Daily Archives: July 21, 2019

2019-07-21: News Headlines

Mike Kuhlenbeck (2019-07-21). A book review of 'The Plot to Overthrow Venezuela'. workers.org The latest book by human rights attorney Dan Kovalik, "The Plot to Overthrow Venezuela," is a critical primer on the U.S. government's efforts to sabotage the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the future of its people. This is the fourth title in Kovalik's "Plot" series, starting with "The Plot to . . . | Continue reading A book review of 'The Plot to Overthrow Venezuela' at Workers.org

DLI (2019-07-21). 33 brave senior(kupuna) protectors on Hawaii's Mauna Kea detained by police. indybay.org On Wednesday morning, State police removed 33 senior(kupuna) protectors from a human chain that had blocked–for 3 days–access to the Mauna Kea Road, by construction equipment that are slated to begin the Thirty Meter Telescope(TMT). The protectors are part of the hundreds-strong peaceful activists that had been up at the Mauna(mountain) since last Sunday, July 14.

Ellie Dorritie (2019-07-21). Downtown Buffalo scene of anti-war protest. workers.org As thousands of people gathered in downtown Buffalo July 13 for a food festival, Buffalo AntiWar met them with chants calling for an end to U.S. sanctions and threats of war against both Iran and Venezuela. The protesters demanded: "No to another war for oil! No war on Iran, and . . . | Continue reading Downtown Buffalo scene of anti-war protest at Workers.org

Fridays For Future Sacramento (2019-07-21). Peace Strike for Climate & Amazon Rainforest in State Capital. indybay.org California State Capitol Museum, West Steps | 1315 10th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814…

RT (2019-07-20). Cuba, Russia, China, Iran — Pompeo lists every nation that 'must leave' Venezuela, except one. rt.com US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says foreign nations (Russia, China, Iran, and Cuba) must stay clear of Venezuela, so that the one foreign nation not on the list "can begin to do the work to rebuild that country."

Staff (2019-07-20). We Got to the Moon. We Can Overcome War and Capitalism. truthout.org | | "For me, the most ironic token of [the first human moon landing] is the plaque signed by President Richard M. Nixon that Apollo 11 took to the moon. It reads, 'We came in peace for all Mankind.' As the United States was dropping seven and a half megatons of conventional explosives on small nations in Southeast Asia, we congratulated ourselves on our humanity. We would harm no one on a lifeless rock." — Carl SaganMy little girl loves the moon. When she sees it, whether full in borrowed light or a waning…

United Nations (2019-07-19). First men on the moon 'came in peace' to UN Headquarters 'for all mankind'. un.org As the world remembers Saturday's 50th anniversary of the "giant leap for mankind" made by all those involved in the pioneering Apollo 11 space programme, we take a look back at the visit made by astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins, to UN Headquarters in New York, just a few weeks after their historic mission.

United Nations (2019-07-19). 'Firmly united' Security Council can bolster Colombia's efforts to secure lasting peace, says UN envoy. un.org The Colombian peace process is an outstanding example of how much support the United Nations can provide when the Security Council is 'firmly united', a senior UN envoy said on Friday, calling for the 15-member body's continued commitment as the country works to overcome secure lasting peace.

susan_p (2019-07-19). Venezuela: Guaido's bodyguards arrested as Barbados talks resume. greenleft.org.au Three men linked to self-declared "Interim President" Juan Guaido were arrested on July 12, while allegedly selling weapons stolen during the failed April 30 putsch. | According to Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez, Guaido's personal bodyguards Erick Sanchez and Jason Parisi, as well as Sanchez's cousin Eduardo Garcia, were detained while reportedly trying to sell five AK-103 rifles and ten ammunition packs for US$35,000. | The rifles' serial numbers allegedly matched those stolen from the Bolivarian National Guard post in Caracas' Federal Legislative Palace, where the National Assembly sits. | The governme…

United Nations (2019-07-19). Friday's Daily Brief: solidarity with Japan, call for DR Congo support, family-friendly workplaces, hottest June ever, Venezuela and Afghanistan updates. un.org In today's Daily Brief: UN stands in solidarity with Japan; avoid panic over DR Congo Ebola emergency; 'transformative shift' needed towards family-friendly work policies; hottest June EVER; Venezuelan migrant dangers; stop targeting Afghanistan civilians call.

