Why Elliott Abrams is Smurf villain Gargamel
Anya Parampil | thegrayzone.com | 2019-12-16
Trump Administration Special Representative for Venezuela Elliott Abram is not only the spitting image of Gargamel; the Smurfs are a…
thegrayzone.com/2019/12/16/elliott-abrams-smurf-villain-gargamel/
Viral Chilean feminist anthem reveals powerful international sentiment against sexual violence
Candice Yanez | liberationnews.org | 2019-12-16
The protest song was first performed for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 20 in Valparaíso, Chile.
liberationnews.org/viral-chilean-feminist-anthem-reveals-powerful-international-sentiment-against-sexual-violence/
Chilean President's Disapproval Rating Jumps to 79 Percent
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-16
A recent survey revealed that the disapproval of the management of President Sebastián Piñera increased to 79 percent, two points more than the previous week. | RELATED: | 'Concert for Dignity' Marks 8 Weeks of Social Unrest in Chile | While support for the Chilean President did not manage to lower or rise, it remained at 13 percent, despite the fact that Piñera focused on a constitutional accusation for human rights violations in the social protests that have occurred in the Sout…
telesurenglish.net/news/Chilean-Presidents-Disapproval-Rating-Jumps-to-79-Percent-20191216-0002.html
Venezuela Allocates 76 Percent of Budget to Social Investment
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-16
The Venezuelan government will allocate 75.9 percent of the 2020 budget to social investment, which places the country as a benchmark in the search for protection and the fair distribution of income, Executive Vice President Delcy Rodríguez said on Monday. | The Venezuelan official presented this Monday to the National Constituent Assembly (ANC) and other authorities to the draft national budget for 2020, which provides 404 development projects. | "It will be a social protection budget, focused on the National System platform, a social equality budget," she said. | In addition, she said that thanks to the 20…
telesurenglish.net/news/Venezuela-Allocates-76-Percent-of-Budget-to-Social-Investment-20191216-0006.html
Argentines Celebrate Inauguration of New Center-Left Government
Staff | therealnews.com | 2019-12-16
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.
therealnews.com/stories/argentines-celebrate-inauguration-new-center-left-government
2019 Latin America in Review: Year of the Revolt of the Dispossessed
Roger D. Harris | mintpressnews.com | 2019-12-16
2019 has not been an entirely bullish year for US imperialism, notwithstanding the hard turns to the right in Brazil, Bolivia, and Ecuador. Powerful winds against neoliberalism are gusting in Brazil, Ecuador, Chile, Peru, Argentina, Haiti, Honduras, Guatemala, and even in the US "Commonwealth" of Puerto Rico.
mintpressnews.com/2019-latin-america-review-year-revolt-dispossessed/263494/
New Bolivian Gov't Leading Country to Bankruptcy: Evo Morales
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-16
Bolivian President Evo Morales, who is now an asylum seeker in Argentina after the coup d'etat against him, warned that the de-facto government is leading the South American country "to bankruptcy" because "they have paralyzed the productive apparatus and halted public investment." | RELATED: | De-Facto Bolivian President to Issue Arrest Warrant for Morales | Using his Twitter account on Monday, the democratically elected President tweeted that the main issue of the economic r…
telesurenglish.net/news/New-Bolivian-Govt-Leading-Country-to-Bankruptcy-Evo-Morales-20191216-0005.html
'We Need Total System Change': A Letter from Santiago, Chile
Ronnie Cummins | commondreams.org | 2019-12-16
The time to act, to educate, to build stronger movements, to scale up our best practices, to gain political power, is now. (Photo: Marcelo Hernandez/Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/chile_uprising_0.jpeg …
commondreams.org/views/2019/12/16/we-need-total-system-change-letter-santiago-chile?cd-origin=rss
Bolivia's New US-Backed Interim Gov't Wastes No Time Privatizing Economy
Alan Macleod | mintpressnews.com | 2019-12-16
It has been barely one month since the administration of Jeanine Añez seized power in a military coup in Bolivia, but it has wasted no time in attempting to transform the economy and society. Its latest move is aimed at privatizing the country's economy. A government spokesperson confirmed the fears of many, claiming that "I believe the government should reduce its own size" and a protagonistic role should be given to private enterprises. In case that was not clear enough, he emphasized, "Yes, I'm talking a…
