2019-08-21: News Headlines

Michael Welton (2019-08-21). That Couldn't Be True: Restorying and Reconciliation. counterpunch.org The Canadian nation-state presents itself to the world as a benign peacekeeper and benevolent force for good in the world. This myth washes over us and leaves us unwilling and reluctant to face up to our past as a white settler colonial state. If we did a few nasty things in the past, well, that More

Eds. (2019-08-21). Washington intensifies its collective punishment of Venezuelans. mronline.org Despite previous sanctions leading to over 40,000 deaths in Venezuela over two years, the U.S. is escalating its economic offensive. | Source

Redacción Internacional, granma.cu (2019-08-21). øEs posible un bloqueo naval de EE.UU. contra Venezuela? workers.org 19 de agosto — El magnate presidente Donald Trump ha insistido en el bloqueo naval como opción a tomar contra la República Bolivariana de Venezuela y, de acuerdo con el portal estadounidense Axios, citado por Misión Verdad, se trataría de un embargo directo a las costas venezolanas "para evitar que . . . | Continue reading øEs posible un bloqueo naval de EE.UU. contra Venezuela? at Workers.org

Alex Emmons (2019-08-21). Taliban Peace Talks Must Not Ignore CIA-Funded Afghan Militias, Report Says. theintercept.com "If cut loose by the CIA," the report notes, militias "may be reborn as private armies or 'security guards' in the service of powerful individuals."

Global Research News (2019-08-21). Selected Articles: Mainstream Media Betrayal of Assange. globalresearch.ca A future without independent media leaves us with an upside down reality where according to the corporate media "NATO deserves a Nobel Peace Prize", and where "nuclear weapons and wars make us safer". | . | . | | | If, like us, this is …

United Nations (2019-08-20). 'No time to lose' UN envoy tells Security Council, 'Yemen cannot wait'. un.org One month ago, the United Nations top Yemen envoy told the Security Council the country was facing "a crucial moment" in the course of its long and bloody conflict, and on Tuesday, he again urged members to acknowledge that recent infighting around the Government stronghold of Aden were "a clear sign" that the conflict must be brought to a swift, peaceful end.

WSWS (2019-08-20). Trump calls for naval blockade of Venezuela. wsws.org The US president's demand for a military option reflects growing desperation in Washington over the failure of its regime-change operation.

Fight Back (2019-08-20). Say no to the McCarthyite attack on Chicago teachers. fightbacknews.org As the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) find itself locked in tough contract negotiations and faces the possibility of a strike, corporate and right-wing media like the Chicago Tribune, Breitbart and others have launched a bizarre attack that seems like it is straight out of the 1950s red scare. Rather than addressing the real problems impacting teachers and students in Chicago schools, these reactionary pundits have decided the rant and rave about – of all things – a delegation of teachers that traveled to Venezuela earlier this summer. | Here are the facts of the matter. A group of teachers who are also members of…

United Nations (2019-08-20). Tuesday's Daily Brief: water quality crisis, Yemen and Libya updates, Venezuelan children appeal, ocean protection. un.org This Tuesday, we cover: new report on water quality worldwide; Yemen envoy briefs the Security Council on Aden; intensifying clashes in southern Libya; UNICEF appeals for increased aid for Venezuela youngsters; and UN negotiations continue over a new ocean protection agreement.

Colter Louwerse (2019-08-20). Kushner's Threat to Palestine: An Interview with Norman Finkelstein. counterpunch.org Norman Finkelstein is a leading authority on the Israel-Palestine conflict. While most observers have proclaimed Jared Kushner's ongoing 'peace' initiative to be dead in the water, Norman warns that it may pose a serious threat to the Palestinians. In part 1 of this interview, I spoke with him about what we can expect from the More

RT (2019-08-20). Make love, not war? Department of PEACE plan unveiled by Marianne Williamson, and Twitter loves it. rt.com Democratic presidential hopeful and spiritual guru Marianne Williamson has revealed a proposal for a new "Department of Peace," a project devoted to "ending the scourge of violence" around the world. Twitter felt the good vibes. | The proposal was rolled out on Monday night in a post on Williamson's website, calling for a new cabinet-level department. The plan lists a lofty series of goals, ranging from addressing "white supremacy" and domestic gun violence, to developing "restorative justice programs" and "new structures of nonviole…