susan_p (2019-07-19). Venezuela: Trump diverts Central America aid to Guaido as EU threatens more sanctions. greenleft.org.au United States President Donald Trump's administration is reportedly diverting more than US$40 million in aid destined for Central America to the Venezuelan opposition. | According to the Los Angeles Times, a memo from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) was handed to Congress on July 11 saying that $41.9 million was being handed to self-proclaimed "Interim President" Juan Guaido and his team. The memo argued that there is an "exigent" crisis involving US "national…

Staff (2019-07-19). Will the Afghan Peace Agreement be a Face-Saving Fig Leaf? therealnews.com Afghanistan is making progress for a peace agreement, but such an agreement will not necessarily mean an end to war or even assure the Afghan government's survival, says Matthew Hoh…

Michele Willens (2019-07-18). Travels in the South. thenation.com Travels in the South…

Ricardo Vaz (2019-07-18). Venezuela: Trump Diverts Central America Aid to Guaido as EU Threatens More Sanctions. venezuelanalysis.com Guaido's team is receiving over $40 million to fund salaries, travel, training, propaganda and technical assistance.

Paul Kawika Martin (2019-07-18). Diplomacy Instead of a Disaster in Iran. peaceaction.org Washington, D.C. — July 18, 2019 — In response to reports of the U.S. shooting down an Iranian drone, Paul Kawika Martin, Senior Director for Policy and Political Affairs at Peace Action, released the following statement: "Because of the Trump administration's policy of maximum provocation towards Iran, America stands on the precipice of another blunderous …

susan_p (2019-07-18). Challenging capitalism is the ultimate climate mitigation strategy. greenleft.org.au The climate movement both at the international level and within specific countries is quite disparate, meriting a distinction between climate activists per se and climate justice activists. | Representatives of the former include organisations such as the Climate Action Network, Greenpeace, and Al Gore's Climate Reality Project, which emphasise the need for renewables, energy efficiency, and other techno-fixes and attempt to work within the parameters of global capitalism. | Others, such as Friends of the Earth, Climate Justice Action, and various socialist and anarchist groups, are attuned to the enormous social…

United Nations (2019-07-18). Yemen: UN Envoy 'guilty' of optimistic hope that war is 'nearing the end'. un.org With Yemen once again at a "crucial moment" the UN Special Envoy trying to facilitate peace there told Security Council members on Thursday that despite the dangers of being over optimistic, he could not help thinking the country could finally be "nearing the end of its war."

Alex Anfruns (2019-07-18). An Interview with Daniel Kovalik. dissidentvoice.org In his last book on Venezuela, Daniel Kovalik, a lawyer and a long standing friend of Latin American people in countries such as Colombia and Central America, is tearing away the veil of war propaganda: "The humanitarian part of the intervention is now barely a fig leaf for the real and usual intention — the …

United Nations (2019-07-18). Stronger partnerships with post-conflict countries needed to ensure 'path towards durable peace': UN chief. un.org As UN missions are drawn down and eventually closed, stronger partnerships are needed to ensure that countries recovering from conflict can transition successfully to a phase of durable peace and development, UN Secretary-General António Guterres told the Security Council on Thursday.

United Nations (2019-07-17). 'Young people care about peace': UN Youth Envoy delivers key message to Security Council. un.org After visiting refugee camps in Jordan, UN-backed schools in Gaza, municipalities in Kosovo and Youth Councils in Denmark, the UN's Youth Envoy visited the Security Council on Wednesday with a simple message from the field that "young people care about peace".

Ricardo Vaz (2019-07-17). Venezuelan Campesinos Released After Security Forces Raid. venezuelanalysis.com A prompt mobilization from popular movements managed to secure their release.

United Nations (2019-07-17). Wednesday's Daily Brief: Ebola now an international Public Health Emergency, young peacemakers, defining moment for Sudan, war crimes fugitives, migrant 'crisis' in Hungary. un.org In today's Daily Brief: the DR Congo Ebola outbreak is officially declared an international Public Health Emergency; UN Youth Envoy briefs Security Council; an 'exciting and potentially defining' moment for Sudan, says UN adviser; more cooperation's needed to secure arrest of war crimes fugitives; and politicizing the migrant 'crisis' in Hungary…

