Daily Archives: January 8, 2020

2020-01-08: News Headlines

Nathan Raia (2020-01-08). Democracy: when the opposition is the Media. mronline.org One more court case has been opened against the former Ecuadorian president, Rafael Correa. The elite with the help of the corporate media are trying to get him behind bars. Also, a council has been created, by the executive, to control the judiciary, proving that there is no impartial process for the victims of lawfare. | Source

Staff (2020-01-08). Headlines for January 8, 2020. democracynow.org Iran Strikes 2 Iraqi Bases in Retaliation for Soleimani's Assassination, McConnell Says He Has Enough Votes to Open Impeachment Trial Without Witnesses, Trump Declares Emergency for Puerto Rico Following Earthquake, Spain Poised to Form First Progressive Coalition Government Since 1930s, Argentina Deals Blow to Legitimacy of Venezuela's U.S.-Backed Opposition, Indian Workers & Students Launch Strike to Protest Privatization, Wet'suwet'en Nation Issues Eviction Notice to Workers of Pipeline Company in Canada, Planned Parenthood Attacked with Incendiary Device in Delaware, NYT: More Than 20 Shootings at After Schoo…

teleSUR (2020-01-08). Brazil: Lula Criticized Bolsonaro's Servility to Washington. telesurenglish.net Brazil's Workers Party leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva told Wednesday far-right President Jair Bolsonaro to stop "kneeling" before U.S. President Donald Trump with his support to the U.S. offensive launched on Jan. 2 against Iran. | RELATED: | Brazilians Ask Bolsonaro Not to Comment on US Attack in Iraq | Lula emphasized, during the live interview by DC…

teleSUR (2020-01-08). Landless Workers Begin Vigil Against Evictions in Brazil. telesurenglish.net At least two months after the Free Lula Vigil ended, the Brazilian city of Curitiba, in Parana state, has become the scenario of new demonstrations led by the Landless Workers' Movement (MTS) to denounce possible evictions. | RELATED: | A 1st Year to Forget: 80% Distrust Brazil's Bolsonaro | Data published on the website of the Workers' Party (PT) warn that 212 families are running the…

teleSUR (2020-01-08). Twitter Suspends Dozens of Accounts of Venezuelan Officials. telesurenglish.net Twitter accounts linked to Venezuela's Central Bank, the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB), public media, political leaders, and journalists were suspended without explanation on Tuesday. | RELATED: | Venezuelan National Assembly To Reactivate Legislative Agenda | Accounts belonging to the FANB Strategic Operating Command and Press Department…

teleSUR (2020-01-08). Ecuador Buys $4m Worth of Non-Lethal Weapons for Armed Forces. telesurenglish.net Ecuador's Ministry of Defense announced Monday it will purchase US$3.6 million worth of non-lethal weapons and riot gear for the Armed Forces, ahead of new strikes called by various social and Indigenous groups for the first quarter of 2020. | RELATED: | UN: Unnecessary and Disproportionate Repression in Ecuador | "Following NATO's criteria, we have bought gear to Israel, France, and the United States," Minister of Defense Oswaldo Jarrin told the press, adding that the gear will be…

teleSUR (2020-01-08). Iran's Attack Caused No Deaths or Damage, President Trump Says. telesurenglish.net In his first official statement following Iran's missile strikes on two U.S. military bases in Iraq, President Donald Trump denied that U.S. citizens had died as a result of that military action. | RELATED: | Iran Strikes US Forces in Ain al-Assad and Erbil Base in Iraq | "We suffered no casualties. All of our soldiers are safe and only minimal damage was susta…

teleSUR (2020-01-08). Bolivia: Right-Wing Discredits Possible Socialist Candidate. telesurenglish.net The Vice-President of the Confederation of Coca Growers in the Cochabamba Tropics, Andronico Rodriguez, who is also the possible presidential candidate of the Movement Towards Socialism (MAS), denounced Wednesday that Bolivia's coup-based government tries to discredit him by presenting him as a security threat. | RELATED: | Bolivia's MAS to Launch Presidential Campaign in Argentina | "This is very unfortunate. The de facto government wants the population to think that I am lookin…

teleSUR (2020-01-08). Colombia: A Woman Is the First Social Leader Killed This Year. telesurenglish.net Colombia's first political assassination of this year occurred in the Putumayo Department on Monday night when hitmen murdered Gloria Ocampo, the Estrella Community Action Board (JAC) Secretary. | RELATED: | Colombia's Truth Commission Rejects Threats to Social Leaders | "Two men arrived at Gloria's house and asked about her. She identified herself and they shot her repeatedly," local outlet El Tiempo reported. | Ocampo stood out in her community because she promoted the volunta…

WSWS (2020-01-08). Fascist group carries out terrorist attack in Brazil. wsws.org The Bolsonaro government, which denounces every form of social protest as "terrorism", has remained silent about the firebombing, signaling tacit support for fascist violence.