mintpressnews.com/bolivia-interim-government-privatizing-economy/263529/
This week in history: December 16-22
wsws.org | 2019-12-16
On December 20, 1994, the Mexican peso was devalued, sending shock waves throughout the structure of world capitalism. Mexico had been touted for a decade as proof that the profit system was capable of developing the oppressed semi-colonial countries and transforming them into modern industrialized societies. Its collapse led to a generalized loss of confidence in "emerging markets" from Brazil to Poland.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2019/12/16/twih-d16.html
While Evo's MAS party regroups, Bolivia's coup leaders are eating each other alive
Wyatt Reed | thegrayzone.com | 2019-12-15
Humiliating scandals are destroying right-wing leader Luis Fernando Camacho and the right is fracturing as a more militant MAS party…
thegrayzone.com/2019/12/15/mas-regroups-bolivia-coup-leaders-eating-alive/
ALBA-TCP Ratified Integration of Latin American and Caribbean Peoples
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-15
With cultural expressions and interventions by heads of State and delegates from Latin American and Caribbean nations, the XVII Summit of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America — Peoples' Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) ends with a political-cultural ceremony. | RELATED: | ALBA-TCP to Speed Formation of a 'Peace Zone' in Latin America | Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro highlighted the integrationist work of the organization (ALBA-TCP) in the region, "the idea of…
telesurenglish.net/news/ALBA-TCP-Ratified-Integration-of-Latin-American-and-Caribbean-Peoples-20191215-0002.html
FARC Demands Colombia's Duque Provide Security for Ex-Fighters
teleSUR,la | telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-15
The Common Revolutionary Alternative Force ( FARC ) party sent a letter to the President of Colombia, Iván Duque, in which they demanded the implementation of the Peace Agreement and specifically his third point on security for communities and ex-combatants in the process of reinstatement. | RELATED: | Colombians Protest Against Tax Reform in Front of Congress | The letter was sent after the murder of ex-combatant Manuel González (aka Jair Cartagena), who was shot near the Román Ru…
telesurenglish.net/news/FARC-Demands-Colombias-Duque-Provide-Security-for-Ex-Fighters-20191215-0006.html
Venezuela to Relaunch PetroCaribe Program in 2020
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-15
Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro announced the relaunch of the PetroCaribe program in the first half of 2020 during the 17th summit of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of America (ALBA-TCP) in Cuba Saturday. | RELATED: | ALBA-TCP Ratified Integration of Latin American and Caribbean Peoples | "We have decided to relaunch with great force for the first half of the year 2020, the PetroCaribe project, the Miracle Mission and ALBA Cultural (…) ALBA has demonstrat…
telesurenglish.net/news/Venezuela-to-Relaunch-PetroCaribe-Program-in-2020-20191215-0010.html
De-Facto Bolivian President to Issue Arrest Warrant for Morales
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-15
The self-proclaimed president of Bolivia, Jeanine àÅñez, said on Saturday that an arrest warrant could be issued for the democratically elected President, Evo Morales, in the coming days. | RELATED: | Evo Expresses Gratitude to Mexico and Argentina Governments | "If he has to come to Bolivia, he knows that he has pending accounts with the courts and that will have to be kept. Surely, in the next few days that arrest warrant will be issued because we have already made the per…
telesurenglish.net/news/De-Facto-Bolivian-President-to-Issue-Arrest-Warrant-for-Morales-20191215-0004.html
Brazil's Amazon Deforestation Rises Over 100% Year-Over-Year
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-15
Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon jumped to the highest level for the month of November since record-keeping began in 2015, according to preliminary government data published on Friday. | RELATED: | Bolsonaro: Torture Methods of Dictatorship to Fight Corruption | Destruction of the world's largest tropical rainforest totaled 563 square km (217.38 square miles) in November, 103% more than in the same month last year, according to the country's space research agency INPE. | That wo…
telesurenglish.net/news/Brazils-Amazon-Deforestation-Rises-Over-100-Year-Over-Year-20191215-0005.html
Mexican Indigenous Communities Consent to Mayan Train Project