Staff (2019-07-16). Headlines for July 16, 2019. democracynow.org Trump Announces Radical Plan to Bar Almost All Migrants from Seeking Asylum at U.S. Border, Squad Rejects Trump's Racist Attacks & Calls for Impeachment as House Plans Resolution to Condemn, Protesters Call for Exit of Puerto Rican Gov. Rosselló After Leaked Text Messages, El Salvador Rape Survivor Being Retried for Homicide for Having Stillbirth, U.N. Report Accuses Venezuela's Special Forces of 1000s of Extrajudicial Killings, Workers and Activists Protest Amazon, Calling for an End to Labor Abuses, Collaboration with ICE, Washington Activist Protesting Immigrant Detention Shot Dead, Historian and Civil Rights…

Venezuela Analysis (2019-07-16). Guaido's Bodyguards Arrested as Venezuela Talks Resume in Barbados. theantimedia.com (VZA) — Three men linked to self-declared "Interim President" Juan Guaido were arrested on Friday while allegedly selling weapons stolen during the failed April 30 putsch. According to Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez, Guaido's personal bodyguards Erick Sanchez and Jason Parisi, as well as Sanchez's cousin Eduardo Garcia, were detained while reportedly trying to sell five AK-103 rifles …

TeleSur English (2019-07-15). UN Human Rights Council Adopts Resolution Rejecting US Sanctions. venezuelanalysis.com The draft resolution was approved with 28 votes in favor, 14 against and five abstentions, and was presented by Venezuela and Palestine on behalf of the Movement of Non-aligned Countries.

Paul Dobson (2019-07-15). UPDATED: Venezuela: Guaido Bodyguards Arrested as Barbados Talks Resume. venezuelanalysis.com The self-declared "Interim President" claimed his men were victims of a "set up."

Fight Back (2019-07-14). Minneapolis stands with Iran, Venezuela, Cuba against U.S. sanctions regime. fightbacknews.org Minneapolis, MN – "Workers of the world, unite! Not 'workers of America unite' or 'workers who look like us, pray like us or love like us unite.' It's all workers," said union organizer David Gilbert-Pederson of Minnesota Workers United. "We have more in common with the tailor in Tehran than the bankers who crashed our economy. We have more in common with the bus driver in Caracas than the politicians locking kids in cages." | Gilbert-Pederson spoke to a protest on Lake Street, July 13, of over 80 people gathered to oppose recent U.S. war threats against Iran and Venezuela. Organized by the Minnesota Peace Action…

Lucas Koerner and Ricardo Vaz (2019-07-12). Venezuela: 'Progress' Reported in Gov't-Opposition Talks as US Sanctions Counter-Intelligence Agency. venezuelanalysis.com The agenda of the talks has not been disclosed but the topic of elections is reportedly being left for last.

Roger D. Harris (2019-07-12). The Glaring Holes in Michelle Bachelet's Venezuela Human Rights Report. mintpressnews.com UN High Commissioner on Human Rights Michelle Bachelet's report on Venezuela echoes the US government's talking points, which are designed to terminate the two-decade-old Bolivarian Revolution in Venezuela. The report fails to acknowledge Venezuela's manifest accomplishments or even recognize victims of US-backed right-wing violence in Venezuela. The US economic war against Venezuela, US threats of a "military option," and opposition violence are treated in the Bachelet report as figments of the imagination, "alleged internal and external threats." | Mean…

Peace Action (2019-07-11). Peace Action Endorses 'the Squad' — Ocasio-Cortez, Omar, Pressley and Tlaib for Congress. peaceaction.org Washington, D.C. — July 11, 2019 — Peace Action, the nation's largest grassroots peace organization, has endorsed four progressive champions for the House of Representatives in the 2020 election, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for New York's 14th district, Rep. Ilhan Omar for Minnesota's 5th district, Rep. Ayanna Pressley for Massachusetts' 7th district, and Rep. Rashida Tlaib …

Ricardo Vaz (2019-07-11). Venezuela: Oil Output Stagnant as Inflation Continues Slowdown. venezuelanalysis.com The Venezuelan economy has now had four consecutive months without hyperinflation.

