Daily Archives: January 9, 2020

2020-01-09: News Headlines

Leonardo Flores (2020-01-09). This might be the final episode of Juan Guaidó's surreal Venezuela regime-change reality show. thegrayzone.com The farcical scene of Juan Guaido attempting to break into Venezuela's National Assembly as its members voted him out was…

sputniknews (2020-01-09). Fires in the Amazon Rainforest Spiked 30% in 2019 – Report. sputniknews.com The number of fires in the Amazon rainforest increased by 30.5% in 2019 compared to the year before, according to data by the Brazilian National Institute for Space Research (INPE).

teleSUR (2020-01-09). 'Venezuela Won't Allow US Meddling in Elections' Arreaza Warns. telesurenglish.net Venezuela's Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza Thursday denounced that the U.S. government is promoting a plan to intervene in the elections of the National Assembly to be held in 2020. | RELATED: | Venezuela Urges the US to Abide by International Law | During his press conference, Arreaza unveiled a diplomatic note that the U.S. government sent to several coun…

sputniknews (2020-01-09). Brazilian Judge Orders Netflix to Take Down Film Depicting Jesus in Gay Relationship. sputniknews.com A Brazilian judge on Wednesday ordered Netflix to stop streaming a Brazilian Christmas satire film that premiered on the platform on December 3. The film has drawn widespread backlash in Brazil over its depiction of Jesus in a same-gender relationship.

teleSUR (2020-01-09). Brazilian Judge Orders Netflix to Stop Showing Gay Jesus Movie. telesurenglish.net The video streaming giant Netflix has been ordered by a Brazilian judge to halt the showing of a controversial movie that depicts Jesus as a gay man. | RELATED: | Brazil: Lula Criticized Bolsonaro's Servility to Washington | According to court documents made public on Wednesday, a Brazlian judge ruled that Netflix was in violation of Brazilian law, pointing out that "the right to freedom of expression … is not absolute." | The show, which is called "The Last Temptation of Christ"

teleSUR (2020-01-09). Pope Calls on Iran, US to Avoid Escalation and Seek Dialogue. telesurenglish.net Pope Francis issued an appeal to the United States and Iran on Thursday calling for the two nations to avoid escalation and to seek dialogue following tit-for-tat strikes in Iraq. | RELATED: | Brazil: Lula Criticized Bolsonaro's Servility to Washington | During his "State of the World" address on Thursday, Pope Francis spent the a great deal of time discussing the ongoing conflicts in the world, along with the affects of global warming. | "Particularly troubling are the signals com…

teleSUR (2020-01-09). Coup Plotters Announce Morales Arrest Warrant With Irony. telesurenglish.net Wielding handcuffs on his hand, Bolivia's Interior Minister Arturo Murillo Wednesday announced that he asked Interpol to activate an international arrest warrant for former President Evo Morales who is accused of sedition and terrorism by the coup-based government led by Jeanine Añez. | RELATED: | Bolivia: Right-Wing Discredits Possible Socialist Candidate | "Nothing is going to happen to you," the de-facto minister said while challenging Morales to return to Bolivia where his "des…

yenisafak (2020-01-09). Turkey offers condolences to rain-battered Peru. yenisafak.com Turkey on Thursday extended condolences to Peru after heavy rains triggered deadly flooding and landslides."We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives and extensive damage caused by flood and landslides in Peru," said the Foreign Ministry in an official statement.The ministry went on to extend condolences to the relatives of victims and to wish a speedy recovery to the injured.This week heavy rainfall in Peru triggered flooding in various states across the country, costing a total of 28 lives, according to local reports.

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). 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 from Israel, France, and the United States," Minister of Defense Oswaldo Jarrin told the press, adding that the gear will b…

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…

Ricardo Vaz (2020-01-08). Venezuela: Guaido Installs Parallel Parliament After Washington Threatens More Sanctions. venezuelanalysis.com The Trump administration is reportedly mulling sanctions against opposition deputies who voted against Guaido.

Fight Back (2020-01-08). Juan Guaidó, the political joke of Venezuela. fightbacknews.org Chicago, IL – Juan Guaidó is not that smart of a politician. He never seems to care much about strategy, or coalition building, or putting forward a serious political platform. The only political talent Guaidó seems to have is in front of the cameras. He knows how to put on a good show for the audience he wants to please. | | While that could be seen throughout the past year, as Guaidó and his allies bumbled their way through one of the worst coup attempts in recent memory, it is the best way to understand what has happened in Venezuela these past few days. | | On Sunday, January 5, Guaidó's support amo…

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…

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.

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…

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 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.

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…

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…

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."

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.

Boaventura de Sousa Santos (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…

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.

CounterSpin (2019-11-15). Alex Main on Bolivia Coup. fair.org Media…

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.

