Joe Emersberger | zcomm.org | 2019-12-16
Venezuelan economist Francisco Rodriguez, formerly of Torino Economics, answered a few questions of mine about his country. He was the economic adviser to Henri Falcon, the second place finisher in the May 2018 presidential election. His updated estimate for 2019 is that Venezuela's real GDP will contract by 25% . That's horrific, but less severe Read…
zcomm.org/zblogs/francisco-rodriguez-answers-some-questions-i-asked-him-about-venezuela/

Venezuela Oil Production Continues Slow Recovery
Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-12-11
According to state oil company PDVSA, production is again approaching one million barrels per day.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14744

Venezuela's Civilian Militia Surpasses Target, Reaches 3.3 Million Members
Paul Dobson | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-12-09
The body is due to be legally incorporated into the Armed Forces as a "combat unit."
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14742