Ociel Alí López (2019-07-10). Norway, Bachelet, and the Twilight of Guaido's Insurrection. mintpressnews.com Venezuelanalysis — Guaido's uprising is going through its terminal phrase. He does not yet appear to have reached his end as leader, as he still produces and consolidates an important consensus among the opposition. What has decisively failed is his attempt to form a government without elections with the backing of the hawks in Washington. In almost six months since his self-swearing in as "interim president," it has become palpable that his governing is truly impossible. The coup de grace was de…

Max Blumenthal (2019-07-08). 'We're worse than Venezuela!': Hondurans in US-backed regime speak out. thegrayzone.com Average Hondurans in the capital Tegucigalpa's central park tell Max Blumenthal their humanitarian crisis is much worse than Venezuela's. The…

Lucas Koerner and Ricardo Vaz (2019-07-08). Venezuela: Dialogue Resumes in Barbados as Guaido Vows to Return to US-led Military Pact. venezuelanalysis.com Self-proclaimed "Interim President" walked back promises not to sit down with the government.

Ricardo Vaz (2019-07-07). Venezuelan Government Slams 'Biased' UN Human Rights Report. venezuelanalysis.com Despite recognizing the negative impact of US sanctions, the report contains no recommendation for the measures to be lifted.

Anya Parampil (2019-07-06). 'Weaponizing human rights': UN chief Bachelet's Venezuela report follows US regime change script. thegrayzone.com Former UN special rapporteur Alfred de Zayas slams UN High Commissioner Bachelet's report on Venezuela as a politicized collection of…

Paul Dobson (2019-07-03). OPEC Speaks Out Against Venezuelan Oil Embargo as PDVSA Reroutes Exports to Asia. venezuelanalysis.com Unofficial data also indicates that oil production has climbed 26 percent in June to 1.1 million barrels per day.

Paul Dobson (2019-07-01). US Sanctions Maduro's Son as Venezuela Discussed at G20. venezuelanalysis.com Russian President Vladimir Putin challenged Juan Guaido to run in elections while Trump said he has "five different alternatives for Venezuela."

Lucas Koerner (2019-06-30). UPDATED: Venezuelan Navy Captain Dies in State Custody, Maduro Orders Investigation. venezuelanalysis.com Acosta had been linked to an alleged coup plot in which he discussed assassinating President Nicolas Maduro.

Paul Kawika Martin (2019-06-28). Most Senators Oppose War with Iran Without Congressional Approval. peaceaction.org Washington, D.C. — June 28, 2019 — In response to the Senate voting 50-40 in favor of an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to block funding for military action against Iran without congressional approval, Paul Kawika Martin, Senior Director for Policy and Political Affairs at Peace Action, released the following statement: "Because …

Ricardo Vaz (2019-06-27). Venezuelan Government Claims New Coup Plot Foiled. venezuelanalysis.com Plans allegedly included the assassination of President Maduro.

Paul Dobson (2019-06-26). Abrams Welcomes Venezuela's Former Intelligence Chief to the US, Reaffirms Trump's Commitment to Ousting Maduro. venezuelanalysis.com The press conference came as the Venezuelan military called for respect from those looking to fracture it.

Peace Action (2019-06-25). Peace Action Endorses Ilhan Omar for Congress. peaceaction.org Washington, DC — June 25, 2019 — Peace Action has announced its endorsement of Ilhan Omar for Congress in Minnesota's 5th Congressional District. Peace Action is a national grassroots organization working to advance nuclear disarmament, promote government spending priorities that support human needs, encourage real security through international cooperation and human rights, and support nonmilitary …

Paul Dobson (2019-06-24). UN Human Rights Head Visits Venezuela, Meets Maduro and Guaido. venezuelanalysis.com Michelle Bachelet commented on access to food and medicine, allegations of political prisoners, and the impact of sanctions, among other issues.

Peace Action (2019-06-24). Peace Action Endorses Kara Eastman for Congress. peaceaction.org Washington, DC — June 24, 2019 — Peace Action has announced its endorsement of Kara Eastman for Congress in Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District. Peace Action is a national grassroots organization working to advance nuclear disarmament, promote government spending priorities that support human needs, encourage real security through international cooperation and human rights, and support nonmilitary …

Paul Kawika Martin (2019-06-20). Senate Votes to Block Arms Sales to Saudi Arabia and the UAE. peaceaction.org Washington, D.C. — June 20, 2019 — In response to the Senate voting to block arms sales involving Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other countries, Paul Kawika Martin, Senior Director for Policy and Political Affairs at Peace Action, released the following statement: "When Trump vetoed legislation earlier this year to end U.S. involvement …

Ricardo Vaz (2019-06-20). Venezuela: Popular Movements Mobilize to Demand Housing Self-Management. venezuelanalysis.com Popular movements want to build half of the houses planned by the national Housing Mission.