Staff (2019-08-20). Deadly Bombings Devastate Afghanistan as U.S.-Taliban Peace Talks Continue Without Afghan Government. democracynow.org In Afghanistan, a series of bomb attacks devastated restaurants and other public spaces Monday in the eastern city of Jalalabad, injuring at least 66 people. The explosions took place on Afghanistan's 100th Independence Day, following Saturday's bloody suicide bombing at a wedding in Kabul that killed 63 people, wounding around 200 others. ISIS claimed the attack, which was the deadliest this year in Afghanistan. The bombings came as the U.S. and Taliban are reportedly close to a peace deal after months of talks between the two parties. Top issues in the negotiations include a U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanist…

The Canary (2019-08-20). Stormont leaders clash over PM's backstop demand. thecanary.co Political leaders in the north of Ireland have clashed over Boris Johnson's claim that the backstop will damage the peace process.Sinn Féin accused the prime minister of "rank hypocrisy", insisting a no-deal Brexit is what could endanger the peace, while the DUP said the EU had to accept that political unionism in the region would not accept the contentious measure.The Alliance Party accused Johnson of being "reckless and disingenuous".The prime minister outlined a number of reasons for his demand for the EU to ditch the backstop in a letter to European Council president Donald Tusk.One of them was the ass…

Fight Back (2019-08-19). Venezuela: Worker control vs. Trump's blockade. fightbacknews.org Chicago, IL – Venezuela is a country where the dreams of the conscious workers of the world are being made real. It is a nation of 30 million people where, every day, the working class is becoming more conscious of its historic role in building socialism and taking steps to achieve it in the not so distant future. And in the face of an imperialist offensive that threatens them with starvation, where the threat of military invasion hangs over their heads like a storm cloud, they continue their struggle undeterred. | This past week, at the National Gathering of the Productive Worker Councils (CPTs), this stage of t…

Paul Dobson (2019-08-19). Venezuela Oil Production Continues Slump as US Embargo Deters Foreign Trade. venezuelanalysis.com July's production was 740,000 barrels per day, 4 percent lower than in June.

United Nations (2019-08-19). UN refugee chief impressed with Brazil's 'exemplary' response to plight of fleeing Venezuelans. un.org While praising the "efficient, coordinated, humane and innovative response" by Brazil on behalf of fleeing Venezuelans, the UN refugee chief has said that the sheer number of those on the run is proving to be a major challenge, calling for greater international support.

Peter Phillips (2019-08-19). A concentraàßà£o de riqueza conduz o novo imperialismo global. globalresearch.ca As mudanàßas de regime no Iraque e na Líbia, a guerra na Síria, a crise na Venezuela, as sanàßàµes a Cuba, Irà£o, Rússia e Coreia do Norte reflectem o novo imperialismo global imposto por um núcleo de naàßàµes capitalistas em …

Fight Back (2019-08-19). Anti-War Committee denounces Israel's ban of Omar and Tlaib. fightbacknews.org Fight Back News Service is circulating the following August 15 statement from the Twin Cities based Anti-War Committee. | The Minnesota Anti-War Committee condemns the Israeli government's August 15 decision not to allow US Representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib from entering occupied Palestine, to which the Israeli state controls all access. Reps. Omar and Tlaib join the thousands of peace activists, human rights officials and people of conscience around the world who are denied entry over their support for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel and its Zionist policies of occu…

United Nations (2019-08-19). Monday's Daily Brief: World Humanitarian Day, Afghan massacre aftermath, Venezuelans in Brazil, Yemen war update, and reconciliation in Mali. un.org Our main stories today: Women celebrated on World Humanitarian Day; Afghanistan bloodshed mars 100 years of independence; Brazil's 'exemplary' response to Venezuelans; UN urges Yemen's warring parties to down weapons; and UN expert calls for Mali reconciliation efforts.

unitedEditor (2019-08-19). Sudan agreement, Hong Kong Protests, Venezuela and Trade War. uwidata.com Sudan Agreement The first agreements between military and civilians have been reached in Sudan following months of turmoil. According to the newly signed constitutional declaration, a sovereign council will become the highest authority in Sudan during the transition period pending upcoming elections. The console will include five representatives of the military and five civilian figures, …

RT (2019-08-18). 13 arrested, 6 injured after Portland protests descend into violence. rt.com Police have arrested 13 people on a range of charges, including disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and unlawful use of a weapon, after right-wing demonstrators squared off with Antifa counter-protesters in Portland, Oregon. | Speaking at a press conference in the wake of the protests in Portland, which were marred by sporadic incidents of violence, city mayor Ted Wheeler hailed police for doing "an exemplary job of de-escalating the situation." He described the demonstration as a "largely peaceful event" despite the emergence of multiple videos documenting attacks mostly by Antifa on right-wing demonstrators…