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-15
The Mexican Ministry of Interior informed Saturday that the Indigenous communities in the Yucatan Peninsula and the state of Chiapas both located in the southeastern part of the country accepted "by consensus and without opinion against" for the construction of the Mayan Train. | RELATED: | Brazil: Attack on Guajajara Indigenous People Leaves 1 Dead | After holding talks with the government, the Indigenous communities' proposals and needs will be incorporated and addressed within…
telesurenglish.net/news/Mexican-Indigenous-Communities-Consent-to-Mayan-Train-Construction-20191215-0011.html
Gobierno de EEUU retira los cargos falsos contra periodista Max Blumenthal
Ben Norton | thegrayzone.com | 2019-12-14
El gobierno estadounidense desistió la causa basada en falsas acusaciones de agresión contra el editor de The Grayzone Max Blumenthal…
thegrayzone.com/2019/12/14/gobierno-eeuu-retira-cargos-max-blumenthal-venezuela/
Venezuela: Maduro Attends Anti-Neoliberal ALBA Summit in Cuba
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-14
Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro attends the 17th summit of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of America (ALBA-TCP), which is taking place in Havana, Cuba, on Saturday. | RELATED: | Venezuelan Oil Production Sets Historical Record in November | "At such a complex time for Latin America and the Caribbean, this ALBA summit brings a message of ho…
telesurenglish.net/news/Venezuela-Maduro-Attends-Anti-Neoliberal-ALBA-Summit-in-Cuba-20191214-0002.html
Venezuelan Government Denounces Right-Wing Terrorist Plan
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-14
Venezuelan Communication Minister, Jorge Rodriguez, revealed Saturday details of a terrorist operation that was intended to be perpetrated against the Gran Mariscal Sucre Headquarters and the Zonal Command No. 53 of the Bolivarian National Guard in the state of Sucre. | RELATED: | Colombia: TIAR Ministers to Plan New Actions Against Venezuela | This operation was carried out by members of the right-wing party, 'Voluntad Popular,' led by Leopoldo Lopez and Juan Guaido, and organi…
telesurenglish.net/news/Venezuelan-Government-Denounces-Right-Wing-Terrorist-Plan–20191214-0006.html
Indigenous Bolivia Ready to go to War Against Fascism
Andre Vltchek | dissidentvoice.org | 2019-12-14
Bolivia, December 2019, three weeks after the fascist coup. It is devilishly cold. My comrade's car is carefully navigating through the deep mud tracks. Enormous snow-covered mountain peaks are clearly visible in the distance. The Bolivian Altiplano; beloved, yet always somehow hostile, silent, impenetrable. So many times in the past I came close to death …
dissidentvoice.org/2019/12/indigenous-bolivia-ready-to-go-to-war-against-fascism/
UN human rights report cites 'multiple root causes' of deadly Chile protests
news.un.org | 2019-12-13
During the recent mass protests which led Chile to declare a state of emergency, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said in a report published on Friday that international human rights norms had been violated by both police and army personnel, which should be prosecuted.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/12/1053491
COP25 Was Moved to Spain to Conceal Chilean Government's Human Rights Violations
Staff | therealnews.com | 2019-12-13
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.
therealnews.com/stories/cop25-spain-chile-human-rights-violations
Friday's Daily Brief: Yemen exclusive, India rights, Chile, Ebola updates
news.un.org | 2019-12-13
Our top stories for Friday include an exclusive UN News interview with Yemen Envoy Martin Griffiths; India's new "discriminatory" citizenship law; a milestone smallpox eradication anniversary; helicopters deployed in DR Congo Ebola fight; Mediterranean migrant latest, and Chile's deadly protests: UN report finds clear pattern of repression.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/12/1053541
Chile's Communists Lawmakers Warn About Dangers for Democracy
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-13
Chile's Communist lawmakers criticized the rejection by the Chamber of Deputies of a constitutional accusation against President Sebastian Piñera, as a mean of supporting continued impunity in Chile. | RELATED: | Chile Denounces Over 350 Eye Injuries On Human Rights Day | Communist legislator Boris Barrera said that the government and the right wing fail to…
telesurenglish.net/news/Chiles-Communists-Lawmakers-Warn-About-Dangers-for-Democracy-20191213-0010.html
Evo Morales on prohibition to wear Indigenous garments in Ministry HQ
Eds. | mronline.org | 2019-12-13