Jon Rainwater (2019-06-20). Striking Iran Now Could Spark a Major War. peaceaction.org Washington, D.C. — June 20, 2019 — In response to reports that the Trump administration is considering strikes on Iran in response to the downing of a U.S. surveillance drone, Jon Rainwater, Executive Director of Peace Action, released the following statement: "The United States has stumbled into a perilous situation. If, for example, the U.S. …

Paul Dobson (2019-06-19). Venezuela's Guaido Investigated for Aid Embezzlement. venezuelanalysis.com Guaido's representative in the US, Carlos Vecchio, is also being accused of fraud in CITGO worth US $70 million.

Paul Kawika Martin (2019-06-19). House Casts Historic Vote to Repeal Authorization for Endless War. peaceaction.org Washington, D.C. — June 19, 2019 — In response to the House of Representatives passing H.R. 2740 (Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Legislative Branch, Defense, State, Foreign Operations, and Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 2020), which includes language to repeal the 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) eight months after …

2019-07-21: Social Media Postees

How ridiculous is Trump's border stand?
Jim Hightower | nationofchange.org | 2019-07-21
| The most ridiculous thing about Donald Trump's xenophobic, demagogic assault on Central American amnesty seekers is that his frantic demand to build a $5-billion-dollar border wall is not his most ridiculous ploy. | Even more ridiculous is his panicky political assertion that the caravans coming north through Mexico are gangs of rapists, murderers, and terrorists out to slaughter and conquer us! Never mind that the migrants he demonizes are overwhelmingly women, children, and peaceful families who're fleei…
nationofchange.org/2019/07/20/how-ridiculous-is-trumps-border-stand/

A book review of 'The Plot to Overthrow Venezuela'
Mike Kuhlenbeck | workers.org | 2019-07-21
The latest book by human rights attorney Dan Kovalik, "The Plot to Overthrow Venezuela," is a critical primer on the U.S. government's efforts to sabotage the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the future of its people. This is the fourth title in Kovalik's "Plot" series, starting with "The Plot to . . . | Continue reading A book review of 'The Plot to Overthrow Venezuela' at Workers.org
workers.org/2019/07/21/a-book-review-of-the-plot-to-overthrow-venezuela/

Peace Strike for Climate & Amazon Rainforest in State Capital
Fridays For Future Sacramento | indybay.org | 2019-07-21
California State Capitol Museum, West Steps | 1315 10th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814…
indybay.org/newsitems/2019/07/19/18824857.php

33 brave senior(kupuna) protectors on Hawaii's Mauna Kea detained by police
DLI | indybay.org | 2019-07-21
On Wednesday morning, State police removed 33 senior(kupuna) protectors from a human chain that had blocked–for 3 days–access to the Mauna Kea Road, by construction equipment that are slated to begin the Thirty Meter Telescope(TMT). The protectors are part of the hundreds-strong peaceful activists that had been up at the Mauna(mountain) since last Sunday, July 14.
indybay.org/newsitems/2019/07/18/18824824.php

Downtown Buffalo scene of anti-war protest
Ellie Dorritie | workers.org | 2019-07-21
As thousands of people gathered in downtown Buffalo July 13 for a food festival, Buffalo AntiWar met them with chants calling for an end to U.S. sanctions and threats of war against both Iran and Venezuela. The protesters demanded: "No to another war for oil! No war on Iran, and . . . | Continue reading Downtown Buffalo scene of anti-war protest at Workers.org
workers.org/2019/07/21/downtown-buffalo-scene-of-anti-war-protest/

Cuba, Russia, China, Iran — Pompeo lists every nation that 'must leave' Venezuela, except one
rt.com | 2019-07-20
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says foreign nations (Russia, China, Iran, and Cuba) must stay clear of Venezuela, so that the one foreign nation not on the list "can begin to do the work to rebuild that country." | …
rt.com/usa/464613-pompeo-venezuela-must-leave/