2020-01-09: Social Media Postees

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

This might be the final episode of Juan Guaidó's surreal Venezuela regime-change reality show
Leonardo Flores | thegrayzone.com | 2020-01-09
The farcical scene of Juan Guaido attempting to break into Venezuela's National Assembly as its members voted him out was…
thegrayzone.com/2020/01/08/final-episode-juan-guaido-surreal-regime-change-reality-show/

Pope Calls on Iran, US to Avoid Escalation and Seek Dialogue
telesurenglish.net | 2020-01-09
Pope Francis issued an appeal to the United States and Iran on Thursday calling for the two nations to avoid escalation and to seek dialogue following tit-for-tat strikes in Iraq. | RELATED: | Brazil: Lula Criticized Bolsonaro's Servility to Washington | During his "State of the World" address on Thursday, Pope Francis spent the a great deal of time discussing the ongoing conflicts in the world, along with the affects of global warming. | "Particularly troubling are the signals com…
telesurenglish.net/news/Pope-Calls-on-Iran-US-to-Avoid-Escalation-and-Seek-Dialogue-20200109-0002.html

Brazilian Judge Orders Netflix to Stop Showing Gay Jesus Movie
telesurenglish.net | 2020-01-09
The video streaming giant Netflix has been ordered by a Brazilian judge to halt the showing of a controversial movie that depicts Jesus as a gay man. | RELATED: | Brazil: Lula Criticized Bolsonaro's Servility to Washington | According to court documents made public on Wednesday, a Brazlian judge ruled that Netflix was in violation of Brazilian law, pointing out that "the right to freedom of expression … is not absolute." | The show, which is called "The Last Temptation of Christ"
telesurenglish.net/news/Brazilian-Judge-Orders-Netflix-to-Stop-Showing-Gay-Jesus-Movie-20200109-0004.html

Fires in the Amazon Rainforest Spiked 30% in 2019 – Report
sputniknews.com | 2020-01-09
The number of fires in the Amazon rainforest increased by 30.5% in 2019 compared to the year before, according to data by the Brazilian National Institute for Space Research (INPE).
sputniknews.com/environment/202001091077992128-fires-in-the-amazon-rainforest-spiked-30-in-2019—report/

Brazilian Judge Orders Netflix to Take Down Film Depicting Jesus in Gay Relationship
sputniknews.com | 2020-01-09
A Brazilian judge on Wednesday ordered Netflix to stop streaming a Brazilian Christmas satire film that premiered on the platform on December 3. The film has drawn widespread backlash in Brazil over its depiction of Jesus in a same-gender relationship.
sputniknews.com/society/202001091077991741-brazilian-judge-orders-netflix-to-take-down-film-depicting-jesus-in-gay-relationship-/

'Venezuela Won't Allow US Meddling in Elections' Arreaza Warns
telesurenglish.net | 2020-01-09
Venezuela's Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza Thursday denounced that the U.S. government is promoting a plan to intervene in the elections of the National Assembly to be held in 2020. | RELATED: | Venezuela Urges the US to Abide by International Law | During his press conference, Arreaza unveiled a diplomatic note that the U.S. government sent to several coun…
telesurenglish.net/news/Venezuela-Wont-Allow-US-Meddling-in-Elections-Arreaza-Warns-20200109-0005.html

Coup Plotters Announce Morales Arrest Warrant With Irony
telesurenglish.net | 2020-01-09
Wielding handcuffs on his hand, Bolivia's Interior Minister Arturo Murillo Wednesday announced that he asked Interpol to activate an international arrest warrant for former President Evo Morales who is accused of sedition and terrorism by the coup-based government led by Jeanine Añez. | RELATED: | Bolivia: Right-Wing Discredits Possible Socialist Candidate | "Nothing is going to happen to you," the de-facto minister said while challenging Morales to return to Bolivia where his "des…
telesurenglish.net/news/Coup-Plotters-Announce-Morales-Arrest-Warrant-With-Irony-20200109-0003.html

Turkey offers condolences to rain-battered Peru
yenisafak.com | 2020-01-09
Turkey on Thursday extended condolences to Peru after heavy rains triggered deadly flooding and landslides."We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives and extensive damage caused by flood and landslides in Peru," said the Foreign Ministry in an official statement.The ministry went on to extend condolences to the relatives of victims and to wish a speedy recovery to the injured.This week heavy rainfall in Peru triggered flooding in various states across the country, costing a total of 28 lives, according to local reports.
yenisafak.com/en/news/turkey-offers-condolences-to-rain-battered-peru-3509257

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

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 from Israel, France, and the United States," Minister of Defense Oswaldo Jarrin told the press, adding that the gear will b…
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/

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

Juan Guaidó, the political joke of Venezuela
Fight Back | fightbacknews.org | 2020-01-08
Chicago, IL – Juan Guaidó is not that smart of a politician. He never seems to care much about strategy, or coalition building, or putting forward a serious political platform. The only political talent Guaidó seems to have is in front of the cameras. He knows how to put on a good show for the audience he wants to please. | | While that could be seen throughout the past year, as Guaidó and his allies bumbled their way through one of the worst coup attempts in recent memory, it is the best way to understand what has happened in Venezuela these past few days. | | On Sunday, January 5, Guaidó's support amo…
www.fightbacknews.org/2020/1/8/juan-guaid-political-joke-venezuela

Venezuela: Guaido Installs Parallel Parliament After Washington Threatens More Sanctions
Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2020-01-08
The Trump administration is reportedly mulling sanctions against opposition deputies who voted against Guaido.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14759

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

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

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/

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

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

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/

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/

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