(2019-12-23). The vanguard of Chavism has a woman's face: A chronicle of their resistance in 2019. mronline.org 
In the middle of the year, we Venezuelans received a visit from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michel Bachelet, on the occasion of meeting with the different political actors in the country to "evaluate" the complex economic and social environment brought about by the White House's decision. | Source
(2019-12-23). The Revolution and the Land: Peruvian documentary about agrarian reform in the 1960s and '70s attracts great interest. wsws.org The documentary brings to life the centuries-long exploitation of the indigenous Peruvian peasantry, but fails to provide a coherent political analysis of the rise and fall of Gen. Velasco's regime.
(2019-12-23). Barge with 2 TONS of diesel fuel on board sinks off Galapagos Islands, triggering environmental emergency (VIDEO). rt.com 
A barge carrying 600 gallons of diesel fuel sank near the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, causing a massive spill off the islands chain's coast and sparking a frantic effort by the authorities to prevent the fuel from spreading. | The incident occurred at a port on San Cristobal island, and saw a barge going underwater after a crane, which was about to load a container with a diesel generator onto the boat, came crashing down. The impact from the collapse tilted the barge, causing it to capsize along with its precarious cargo. One person was injured in the incident. | Esto pasó hoy en San Cristóbal, muelle El Pred…
(2019-12-23). Soldier killed in military base attack in Venezuela. yenisafak.com Venezuela's defense minister confirmed that one soldier was killed in an attack on a military base in the southeastern Gran Sabana region."In the early morning hours today, a military unit in the south of the country was assaulted by extremist sectors of the opposition, and a batch of weapons was taken from the unit," Vladimir Padrino Lopez announced Sunday on Twitter."From this terrorist attack, an army troop was killed."Padrino added that police and military agents were deployed in the area and managed to capture some of the attackers, as well as the stolen weapons.He said the detainees are providing informatio…
(2019-12-22). Around The World 74: Chile uprising, Algeria protests. peoplesdispatch.org It's been over two months since the momentous uprising in Chile. It began with a protest about a hike in metro fares and ended up as the largest protest in the country since the end of the civic-military dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. The people of Chile made it clear that it was structural change they wanted. In this episode of Around the World in 8 minutes, we look at the situation in Chile now, as well as protests in Algeria and Poland.
(2019-12-22). Grassroots Democracy & the Social Production of Housing. zcomm.org Venezuela's cities have given birth to a powerful social movement aiming at urban reorganization through self-governed assembly processes…
(2019-12-22). Throughout South America, Structural Violence Is Showing Up as Street Violence. zcomm.org Ecuador was only the latest indicator of what's possible when indigenous movements exercise their power. It also showed what's at stake…
(2019-12-22). 1 killed in attack by 'extremist sectors of opposition' on Venezuela's army unit — Caracas. rt.com 
A Venezuelan army trooper has been killed in an attack on a military unit, carried out by "extremist sectors of the opposition," on Sunday morning, Venezuela's Defense | Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said on Twitter. | A large haul of weapons was stolen from the unit during the attack, but has swiftly been recovered, as multiple police and military were scrambled to chase the assailants. | Six of the perpetrators were captured and are now being interrogated by the security forces. | Venezuela's Minster of Communication Jorge Rodriguez said the suspects had been trained in "fully identified paramilitary camps…
(2019-12-21). Two months of Chilean resistance. peoplesdispatch.org 
December 18 marked two months since the Chilean people began their struggle against the neoliberal model which has made Chile one of the most unequal countries in the region. The neoliberal model has been in place since the last civic-military dictatorship and has been intensified by the austerity measures of the right-wing government of President Sebastián Piñera. | For the past two days, tens of thousands of people have been mobilizing to commemorate the two months of st…
(2019-12-21). Medical Opinion, Torture, and Julian Assange. dissidentvoice.org 
On November 27 this year, UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Nils Melzer, delivered an address to the German Bundestag outlining his approach to understanding the mental health of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. These comprised two parts, the initial stage covering his diplomatic asylum in the Ecuadorean embassy, the second dealing with his formal detention in …
(2019-12-21). Assange gives evidence in Spanish case against security contractor. wsws.org David Morales, a former Spanish military officer, is accused of spying on Assange in the Ecuadorian embassy and was charged in October with privacy violation, bribery and money laundering.
(2019-12-20). Media, Human Rights Groups Silent Over Politically-Motivated Murder of Journalist in Bolivia. mintpressnews.com 
Sebastian Moro's last known words before he was found were denouncing the kidnappings of government officials and mob attacks on journalists and media outlets.