Glenn Perusek (2020-01-08). Strategy, Tactic, and Organizing. zcomm.org Understanding the difference between strategy and tactics…

Olivia Arigho-Stiles (2020-01-07). Period of Calm Obscures Deepening Crisis of Democracy in Bolivia. counterpunch.org La Paz, Bolivia After the coup in November in which ex-President Evo Morales was forcibly removed from power, the political situation in Bolivia has now settled into what appears to be, a period of calm. Mass protests in the street have ceased, and so have the state killings. But this superficial tranquility belies developments which More

teleSUR (2020-01-07). Chile's MPs Reject Proposal to Probe Troops' Abuses in Haiti. telesurenglish.net Chile's parliament rejected Tuesday a proposal for the creation of an investigative commission that would be in charge of clarifying the international denunciations of sexual abuses committed by Chilean peacekeepers deployed in Haiti as part of the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUSTAH). | RELATED: | UN Peacekeeping 15-year Mission Ends With Mixed Legacy in Haiti | The proposal had been submitted by Jaime Naranjo, a lawmaker for the Socialist Party of Chile. I…

teleSUR (2020-01-07). Chile: College Admissions Test Suspended Due To Student Protest. telesurenglish.net The Department of Educational Evaluation, Measurement and Registration (Demre) of the University of Chile reported the suspension of the University Selection Test (PSU) in 64 schools in the country. | RELATED: | Chile's MPs Reject Proposal to Probe Troops' Abuses in Haiti | In a statement published by Radio Bío Bío, the agency argued that the measure se…

teleSUR (2020-01-07). Australian Authorities Warn Bushfire Reprieve Will Be Over Soon. telesurenglish.net Australian authorities warned people on Wednesday to prepare for another wave of evacuations as temperatures in the country's southeast began to rise after a days-long cool spell, bringing the danger of revitalized blazes. | RELATED: | Smoke from Australia Wildfires Traveling 6,800 Miles to Chile | Firefighters have used the break from extreme heat and high winds to strengthen containment lines around several major fires, as the military continued efforts to provide supplies to t…

teleSUR (2020-01-07). Smoke from Australia Wildfires Traveling 6,800 Miles to Chile. telesurenglish.net The smoke from the extensive wildfires in Australia, considered to be the worst of the past century having destroyed some six million hectares (15 million acres), arrived in Chile on Monday after traveling more than 11,000 kilometers (6,820 miles) over the Pacific Ocean, the UN World Meteorological Organization said Tuesday. | RELATED: | Australia: Wildfires Paint the Sky Red, Create Lightning Storms | A meteorological trough — a barometric depression that penetrates betwe…

teleSUR (2020-01-07). Venezuela Urges the US to Abide by International Law. telesurenglish.net Venezuela's Foreign minister Jorge Arreaza urged Tuesday United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to respect international law as well as the sovereignty of the South American country with regards to the National Assembly's newly-elected leadership. | RELATED: | Argentina Doesn't Recognize Guaido, Revokes Envoy's Credentials | "Mr. Pompeo, consider for once that your strategy failed. You showed no skills as puppeteers and now you lost your main puppet. Respect international…

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.

teleSUR (2020-01-07). Argentina Doesn't Recognize Guaido, Revokes Envoy's Credentials. telesurenglish.net Argentina's government said Tuesday it did not recognize lawmaker Juan Guaido as Venezuela's president and revoked the credentials of his representative in Buenos Aires. | RELATED: | Venezuelan Opposition Rejects Juan Guaido's Leadership | The new administration of Argentina's progressive President Alberto Fernandez sent a letter to Elisa Trotta Gamus, who represented Guaido in Argentina, to notify her that her "special mission" in Argentina had been terminated. | "I am writing to you…