We Got to the Moon. We Can Overcome War and Capitalism
Staff | truthout.org | 2019-07-20
| "For me, the most ironic token of [the first human moon landing] is the plaque signed by President Richard M. Nixon that Apollo 11 took to the moon. It reads, 'We came in peace for all Mankind.' As the United States was dropping seven and a half megatons of conventional explosives on small nations in Southeast Asia, we congratulated ourselves on our humanity. We would harm no one on a lifeless rock." — Carl SaganMy little girl loves the moon. When she sees it, whether full in borrowed light or a waning…
truthout.org/articles/we-got-to-the-moon-we-can-overcome-war-and-capitalism/

First men on the moon 'came in peace' to UN Headquarters 'for all mankind'
United Nations | un.org | 2019-07-19
As the world remembers Saturday's 50th anniversary of the "giant leap for mankind" made by all those involved in the pioneering Apollo 11 space programme, we take a look back at the visit made by astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins, to UN Headquarters in New York, just a few weeks after their historic mission.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/07/1042921

'Firmly united' Security Council can bolster Colombia's efforts to secure lasting peace, says UN envoy
United Nations | un.org | 2019-07-19
The Colombian peace process is an outstanding example of how much support the United Nations can provide when the Security Council is 'firmly united', a senior UN envoy said on Friday, calling for the 15-member body's continued commitment as the country works to overcome secure lasting peace.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/07/1042941

Friday's Daily Brief: solidarity with Japan, call for DR Congo support, family-friendly workplaces, hottest June ever, Venezuela and Afghanistan updates
United Nations | un.org | 2019-07-19
In today's Daily Brief: UN stands in solidarity with Japan; avoid panic over DR Congo Ebola emergency; 'transformative shift' needed towards family-friendly work policies; hottest June EVER; Venezuelan migrant dangers; stop targeting Afghanistan civilians call.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/07/1042911

Venezuela: Guaido's bodyguards arrested as Barbados talks resume
susan_p | greenleft.org.au | 2019-07-19
Three men linked to self-declared "Interim President" Juan Guaido were arrested on July 12, while allegedly selling weapons stolen during the failed April 30 putsch. | According to Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez, Guaido's personal bodyguards Erick Sanchez and Jason Parisi, as well as Sanchez's cousin Eduardo Garcia, were detained while reportedly trying to sell five AK-103 rifles and ten ammunition packs for US$35,000. | The rifles' serial numbers allegedly matched those stolen from the Bolivarian National Guard post in Caracas' Federal Legislative Palace, where the National Assembly sits. | The governme…
greenleft.org.au/content/venezuela-guaidos-bodyguards-arrested-barbados-talks-resume

Venezuela: Trump diverts Central America aid to Guaido as EU threatens more sanctions
susan_p | greenleft.org.au | 2019-07-19
United States President Donald Trump's administration is reportedly diverting more than US$40 million in aid destined for Central America to the Venezuelan opposition. | According to the Los Angeles Times, a memo from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) was handed to Congress on July 11 saying that $41.9 million was being handed to self-proclaimed "Interim President" Juan Guaido and his team. The memo argued that there is an "exigent" crisis involving US "national…
greenleft.org.au/content/venezuela-trump-diverts-central-america-aid-guaido-eu-threatens-more-sanctions

Will the Afghan Peace Agreement be a Face-Saving Fig Leaf?
Staff | therealnews.com | 2019-07-19
Afghanistan is making progress for a peace agreement, but such an agreement will not necessarily mean an end to war or even assure the Afghan government's survival, says Matthew Hoh…
therealnews.com/stories/will-the-afghan-peace-agreement-be-a-face-saving-fig-leaf

Travels in the South
Michele Willens | thenation.com | 2019-07-18
Travels in the South…
thenation.com/article/national-memorial-peace-justice-montgomery-alabama/

Venezuela: Trump Diverts Central America Aid to Guaido as EU Threatens More Sanctions
Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-07-18
Guaido's team is receiving over $40 million to fund salaries, travel, training, propaganda and technical assistance.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14592

An Interview with Daniel Kovalik
Alex Anfruns | dissidentvoice.org | 2019-07-18
In his last book on Venezuela, Daniel Kovalik, a lawyer and a long standing friend of Latin American people in countries such as Colombia and Central America, is tearing away the veil of war propaganda: "The humanitarian part of the intervention is now barely a fig leaf for the real and usual intention — the …
dissidentvoice.org/2019/07/interview-with-daniel-kovalik/