Fight Back (2019-08-17). Milwaukee VA workers fight union busting. fightbacknews.org Milwaukee, WI – Fifty Veterans Affairs workers and supporters rallied outside the Zablocki VA hospital August 12 to protest union-busting, attacks on high-quality public veteran healthcare, and bad faith bargaining by the VA administration. | The rally was organized by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 3 and supported by the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO, Milwaukee Area Labor Council, Veterans for Peace and elected leaders including Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, U.S. Congresswoman Gwen Moore and U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin. | AFGE members and representatives detailed shocking accounts of the ex…

Staff (2019-08-16). North Korea Suspends Talks With South Korea Because of U.S. Sanctions. therealnews.com While U.S.-North Korea nuclear talks fail to proceed because of a lack of unanimity within the Trump administration, the North suspended peace talks with the South because of the U.S.'s refusal to lift economic sanctions, says Tim Shorrock…

United Nations (2019-08-16). UN Security Council discusses Kashmir, China urges India and Pakistan to ease tensions. un.org The Security Council considered the volatile situation surrounding Kashmir on Friday, addressing the issue in a meeting focused solely on the dispute, within the UN body dedicated to resolving matters of international peace and security, for the first time since 1965.

Staff (2019-08-15). The Black Working Class and Venezuela: Fighting The Same Enemy. therealnews.com Netfa Freeman discusses the unique perspective of the Embassy Protection Collective's work through the lens of the Black working class and their connection with Venezuela…

unitedEditor (2019-08-15). The US is already interfering in the upcoming Venezuelan elections. uwidata.com US President Donald Trump has maintained strong economic pressure against Venezuela, having signed numerous decrees blocking the assets of the Venezuelan authorities within US jurisdiction. Giants such as the Central Bank of Venezuela and the state-owned oil company PDVSA were also included in the sanctions list. Now, Washington has announced it will even impose sanctions …

Paul Rockwell (2019-08-15). Aloha from Dr. Martin Luther King and Tulsi Gabbard. mintpressnews.com "Aloha," says Gabbard, "is a powerful force that motivates us to take action for the well-being of others and our country." In King's famous words, "The arc of the moral universe is long, but bends toward justice." Gabbard seeks to bend the arc of history away from war toward peace.

Ben Norton (2019-08-14). PHOTOS: Venezuelans march against US embargo in enormous #NoMoreTrump protest. thegrayzone.com The Grayzone attends a massive march where hundreds of thousands took to the streets of Caracas to condemn the US…

TeleSUR English (2019-08-14). Venezuelan Opposition Journalist Served as Agent for US, UK Gov't. venezuelanalysis.com In a U.S. diplomatic cable, Bocaranda is dubbed a "reliable source" and to be "strictly protected."

Ricardo Vaz (2019-08-14). Venezuela's Maduro Reshuffles Cabinet as Supreme Court Strips Three Opposition Lawmakers of Immunity. venezuelanalysis.com The National Constituent Assembly will also evaluate bringing forward legislative elections.

unitedEditor (2019-08-13). Safe Zone in Syria, Elections in Argentina and Guatemala, Ex-president of Kyrgyzstan arrested. uwidata.com Safe zone in Syria Turkish-American talks on creating a safe zone in northern Syria took place in Ankara this week. According to the Turkish Ministry of Defense, Turkey and the United States have agreed to establish a coordination center for joint operations in establishing the peace corridor. uwidata.com/4836-turkey-and-us-come-to-agreement-on-creation-of-security-zone/ Argentine elections On Sunday, primary elections took …

patrick (2019-08-13). BDS movement condemns U.S. Congress' anti-BDS resolution. bdsmovement.net BDS movement condemns U.S. Congress' anti-BDS resolution: UpdateThe resolution is based on lies and aims to to demonize peaceful resistance to Israel's military occupation and apartheid. | Right To BoycottJuly 23, 2019 | By: | | Palestinian BDS National Committee (BNC)

TeleSur English (2019-08-12). Worldwide Solidarity Rallies Held in Support of Venezuela. venezuelanalysis.com Rallies were held on Saturday across the world in support of Venezuela as the Bolivarian Republic faces an inhuman economic blockade imposed by the United States and their Western allies.