Bolivia 's leader Evo Morales reacted to an internal memo from the foreign ministry of the de facto government in Bolivia, prohibiting personal use of traditional Indian attire inside the headquarters of the ministry during the workday. | Source…
mronline.org/2019/12/13/evo-morales-on-prohibition-to-wear-indigenous-garments-in-ministry-hq/
The Argentinian Patagonia, "The Dinosaur Factory"
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-13
Traces of the past appear at every step in the region that holds the largest paleontological collection in South America. Los Barreales lake area, in the Argentinian Patagonia, more than 980 kilometers from the city of Buenos Aires, is home to fossils of all types of life that existed on Earth millions of years ago, a complete petrified ecosystem. | RELATED: | Indonesia: The Oldest Work of Art Discovered | That window is called Proyecto Dino, a scientific camp supported by public and private fund…
telesurenglish.net/news/the-argentine-patagonia-the-dinosaur-factory-20191213-0011.html
COP25: Developing Countries Charge Ahead with Bold Climate Plans as Rich Countries Drag Their Feet
Staff | democracynow.org | 2019-12-13
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…
www.democracynow.org/2019/12/13/cop25_developing_countries_charge_ahead_with
Latin America says 'No to neoliberalism': Ecuador's ex-foreign minister talks uprisings and Assange
Anya Parampil | thegrayzone.com | 2019-12-12
The Grayzone premieres its new show Red Lines with Anya Parampil with an interview with the former foreign minister of…
thegrayzone.com/2019/12/12/latin-america-neoliberalism-ecuador-assange-guillaume-long/
Greta Thunberg Slams COP25, Says Response to Climate Crisis Is "Clever Accounting and Creative PR"
Staff | democracynow.org | 2019-12-12
At the U.N. climate summit in Madrid, 16-year-old Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg addressed world leaders Wednesday, hours after she was named Time magazine's Person of the Year. Thunberg came to the talks after a trip to meet with climate leaders across North America in anticipation of the scheduled climate conference in Santiago, Chile, before the talks were abruptly moved to the Spanish capital. In her address, Thunberg warned that the planet's carbon budget is down to just eight years, and urged bold action. "I still believe that the biggest danger is not inaction. The real danger is when politicians…
www.democracynow.org/2019/12/12/greta_thunberg_speech_cop_time_magazine
"We Want People Power Solutions": Activists Ousted from COP25 for Protesting Corporations at Summit
Staff | democracynow.org | 2019-12-12
Inside the halls of the U.N. climate summit, hundreds of activists gathered Wednesday to demand rich countries step up their efforts to finance climate action. The protest began just as Democracy Now! was finishing our live broadcast, and we spoke to some of the people there from around the world, including Rita Iyke-Uwaka of Friends of the Earth Nigeria; Angela Valenzuela of Fridays for Future in Santiago, Chile; Sandra Tukup of CONFENIAE (Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of the Ecuadorian Amazon); Amalen Sathananthar of Artivist Network; Brandon Wu of ActionAid USA; and Nina Gualinga, an indigenous lea…
www.democracynow.org/2019/12/12/cop25_protesters_forced_out_of_summit
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
"Shame!" Indigenous Leaders & Delegates from Global South Stage Dramatic Protest at COP25 in Madrid
Staff | democracynow.org | 2019-12-11
Democracy Now! was broadcasting live from the United Nations climate summit in Madrid, Spain, when hundreds of climate advocates and people's movements at the U.N. climate action summit staged a protest inside the conference venue. As the demonstration unfolds, we speak with Tom Goldtooth, executive director of the Indigenous Environmental Network; Karin Nansen, chair of Friends of the Earth International; Nigerian climate activist Nnimmo Bassey with Health of Mother Earth Foundation; and indigenous climate activist Daiara Tukano from Brazil.
www.democracynow.org/2019/12/11/cop25_walkout_indigenous_leaders_global_south
Amazonian Forest Protectors Rally Outside COP25 Amid Death of Two Indigenous Chiefs
Staff | democracynow.org | 2019-12-10
On Monday, indigenous activists from the Brazilian, Colombian and Ecuadorian Amazon rallied outside the COP25 venue to protest the targeting of indigenous forest protectors and the destruction of their lands, known as the "lungs of the Earth." Their protest came just days after two indigenous chiefs, Firmino Prexede Guajajara and Raimundo Guajajara, were gunned down in a drive-by shooting Saturday in Brazil.