Stronger partnerships with post-conflict countries needed to ensure 'path towards durable peace': UN chief
United Nations | un.org | 2019-07-18
As UN missions are drawn down and eventually closed, stronger partnerships are needed to ensure that countries recovering from conflict can transition successfully to a phase of durable peace and development, UN Secretary-General António Guterres told the Security Council on Thursday.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/07/1042791

Challenging capitalism is the ultimate climate mitigation strategy
susan_p | greenleft.org.au | 2019-07-18
The climate movement both at the international level and within specific countries is quite disparate, meriting a distinction between climate activists per se and climate justice activists. | Representatives of the former include organisations such as the Climate Action Network, Greenpeace, and Al Gore's Climate Reality Project, which emphasise the need for renewables, energy efficiency, and other techno-fixes and attempt to work within the parameters of global capitalism. | Others, such as Friends of the Earth, Climate Justice Action, and various socialist and anarchist groups, are attuned to the enormous social…
greenleft.org.au/content/challenging-capitalism-ultimate-climate-mitigation-strategy

Yemen: UN Envoy 'guilty' of optimistic hope that war is 'nearing the end'
United Nations | un.org | 2019-07-18
With Yemen once again at a "crucial moment" the UN Special Envoy trying to facilitate peace there told Security Council members on Thursday that despite the dangers of being over optimistic, he could not help thinking the country could finally be "nearing the end of its war."
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/07/1042771

Diplomacy Instead of a Disaster in Iran
Paul Kawika Martin | peaceaction.org | 2019-07-18
Washington, D.C. — July 18, 2019 — In response to reports of the U.S. shooting down an Iranian drone, Paul Kawika Martin, Senior Director for Policy and Political Affairs at Peace Action, released the following statement: "Because of the Trump administration's policy of maximum provocation towards Iran, America stands on the precipice of another blunderous …
peaceaction.org/2019/07/18/diplomacy-instead-of-a-disaster-in-iran/

'Young people care about peace': UN Youth Envoy delivers key message to Security Council
United Nations | un.org | 2019-07-17
After visiting refugee camps in Jordan, UN-backed schools in Gaza, municipalities in Kosovo and Youth Councils in Denmark, the UN's Youth Envoy visited the Security Council on Wednesday with a simple message from the field that "young people care about peace".
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/07/1042711

Venezuelan Campesinos Released After Security Forces Raid
Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-07-17
A prompt mobilization from popular movements managed to secure their release.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14590

Wednesday's Daily Brief: Ebola now an international Public Health Emergency, young peacemakers, defining moment for Sudan, war crimes fugitives, migrant 'crisis' in Hungary
United Nations | un.org | 2019-07-17
In today's Daily Brief: the DR Congo Ebola outbreak is officially declared an international Public Health Emergency; UN Youth Envoy briefs Security Council; an 'exciting and potentially defining' moment for Sudan, says UN adviser; more cooperation's needed to secure arrest of war crimes fugitives; and politicizing the migrant 'crisis' in Hungary…
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/07/1042701

Guaido's Bodyguards Arrested as Venezuela Talks Resume in Barbados
Venezuela Analysis | theantimedia.com | 2019-07-16
(VZA) — Three men linked to self-declared "Interim President" Juan Guaido were arrested on Friday while allegedly selling weapons stolen during the failed April 30 putsch. According to Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez, Guaido's personal bodyguards Erick Sanchez and Jason Parisi, as well as Sanchez's cousin Eduardo Garcia, were detained while reportedly trying to sell five AK-103 rifles …

Guaido's Bodyguards Arrested as Venezuela Talks Resume in Barbados

UN Human Rights Council Adopts Resolution Rejecting US Sanctions
TeleSur English | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-07-15
The draft resolution was approved with 28 votes in favor, 14 against and five abstentions, and was presented by Venezuela and Palestine on behalf of the Movement of Non-aligned Countries.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14585

UPDATED: Venezuela: Guaido Bodyguards Arrested as Barbados Talks Resume
Paul Dobson | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-07-15
The self-declared "Interim President" claimed his men were victims of a "set up."
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14587