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…

news.un (2020-01-07). UN chief monitoring Venezuela developments 'with concern'. news.un.org The latest twist in Venezuela's ongoing political crisis "make urgently needed dialogue even more difficult to achieve", the UN Secretary-General has said.

teleSUR (2020-01-07). Bolivia's MAS to Launch Presidential Campaign in Argentina. telesurenglish.net The campaign for the presidential elections in Bolivia will start on Jan. 22 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where exiled President Evo Morales will lead an event that he hopes will attract more than 15,000 people. | RELATED: | Morales Slams De Facto Bolivian Gov't for Meddling in Venezuela | Morales announced it during a visit to Isla Maciel in Argentina where he also met with religious and Bolivian authorities residing there. | The Indigenous leader also confirmed that on Jan. 1…

commondreams (2020-01-07). Ecuador Ends 2019 with Billions of Dollars Less in International Reserves than IMF Had Predicted, Due to IMF-Endorsed Austerity Measures. commondreams.org ______________________________…

teleSUR (2020-01-07). Trump Lifts Restriction on Aid Delivery to Bolivia. telesurenglish.net The U.S. president, Donald Trump, removed restrictions on foreign aid to Bolivia and considers this Andean country "vital to the interests" of Washington. | RELATED: | Bolivia One Month After the Coup: A Recount of Pivotal Events | According to international media, the decision was communicated in a memorandum sent to the Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, where Trump stressed the importance of assistance to that country in the fiscal year 2020 and for the national interests of the United States…

teleSUR (2020-01-07). Mexico Hosts CELAC Summit And Assumes Pro Tempore Presidency. telesurenglish.net After eight years of its creation, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) remains the only mechanism for political dialogue and consultation that permanently brings together the 33 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. | RELATED: | Bolivia's MAS to Launch Presidential Campaign in Argentina | Tomorrow Mexico will be assumi…

Staff (2020-01-07). Meet Brittany Kaiser, Cambridge Analytica Whistleblower Releasing Troves of New Files from Data Firm. democracynow.org New details are emerging about how the shadowy data firm Cambridge Analytica worked to manipulate voters across the globe, from the 2016 election in the United States to the Brexit campaign in Britain and elections in over 60 other countries, including Malaysia, Kenya and Brazil. A new trove of internal Cambridge Analytica documents and emails are being posted on Twitter detailing the company's operations, including its work with President Trump's former national security adviser John Bolton. The documents come from Cambridge Analytica whistleblower Brittany Kaiser, who worked at the firm for three-and-a-half yea…

Staff (2020-01-07). Cambridge Analytica Whistleblower Reveals Extent of Global Voter Manipulation. truthout.org New details are emerging about how the shadowy data firm Cambridge Analytica worked to manipulate voters across the globe, from the 2016 election in the United States to the Brexit campaign in Britain and elections in over 60 other countries, including Malaysia, Kenya and Brazil. A new trove of internal Cambridge Analytica documents and emails are being posted on Twitter detailing the company's operations, including its work with President Trump's former national security adviser John Bolton. T…

Eds. (2020-01-06). WhatsApp and fake news, or how to kill democracy. mronline.org Fears and anxieties are used to create and diffuse fake news and manipulate the electorate. This is what happened at the last Brazilian election. A group of researchers studied the case in order to develop a method to deal with fake news. | Source

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.

Brasil de Fato (2020-01-06). Ana Maria Primavesi, pioneer of agroecology in Brazil, passes away at 99 years old. peoplesdispatch.org The agricultural engineer Ana Maria Primavesi, global leader in agroecology and a pioneer of the area in Brazil, died this Sunday January 5 due to heart complications. The hundred years of the researcher, born on October 3, will be celebrated in 2020. Primavesi defended the understanding of the soil as a living organism and was responsible for advances in the study of the ecological management of the soil. | The author participated in the second National Agrarian Reform Fair in 2017 in Sao Paulo, where she discussed the relationship between humans and the environment. "Without nature we will no longer exist, it i…