Paul Dobson (2019-08-12). Venezuela Secures New Chinese Oil Investment. venezuelanalysis.com The move defies the US embargo's secondary sanction provisions targeting foreign firms trading with Venezuela.

Gloria La Riva (2019-08-08). Actions urged against U.S. blockade of Venezuela. liberationnews.org With Trump's Aug. 6 announcement of a total U.S. economic blockade of Venezuela, President Nicolás Maduro is calling on people worldwide to stand with Venezuela on Saturday, Aug. 10, with solidarity rallies.

Gloria La Riva (2019-08-08). Se urgen acciones contra bloqueo de EEUU a Venezuela. liberationnews.org Con el anuncio de Trump del 6 de agosto imponiendo un bloqueo económico total a Venezuela, el presidente Nicolás Maduro ha hecho un llamado a los pueblos del mundo que se una a Venezuela el sábado 10 de agosto, con manifestaciones de solidaridad.

Lucas Koerner and Ricardo Vaz (2019-08-08). Venezuelan Gov't Suspends Dialogue as EU Criticizes US Embargo. venezuelanalysis.com The European Union objected to the "extraterritorial application of unilateral measures."

Ricardo Vaz (2019-08-08). Venezuelan Campesinos' March on Miraflores Blocked by Police. venezuelanalysis.com The mobilization marked the one-year anniversary of the Admirable Campesino March.

Paul Dobson (2019-08-07). Venezuelan Athletes Bring Home Medals from Pan-American Games. venezuelanalysis.com Venezuela has scored thirteen medals so far, including three golds, with more expected.

Gloria La Riva (2019-08-06). Venezuela derrota nuevo sabotaje de poder en horas. liberationnews.org Este es el tercer intento importante de los Estados Unidos y los contrarrevolucionarios internos para tratar de destruir el sistema de energía, el primero fue del 7 al 12 de marzo y el segundo del 23 de marzo al 4 de abril. Ha habido cientos de ataques terroristas en las líneas eléctricas.

Lucas Koerner and Ricardo Vaz (2019-08-06). Washington Escalates Venezuela Sanctions into Full-Fledged Embargo. venezuelanalysis.com The latest measures amount to a total trade embargo impacting both US and foreign entities.

splcenter (2019-08-05). New Civil Rights Memorial to be installed on 54th anniversary of Voting Rights Act. splcenter.org Jimmie Lee Jackson was beaten and shot by Alabama state troopers during a peaceful voting rights march on Feb. 18, 1965.

Ricardo Vaz (2019-08-05). Venezuela: Trump Threatens Blockade as Dialogue Continues. venezuelanalysis.com A White House official added that the threat should be "taken seriously."

Ricardo Vaz (2019-08-01). Venezuela's PDVSA Reconverts Oil Facilities While US Court Ruling Puts Citgo at Risk. venezuelanalysis.com Oil giant Chevron has also been granted a 90-day waiver by the Treasury Department to continue its Venezuela operations.

Ricardo Vaz (2019-07-30). Venezuela: Six Chavista Militants Killed in Fresh Rural Violence. venezuelanalysis.com Landowner violence continues to plague the Venezuelan countryside.

Paul Dobson (2019-07-29). Sao Paulo Forum Voices Solidarity with Venezuela, Rejects US Warmongering. venezuelanalysis.com The host of delegates from around the world likewise expressed support for leftist movements in Latin America.

Ricardo Vaz (2019-07-25). Venezuela: US Sanctions Target Subsidized Food Program as Foro de Sao Paulo Kicks Off. venezuelanalysis.com Washington has targeted companies and individuals it alleges are profiteering from the CLAP food initiative.

Ricardo Vaz (2019-07-24). Venezuela Recovers From Blackout as Guaido 'Approves' Military Treaty Reincorporation. venezuelanalysis.com Caracas blamed the blackout on an "electromagnetic attack" while recovery was faster than before.

Paul Dobson (2019-07-23). Non-Aligned Movement Condemns US Sanctions Against Venezuela. venezuelanalysis.com The 120-member movement held a ministerial meeting in Caracas as a US spy jet reportedly violated Venezuelan airspace.

Venezuelanalysis (2019-07-23). Nationwide Blackout in Venezuela, Third since March — VA's on the Ground Coverage Affected. venezuelanalysis.com A government communique states that the probable cause was an "electromagnetic attack."