(2019-12-20). Those who search for dawn don't fear the night; nor the hand that holds the dagger. mronline.org 
Jeanine àÅñez, the 'president' of Bolivia, walked into the Burned Palace (Palacio Quemado) with an enormous Bible in her hand. 'The Bible has returned to the Palace', she said as she seized power. | Source
(2019-12-20). Chronicle of a Coup Foretold. counterpunch.org Will the US left work to normalize the impending coup attempt in Mexico the way it did for Venezuela, Bolivia, Brazil and Nicaragua? Last July I gave a speech in the Left Forum in Brooklyn. When it was over, A young activist stood up and announced, in perfect English, that they were an anarchist from More
(2019-12-20). Headlines for December 20, 2019. democracynow.org Pelosi Delays Sending Impeachment Articles to Senate, 7 Democratic Candidates Debate in Los Angeles, Senate Passes $1.4 Trillion Spending Package, House Passes USMCA to Replace NAFTA, Protests Erupt in Lebanon as President Names New Prime Minister, Number of Killings by Police Soars in Brazil, Sudan Protesters Mark Anniversary of Uprising That Ousted Omar al-Bashir, Report: WA Republican Rep. Matt Shea Participated in Domestic Terrorism, Amazon Facing Criticism over Data Breach with Ring Home Security System…
(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…
(2019-12-20). All I want for Christmas is $23tn in debt: Rand Paul lays waste to reckless US spending in annual Festivus Report. rt.com 
Offering some relief from the impeachment spectacle grinding on in Washington, Senator Rand Paul has released his yearly Festivus Report, chronicling the outrageous — but sometimes comical — spending habits of the US government. | Whether it's funding costly studies on the mating calls of Panamanian frogs, spending millions to improve the quality of television in Moldova or bankrolling Peru's Green New Deal, Washington has found a number of creative ways to blow through tax dollars in 2019. In an epic "airing of grievances" inspired by the TV sitcom Seinfeld, Paul (R-KY) pulled no punches for the f…
(2019-12-19). A Rapist in Your Path. thenation.com 
Street demonstration, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, November 2019. Original lyrics/music by Las Tesis, Chile. Thousands of women are responding to Las Tesis's call for action, organizing hundreds of artistic street demonstrations around the world.
(2019-12-19). Chileans Demand New Constitution as Protests Continue. therealnews.com 
For two months, Chileans have been protesting all over the country on a daily basis.
(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.
(2019-12-18). Wednesday's Daily Brief: Global Refugee Forum, Venezuela human rights, breast cancer hopes. news.un.org Our top stories for Wednesday include: First Global Refugee Forum ends in Geneva; Venezuela misery on multiple fronts, outlined by UN rights chief; and a breast cancer update that could make treatment affordable for millions more women.
(2019-12-18). Headlines for December 18, 2019. democracynow.org House to Hold Historic Impeachment Vote Today, Top U.S. Diplomat to Ukraine William Taylor to Step Down, Rick Gates Sentenced to 45 Days in Jail and $20,000 Fine, FISA Court Orders FBI to Change National Security Wiretaps After DOJ Report, Democratic Primary Debate to Go Forward After Labor Dispute Resolved, Senate Approves One of the Most Expensive Military Spending Bills in U.S. History, Trump Meets with Outgoing Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales, Indian Supreme Court to Hear Challenge to Controversial Citizenship Law, Strikes Continue Nationwide in France over Pension Overhaul, Bolivia's Evo Morales Names Two…
(2019-12-18). Ousted President Evo Morales Says Transnational Corporations, US Gov't Were Behind Bolivia Coup. mintpressnews.com In a tell-all interview with Glen Greenwald from Mexico, ousted Bolivian President Evo Morales recounted the US' heavy hand in fomenting a coup in his country and the reasons behind it.
(2019-12-17). US Venezuelan embassy protectors denied right to fair trial. thegrayzone.com Four US activists protecting Venezuela's embassy in Washington, DC face prison time after the Trump administration illegally arrested them. And now…
(2019-12-17). Reuters Shields OAS Over False Claims That Sparked Bolivia Coup. fair.org 
Reuters ( 12/4/19) highlights the findings of the Organization of American States—while omitting the criticism of those findings. | Organization of American States (OAS) election monitors published a "final report" on December 4— 22 days later than promised—on Bolivia's October 20 presidential election, won by President Evo Morales. The tardy release of the fin…
(2019-12-16). Viral Chilean feminist anthem reveals powerful international sentiment against sexual violence. liberationnews.org 
The protest song was first performed for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 20 in Valparaíso, Chile.