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). Argentina Anti-Hunger Plan Starts, 66,000 Food Cards Allocated. telesurenglish.net Argentinian Alberto Fernandez's administration began its 'Anti-Hunger' program Monday in the northern and poor-stricken province of Chacho with the allocation of 66,499 food cards to low-income families. | RELATED: | Fernandez Gives Argentinians Hope in New Opinion Poll | "The plan seeks to guarantee the right to eat well but, also, it is a great source of employment and promotion for those who produce food in the country," said Minister of Social Development Daniel Arroyo,‚&Auml…

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

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 (2020-01-02). Headlines for January 2, 2020. democracynow.org Iranian-Backed Militia Withdraws After Standoff at U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Reports: 9 Civilians Killed in Syrian Government Strike on School in Idlib, Wildfires Rage in Australia; Floods Kill 16 in Indonesia, Tens of Thousands Protest in Hong Kong on New Year's Day, Thousands March in Santiago, Chile, Against Austerity on New Year's Day, French Rail Workers' Strike Now Longest Since 1968, Netanyahu Asks Parliament for Immunity in Corruption Cases, 16 People Killed in Prison Riot in Zacatecas, Mexico, Pope Francis Condemns Violence Against Women in New Year's Day Speech, Scores of New Laws Take Effect Across the…

Wyatt Reed (2019-12-28). Evo Morales' potential successor speaks out after far-right Bolivia coup: Interview with union leader Andrónico Rodríguez. thegrayzone.com Andrónico Rodríguez could be the next president of Bolivia. The 30-year-old labor organizer speaks about the far-right US-backed coup, repression…

Luiz ignacio lula Da silva (2019-12-28). Prison gave me a greater will to fight. zcomm.org Interview on the reality that Brazil is experiencing and the social protests that have occurred in several Latin American countries…

The Real News (2019-12-28). Chileans Demand New Constitution as Protests Continue. zcomm.org For two months, Chileans have been protesting all over the country on a daily basis…

Ollie Vargas (2019-12-25). Bolivia's free territory of Chapare has ousted the coup regime and is bracing for a bloody re-invasion. thegrayzone.com Spending time with the union members of Chapare, who run society in a collective fashion, offers special insights into the…

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…

Joe Emersberger (2019-12-15). 128 Reuters articles on Bolivia since October 20, 2019 election with no mention of expert criticism of OAS audit UPDATED. zcomm.org Bolivia ¥s foreign minister says Mexico appeal to International Court 'a mistake' Bolivia's YPFB strikes transition deal with Petrobras to extend natural gas exports Bolivia is not a Mexican colony, acting foreign minister Longaric tells El Pais Mexico says Spanish diplomats' cars blocked by Bolivia at La Paz embassy Mexico appeals to international court as diplomatic 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."

2020-01-08: Social Media Postees

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

Landless Workers Begin Vigil Against Evictions in Brazil
telesurenglish.net | 2020-01-08
At least two months after the Free Lula Vigil ended, the Brazilian city of Curitiba, in Parana state, has become the scenario of new demonstrations led by the Landless Workers' Movement (MTS) to denounce possible evictions. | RELATED: | A 1st Year to Forget: 80% Distrust Brazil's Bolsonaro | Data published on the website of the Workers' Party (PT) warn that 212 families are running the…
telesurenglish.net/news/Landless-Workers-Begin-Vigil-Against-Evictions-in-Brazil-20200108-0005.html

Brazil: Lula Criticized Bolsonaro's Servility to Washington
telesurenglish.net | 2020-01-08
Brazil's Workers Party leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva told Wednesday far-right President Jair Bolsonaro to stop "kneeling" before U.S. President Donald Trump with his support to the U.S. offensive launched on Jan. 2 against Iran. | RELATED: | Brazilians Ask Bolsonaro Not to Comment on US Attack in Iraq | Lula emphasized, during the live interview by DC…
telesurenglish.net/news/lula-called-on-bolsonaro-for-his-servility-to-washington–20200108-0009.html

Twitter Suspends Dozens of Accounts of Venezuelan Officials
telesurenglish.net | 2020-01-08
Twitter accounts linked to Venezuela's Central Bank, the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB), public media, political leaders, and journalists were suspended without explanation on Tuesday. | RELATED: | Venezuelan National Assembly To Reactivate Legislative Agenda | Accounts belonging to the FANB Strategic Operating Command and Press Department…
telesurenglish.net/news/twitter-suspends-dozens-of-accounts-of-venezuelan-officials-20200107-0021.html