www.democracynow.org/2019/12/10/indigenous_organizers_of_brazilian_colombian_ecuadorian
'Sexy tricks': How journalists demonize Venezuela's socialist government, in their own words
Alan MacLeod | thegrayzone.com | 2019-12-09
Journalists revealed to me the tactics they use to sell stories painting Venezuela as a socialist dystopia. One described himself…
thegrayzone.com/2019/12/09/sexy-tricks-journalists-demonize-venezuela-anatoly-kurmanaev/
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
Iran False Flag, Bolivia's Coup Gov Seeks Israel's Help, Israel's Been In Yemen 'Since Day One'
Ryan Cristián | thelastamericanvagabond.com | 2019-12-09
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 …
thelastamericanvagabond.com/daily-wrap-up/iran-false-flag-bolivias-coup-gov-seeks-israels-help-israels-been-in-yemen-since-day-one/
Venezuela: Guaido Embattled as Opposition Splits over New Corruption Scandal
Lucas Koerner and Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-12-05
The latest scandal has further called into doubt Guaido's credibility as leader of the opposition.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14739
A Facade Drops in Chile
Maxine Lowy | progressive.org | 2019-12-05
The current social revolution is years in the making.
progressive.org/dispatches/facade-drops-chile-lowy-191205/
TIAR Countries Blacklist Top Venezuelan Officials as US Slaps New Sanctions
Lucas Koerner | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-12-04
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused Venezuela of "hijacking" mass anti-neoliberal protests in "our own backyard."
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14737
The Other Americans: Latin America's Uprising Against Neoliberalism
Jeff Abbott | progressive.org | 2019-12-04
Colombians join a wave of protest across the continent.
progressive.org/dispatches/latin-americas-uprising-against-neoliberalism-abbott-191204/
Red Cross Chief: Venezuela Aid Being Politicized to 'Destabilize the Country'
Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-12-04
Francesco Rocca slammed the underfunding of aid programs as a problem of "political will."
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14738
Massive Colombia strike hits neoliberal policies, repression
Cathy Rojas | liberationnews.org | 2019-12-04
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.
liberationnews.org/massive-colombia-strike-hits-neoliberal-policies-repression/
Venezuela's PDVSA Secures Temporary Lease Extension for Curacao Refinery
Paul Dobson | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-12-02
Despite the extension, refinery owners are looking to end the 34-year cooperation under pressure from US sanctions.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14736
ANSWER Statement at 50th Annual Day of Mourning
Kimberly Villafuerte Barzola | liberationnews.org | 2019-12-02
"We must recognize and defend the alternative that Evo and the people of the Bolivia worked so hard to build…"
liberationnews.org/answer-statement-at-50th-annual-day-of-mourning/
American Indian Movement West: No to Bolivia coup! Hands off Venezuela, Cuba!
American Indian Movement West | liberationnews.org | 2019-12-01
"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."
liberationnews.org/american-indian-movement-west-no-to-bolivia-coup-hands-off-venezuela-cuba/
US Vows to 'Reinforce' Sanctions, Accuses Venezuela and Cuba of Stirring Regional 'Strife'
Lucas Koerner | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-11-28
Elliott Abrams reiterated support for Guaido and denied that sanctions are damaging the Venezuelan economy.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14734
New anti-imperialist coalition in San José, Calif., protests Bolivia coup
Jon Britton | liberationnews.org | 2019-11-26
On Nov. 18, the Anti-Imperialist Coalition of San José, Calif., held a rally outside City Hall to protest the overthrow of indigenous President Evo Morales of Bolivia by a U.S.-backed coup.
liberationnews.org/new-anti-imperialist-coalition-in-san-jose-calif-protests-bolivia-coup/
Nueva coalición anti imperialista en San José, California, protesta contra el golpe de estado en Bolivia
Jon Britton | liberationnews.org | 2019-11-26
El 18 de noviembre, la Coalición Anti Imperialista de San José, California, realizó un mitin frente al ayuntamiento para protestar por el derrocamiento del presidente indígena Evo Morales de Bolivia por un golpe respaldado por los Estados Unidos.
liberationnews.org/nueva-coalicion-anti-imperialista-en-san-jose-california-protesta-contra-el-golpe-de-estado-en-bolivia/
Venezuela Unveils First Gold Processing Complex in Mining Arc
Paul Dobson | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-11-25
While already operational, the complex will reportedly be the 5th largest in the continent upon completion.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14731