(2019-12-16). Argentines Celebrate Inauguration of New Center-Left Government. therealnews.com 
As President Alberto Fernandez and VP Cristina Fernandez take over in Argentina, expectations are high that the new government will reverse the neoliberal policies of the previous government and emphasize progressive social policies.
(2019-12-16). Why Elliott Abrams is Smurf villain Gargamel. thegrayzone.com Trump Administration Special Representative for Venezuela Elliott Abram is not only the spitting image of Gargamel; the Smurfs are a…
(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.
(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…
(2019-12-15). While Evo's MAS party regroups, Bolivia's coup leaders are eating each other alive. thegrayzone.com Humiliating scandals are destroying right-wing leader Luis Fernando Camacho and the right is fracturing as a more militant MAS party…
(2019-12-15). 118 Reuters articles on Bolivia since October 20, 2019 election with no mention of expert criticism of OAS audit UPDATED. zcomm.org Bolivian lawmakers appoint tribunal to set new election date Bolivian prosecutors issue arrest warrant for exiled former president Morales Bolivia's Morales looks to engineer election win from afar, find successor Trump backs Bolivia's interim president, denounces violence Argentina to allow refugee Morales of Bolivia to make political statements Bolivia's interim leader says arrest warrant to be issued Read more…
(2019-12-14). Gobierno de EEUU retira los cargos falsos contra periodista Max Blumenthal. thegrayzone.com El gobierno estadounidense desistió la causa basada en falsas acusaciones de agresión contra el editor de The Grayzone Max Blumenthal…
(2019-12-13). COP25 Was Moved to Spain to Conceal Chilean Government's Human Rights Violations. therealnews.com 
The concept of "loss and damage" and carbon markets are a sticking point at the UN's climate summit, and protests are continuing in Chile, the original site of the talks. Oxfam's Nafkote Dabi and Gary Hughes of Biofuelwatch discuss the realities of COP25.
(2019-12-13). COP25: Developing Countries Charge Ahead with Bold Climate Plans as Rich Countries Drag Their Feet. democracynow.org 
As this year's United Nations climate summit wraps up in Madrid, Spain, many activists, scientists, indigenous and grassroots climate leaders say that rich countries most responsible for the climate emergency have spent the talks dialing back ambition and blocking progress. This comes as deadly droughts, flooding, cyclones and wildfires rage around the world. This week, more than 70 developing countries have announced they will accelerate their climate plans, and 72 countries have signed onto goals to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. But major emitters Australia, China, India, Brazil and Saudi Arabia have…
(2019-12-12). Latin America says 'No to neoliberalism': Ecuador's ex-foreign minister talks uprisings and Assange. thegrayzone.com The Grayzone premieres its new show Red Lines with Anya Parampil with an interview with the former foreign minister of…
(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.
(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."
(2019-12-09). Iran False Flag, Bolivia's Coup Gov Seeks Israel's Help, Israel's Been In Yemen 'Since Day One'. thelastamericanvagabond.com Welcome to The Daily Wrap Up, a concise show dedicated to bringing you the most relevant independent news, as we see it, from the last 24 hours (12/8/19). As always, take the information discussed in the video below and research it for yourself, and come to your own conclusions. Anyone telling you what the truth …
(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.
(2019-12-05). A Facade Drops in Chile. progressive.org The current social revolution is years in the making.
(2019-12-04). Massive Colombia strike hits neoliberal policies, repression. liberationnews.org 
All progressive people should stand in solidarity with all those advocating for the immediate end to the political persecution of human rights, social and political leaders in Colombia.
(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."
(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."
(2019-12-02). ANSWER Statement at 50th Annual Day of Mourning. liberationnews.org 
"We must recognize and defend the alternative that Evo and the people of the Bolivia worked so hard to build…"
(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.
(2019-12-02). Ecuador: From the middle of the world to the end of the world. zcomm.org Demonstration in Quito Ecuador, by Fabiana Lando/Shutterstock.com As its very name suggests, Ecuador is geographically located in the middle of the world. And now, from all appearances, neoliberalism has decided to carry out its end-of-the-world maneuvers in this country. That is perhaps the reason it is coming to the realization that the Ecuadorean people are Read more…
(2019-12-01). American Indian Movement West: No to Bolivia coup! Hands off Venezuela, Cuba! liberationnews.org 
"We declare our full solidarity and support to the heroic resistance of the Indigenous people against the fascist coup. While there is struggle, victory is assured."
(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.
(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.