Ecuador Buys $4m Worth of Non-Lethal Weapons for Armed Forces
telesurenglish.net | 2020-01-08
Ecuador's Ministry of Defense announced Monday it will purchase US$3.6 million worth of non-lethal weapons and riot gear for the Armed Forces, ahead of new strikes called by various social and Indigenous groups for the first quarter of 2020. | RELATED: | UN: Unnecessary and Disproportionate Repression in Ecuador | "Following NATO's criteria, we have bought gear to Israel, France, and the United States," Minister of Defense Oswaldo Jarrin told the press, adding that the gear will be…
telesurenglish.net/news/Ecuador-Buys-4m-Worth-of-Non-Lethal-Weapons-for-Armed-Forces-20200108-0010.html

Democracy: when the opposition is the Media
Nathan Raia | mronline.org | 2020-01-08
One more court case has been opened against the former Ecuadorian president, Rafael Correa. The elite with the help of the corporate media are trying to get him behind bars. Also, a council has been created, by the executive, to control the judiciary, proving that there is no impartial process for the victims of lawfare. | Source…
mronline.org/2020/01/08/democracy-when-the-opposition-is-the-media/

Bolivia: Right-Wing Discredits Possible Socialist Candidate
telesurenglish.net | 2020-01-08
The Vice-President of the Confederation of Coca Growers in the Cochabamba Tropics, Andronico Rodriguez, who is also the possible presidential candidate of the Movement Towards Socialism (MAS), denounced Wednesday that Bolivia's coup-based government tries to discredit him by presenting him as a security threat. | RELATED: | Bolivia's MAS to Launch Presidential Campaign in Argentina | "This is very unfortunate. The de facto government wants the population to think that I am lookin…
telesurenglish.net/news/Bolivia-Right-Wing-Discredits-Possible-Socialist-Candidate-20200108-0001.html

Colombia: A Woman Is the First Social Leader Killed This Year
telesurenglish.net | 2020-01-08
Colombia's first political assassination of this year occurred in the Putumayo Department on Monday night when hitmen murdered Gloria Ocampo, the Estrella Community Action Board (JAC) Secretary. | RELATED: | Colombia's Truth Commission Rejects Threats to Social Leaders | "Two men arrived at Gloria's house and asked about her. She identified herself and they shot her repeatedly," local outlet El Tiempo reported. | Ocampo stood out in her community because she promoted the volunta…
telesurenglish.net/news/Colombia-A-Woman-Is-the-First-Social-Leader-Killed-This-Year-20200108-0003.html

Fascist group carries out terrorist attack in Brazil
wsws.org | 2020-01-08
The Bolsonaro government, which denounces every form of social protest as "terrorism", has remained silent about the firebombing, signaling tacit support for fascist violence.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2020/01/08/braz-j08.html

Strategy, Tactic, and Organizing
Glenn Perusek | zcomm.org | 2020-01-08
Understanding the difference between strategy and tactics…
zcomm.org/znetarticle/strategy-tactic-and-organizing/

Chile's MPs Reject Proposal to Probe Troops' Abuses in Haiti
telesurenglish.net | 2020-01-07
Chile's parliament rejected Tuesday a proposal for the creation of an investigative commission that would be in charge of clarifying the international denunciations of sexual abuses committed by Chilean peacekeepers deployed in Haiti as part of the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUSTAH). | RELATED: | UN Peacekeeping 15-year Mission Ends With Mixed Legacy in Haiti | The proposal had been submitted by Jaime Naranjo, a lawmaker for the Socialist Party of Chile. I…
telesurenglish.net/news/Chiles-MPs-Reject-Proposal-to-Probe-Troops-Abuses-in-Haiti–20200107-0014.html

Chile: College Admissions Test Suspended Due To Student Protest
telesurenglish.net | 2020-01-07
The Department of Educational Evaluation, Measurement and Registration (Demre) of the University of Chile reported the suspension of the University Selection Test (PSU) in 64 schools in the country. | RELATED: | Chile's MPs Reject Proposal to Probe Troops' Abuses in Haiti | In a statement published by Radio Bío Bío, the agency argued that the measure se…
telesurenglish.net/news/chile-college-admissions-test-suspended-due-to-student-protest-20200107-0016.html

Period of Calm Obscures Deepening Crisis of Democracy in Bolivia
Olivia Arigho-Stiles | counterpunch.org | 2020-01-07
La Paz, Bolivia After the coup in November in which ex-President Evo Morales was forcibly removed from power, the political situation in Bolivia has now settled into what appears to be, a period of calm. Mass protests in the street have ceased, and so have the state killings. But this superficial tranquility belies developments which…
counterpunch.org/2020/01/07/period-of-calm-obscures-deepening-crisis-of-democracy-in-bolivia/

Period of Calm Obscures Deepening Crisis of Democracy in Bolivia
Olivia Arigho-Stiles | counterpunch.org | 2020-01-07
La Paz, Bolivia After the coup in November in which ex-President Evo Morales was forcibly removed from power, the political situation in Bolivia has now settled into what appears to be, a period of calm. Mass protests in the street have ceased, and so have the state killings. But this superficial tranquility belies developments which…
counterpunch.org/2020/01/07/period-of-calm-obscures-deepening-crisis-of-democracy-in-bolivia/

Smoke from Australia Wildfires Traveling 6,800 Miles to Chile
telesurenglish.net | 2020-01-07
The smoke from the extensive wildfires in Australia, considered to be the worst of the past century having destroyed some six million hectares (15 million acres), arrived in Chile on Monday after traveling more than 11,000 kilometers (6,820 miles) over the Pacific Ocean, the UN World Meteorological Organization said Tuesday. | RELATED: | Australia: Wildfires Paint the Sky Red, Create Lightning Storms | A meteorological trough — a barometric depression that penetrates betwe…
telesurenglish.net/news/Smoke-from-Australia-Wildfires-Traveling-6800-Miles-to-Chile-20200107-0007.html

Australian Authorities Warn Bushfire Reprieve Will Be Over Soon
telesurenglish.net | 2020-01-07
Australian authorities warned people on Wednesday to prepare for another wave of evacuations as temperatures in the country's southeast began to rise after a days-long cool spell, bringing the danger of revitalized blazes. | RELATED: | Smoke from Australia Wildfires Traveling 6,800 Miles to Chile | Firefighters have used the break from extreme heat and high winds to strengthen containment lines around several major fires, as the military continued efforts to provide supplies to t…
telesurenglish.net/news/Australian-Authorities-Warn-Bushfire-Reprieve-Will-Be-Over-Soon-20200107-0020.html

Venezuela Urges the US to Abide by International Law
telesurenglish.net | 2020-01-07
Venezuela's Foreign minister Jorge Arreaza urged Tuesday United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to respect international law as well as the sovereignty of the South American country with regards to the National Assembly's newly-elected leadership. | RELATED: | Argentina Doesn't Recognize Guaido, Revokes Envoy's Credentials | "Mr. Pompeo, consider for once that your strategy failed. You showed no skills as puppeteers and now you lost your main puppet. Respect international…
telesurenglish.net/news/Venezuela-Urges-the-US-to-Abide-by-International-Law-20200107-0022.html

Guaidó and supporters storm Venezuelan Parliament building
Peoples Dispatch | peoplesdispatch.org | 2020-01-07
The far-right Venezuelan opposition led by Juan Guaidó continues to manufacture international media charades in order to spread lies and create chaos. After losing his post as president of the National Assembly on Sunday January 5 to Luis Parra of the center party Justice First (PJ), Guaidó has refused to recognize the results and set up a parallel parliament. Today, the first ordinary session of the National Assembly was held under the direction of the newly elected leadership. | The session which met quorum and was carried out normally was denounced by far-right opposition legislators as being a "farce." As had…
peoplesdispatch.org/2020/01/07/guaido-and-supporters-storm-venezuelan-parliament-building/

Bolivia's MAS to Launch Presidential Campaign in Argentina
telesurenglish.net | 2020-01-07
The campaign for the presidential elections in Bolivia will start on Jan. 22 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where exiled President Evo Morales will lead an event that he hopes will attract more than 15,000 people. | RELATED: | Morales Slams De Facto Bolivian Gov't for Meddling in Venezuela | Morales announced it during a visit to Isla Maciel in Argentina where he also met with religious and Bolivian authorities residing there. | The Indigenous leader also confirmed that on Jan. 1…
telesurenglish.net/news/mas-to-launch-presidential-campaign-on-jan-22nd-in-argentina-20200107-0012.html

UN chief monitoring Venezuela developments 'with concern'
news.un.org | 2020-01-07
The latest twist in Venezuela's ongoing political crisis "make urgently needed dialogue even more difficult to achieve", the UN Secretary-General has said.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2020/01/1054881

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

Argentina Doesn't Recognize Guaido, Revokes Envoy's Credentials
telesurenglish.net | 2020-01-07
Argentina's government said Tuesday it did not recognize lawmaker Juan Guaido as Venezuela's president and revoked the credentials of his representative in Buenos Aires. | RELATED: | Venezuelan Opposition Rejects Juan Guaido's Leadership | The new administration of Argentina's progressive President Alberto Fernandez sent a letter to Elisa Trotta Gamus, who represented Guaido in Argentina, to notify her that her "special mission" in Argentina had been terminated. | "I am writing to you…
telesurenglish.net/news/Argentina-Doesnt-Recognize-Guaido-Revokes-Envoys-Credentials-20200107-0005.html

Ecuador Ends 2019 with Billions of Dollars Less in International Reserves than IMF Had Predicted, Due to IMF-Endorsed Austerity Measures
commondreams.org | 2020-01-07
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commondreams.org/newswire/2020/01/07/ecuador-ends-2019-billions-dollars-less-international-reserves-imf-had-predicted?cd-origin=rss

Mexico Hosts CELAC Summit And Assumes Pro Tempore Presidency
telesurenglish.net | 2020-01-07
After eight years of its creation, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) remains the only mechanism for political dialogue and consultation that permanently brings together the 33 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. | RELATED: | Bolivia's MAS to Launch Presidential Campaign in Argentina | Tomorrow Mexico will be assumi…
telesurenglish.net/news/mexico-hosts-celac-summit-and-assumes-pro-tempore-presidency-20200107-0017.html

Trump Lifts Restriction on Aid Delivery to Bolivia
telesurenglish.net | 2020-01-07
The U.S. president, Donald Trump, removed restrictions on foreign aid to Bolivia and considers this Andean country "vital to the interests" of Washington. | RELATED: | Bolivia One Month After the Coup: A Recount of Pivotal Events | According to international media, the decision was communicated in a memorandum sent to the Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, where Trump stressed the importance of assistance to that country in the fiscal year 2020 and for the national interests of the United States…
telesurenglish.net/news/Trump-Lifts-Restriction-on-Aid-Delivery-to-Bolivia-20200107-0011.html

Cambridge Analytica Whistleblower Reveals Extent of Global Voter Manipulation
Staff | truthout.org | 2020-01-07
New details are emerging about how the shadowy data firm Cambridge Analytica worked to manipulate voters across the globe, from the 2016 election in the United States to the Brexit campaign in Britain and elections in over 60 other countries, including Malaysia, Kenya and Brazil. A new trove of internal Cambridge Analytica documents and emails are being posted on Twitter detailing the company's operations, including its work with President Trump's former national security adviser John Bolton. T…
truthout.org/video/cambridge-analytica-whistleblower-reveals-extent-of-global-voter-manipulation/

Meet Brittany Kaiser, Cambridge Analytica Whistleblower Releasing Troves of New Files from Data Firm
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-01-07
New details are emerging about how the shadowy data firm Cambridge Analytica worked to manipulate voters across the globe, from the 2016 election in the United States to the Brexit campaign in Britain and elections in over 60 other countries, including Malaysia, Kenya and Brazil. A new trove of internal Cambridge Analytica documents and emails are being posted on Twitter detailing the company's operations, including its work with President Trump's former national security adviser John Bolton. The documents come from Cambridge Analytica whistleblower Brittany Kaiser, who worked at the firm for three-and-a-half yea…
www.democracynow.org/2020/1/7/the_great_hack_cambridge_analytica

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

WhatsApp and fake news, or how to kill democracy
Eds. | mronline.org | 2020-01-06
Fears and anxieties are used to create and diffuse fake news and manipulate the electorate. This is what happened at the last Brazilian election. A group of researchers studied the case in order to develop a method to deal with fake news. | Source…
mronline.org/2020/01/06/whatsapp-and-fake-news-or-how-to-kill-democracy/

Ana Maria Primavesi, pioneer of agroecology in Brazil, passes away at 99 years old
Brasil de Fato | peoplesdispatch.org | 2020-01-06
The agricultural engineer Ana Maria Primavesi, global leader in agroecology and a pioneer of the area in Brazil, died this Sunday January 5 due to heart complications. The hundred years of the researcher, born on October 3, will be celebrated in 2020. Primavesi defended the understanding of the soil as a living organism and was responsible for advances in the study of the ecological management of the soil. | The author participated in the second National Agrarian Reform Fair in 2017 in Sao Paulo, where she discussed the relationship between humans and the environment. "Without nature we will no longer exist, it i…
peoplesdispatch.org/2020/01/06/ana-maria-primavesi-pioneer-of-agroecology-in-brazil-passes-away-at-99-years-old/

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

Argentina Anti-Hunger Plan Starts, 66,000 Food Cards Allocated
telesurenglish.net | 2020-01-06
Argentinian Alberto Fernandez's administration began its 'Anti-Hunger' program Monday in the northern and poor-stricken province of Chacho with the allocation of 66,499 food cards to low-income families. | RELATED: | Fernandez Gives Argentinians Hope in New Opinion Poll | "The plan seeks to guarantee the right to eat well but, also, it is a great source of employment and promotion for those who produce food in the country," said Minister of Social Development Daniel Arroyo,‚&Auml…
telesurenglish.net/news/argentine-anti-hunger-plan-and-food-card-debuts-in-chaco-20200106-0011.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

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/

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/

Evo Morales' potential successor speaks out after far-right Bolivia coup: Interview with union leader Andrónico Rodríguez
Wyatt Reed | thegrayzone.com | 2019-12-28
Andrónico Rodríguez could be the next president of Bolivia. The 30-year-old labor organizer speaks about the far-right US-backed coup, repression…
thegrayzone.com/2019/12/28/andronico-rodriguez-bolivia-coup-interview/

Evo Morales' potential successor speaks out after far-right Bolivia coup: Interview with union leader Andrónico Rodríguez
Wyatt Reed | thegrayzone.com | 2019-12-28
Andrónico Rodríguez could be the next president of Bolivia. The 30-year-old labor organizer speaks about the far-right US-backed coup, repression…
thegrayzone.com/2019/12/28/andronico-rodriguez-bolivia-coup-interview/

Prison gave me a greater will to fight
Luiz ignacio lula Da silva | zcomm.org | 2019-12-28
Interview on the reality that Brazil is experiencing and the social protests that have occurred in several Latin American countries…
zcomm.org/zvideo/prison-gave-me-a-greater-will-to-fight/

Chileans Demand New Constitution as Protests Continue
The Real News | zcomm.org | 2019-12-28
For two months, Chileans have been protesting all over the country on a daily basis…
zcomm.org/zvideo/chileans-demand-new-constitution-as-protests-continue/

Bolivia's free territory of Chapare has ousted the coup regime and is bracing for a bloody re-invasion
Ollie Vargas | thegrayzone.com | 2019-12-25
Spending time with the union members of Chapare, who run society in a collective fashion, offers special insights into the…
thegrayzone.com/2019/12/24/bolivia-free-territory-chapare-coup-invasion/

Bolivia's free territory of Chapare has ousted the coup regime and is bracing for a bloody re-invasion
Ollie Vargas | thegrayzone.com | 2019-12-25
Spending time with the union members of Chapare, who run society in a collective fashion, offers special insights into the…
thegrayzone.com/2019/12/24/bolivia-free-territory-chapare-coup-invasion/

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/

128 Reuters articles on Bolivia since October 20, 2019 election with no mention of expert criticism of OAS audit UPDATED
Joe Emersberger | zcomm.org | 2019-12-15
Bolivia ¥s foreign minister says Mexico appeal to International Court 'a mistake' Bolivia's YPFB strikes transition deal with Petrobras to extend natural gas exports Bolivia is not a Mexican colony, acting foreign minister Longaric tells El Pais Mexico says Spanish diplomats' cars blocked by Bolivia at La Paz embassy Mexico appeals to international court as diplomatic Read…
zcomm.org/zblogs/112-reuters-articles-on-bolivia-since-october-20-2019-election-with-no-mention-of-expert-criticism-of-oas-audit/

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