Minneapolis stands with Iran, Venezuela, Cuba against U.S. sanctions regime
Fight Back | fightbacknews.org | 2019-07-14
Minneapolis, MN – "Workers of the world, unite! Not 'workers of America unite' or 'workers who look like us, pray like us or love like us unite.' It's all workers," said union organizer David Gilbert-Pederson of Minnesota Workers United. "We have more in common with the tailor in Tehran than the bankers who crashed our economy. We have more in common with the bus driver in Caracas than the politicians locking kids in cages." | Gilbert-Pederson spoke to a protest on Lake Street, July 13, of over 80 people gathered to oppose recent U.S. war threats against Iran and Venezuela. Organized by the Minnesota Peace Action…
fightbacknews.org/2019/7/14/minneapolis-stands-iran-venezuela-cuba-against-us-sanctions-regime

Venezuela: 'Progress' Reported in Gov't-Opposition Talks as US Sanctions Counter-Intelligence Agency
Lucas Koerner and Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-07-12
The agenda of the talks has not been disclosed but the topic of elections is reportedly being left for last.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14584

The Glaring Holes in Michelle Bachelet's Venezuela Human Rights Report
Roger D. Harris | mintpressnews.com | 2019-07-12
UN High Commissioner on Human Rights Michelle Bachelet's report on Venezuela echoes the US government's talking points, which are designed to terminate the two-decade-old Bolivarian Revolution in Venezuela. The report fails to acknowledge Venezuela's manifest accomplishments or even recognize victims of US-backed right-wing violence in Venezuela. The US economic war against Venezuela, US threats of a "military option," and opposition violence are treated in the Bachelet report as figments of the imagination, "alleged internal and external threats." | Mean…
mintpressnews.com/glaring-holes-michelle-bachelet-venezuela-human-rights-report/260552/

Peace Action Endorses 'the Squad' — Ocasio-Cortez, Omar, Pressley and Tlaib for Congress
Peace Action | peaceaction.org | 2019-07-11
Washington, D.C. — July 11, 2019 — Peace Action, the nation's largest grassroots peace organization, has endorsed four progressive champions for the House of Representatives in the 2020 election, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for New York's 14th district, Rep. Ilhan Omar for Minnesota's 5th district, Rep. Ayanna Pressley for Massachusetts' 7th district, and Rep. Rashida Tlaib …
peaceaction.org/2019/07/11/peace-action-endorses-the-squad-ocasio-cortez-omar-pressley-and-tlaib-for-congress/

Venezuela: Oil Output Stagnant as Inflation Continues Slowdown
Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-07-11
The Venezuelan economy has now had four consecutive months without hyperinflation.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14582

Norway, Bachelet, and the Twilight of Guaido's Insurrection
Ociel Alí López | mintpressnews.com | 2019-07-10
Venezuelanalysis — Guaido's uprising is going through its terminal phrase. He does not yet appear to have reached his end as leader, as he still produces and consolidates an important consensus among the opposition. What has decisively failed is his attempt to form a government without elections with the backing of the hawks in Washington. In almost six months since his self-swearing in as "interim president," it has become palpable that his governing is truly impossible. The coup de grace was de…
mintpressnews.com/venezuela-bachelet-twilight-juan-guaido-insurrection/260274/

Venezuela: Dialogue Resumes in Barbados as Guaido Vows to Return to US-led Military Pact
Lucas Koerner and Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-07-08
Self-proclaimed "Interim President" walked back promises not to sit down with the government.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14577

'We're worse than Venezuela!': Hondurans in US-backed regime speak out
Max Blumenthal | thegrayzone.com | 2019-07-08
Average Hondurans in the capital Tegucigalpa's central park tell Max Blumenthal their humanitarian crisis is much worse than Venezuela's. The…
thegrayzone.com/2019/07/08/worse-than-venezuela-hondurans-us-backed-regime/

Venezuelan Government Slams 'Biased' UN Human Rights Report
Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-07-07
Despite recognizing the negative impact of US sanctions, the report contains no recommendation for the measures to be lifted.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14575

'Weaponizing human rights': UN chief Bachelet's Venezuela report follows US regime change script
Anya Parampil | thegrayzone.com | 2019-07-06
Former UN special rapporteur Alfred de Zayas slams UN High Commissioner Bachelet's report on Venezuela as a politicized collection of…
thegrayzone.com/2019/07/06/weaponizing-human-rights-un-high-commissioner-bachelets-venezuela-report-follows-us-regime-change-script/

OPEC Speaks Out Against Venezuelan Oil Embargo as PDVSA Reroutes Exports to Asia
Paul Dobson | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-07-03
Unofficial data also indicates that oil production has climbed 26 percent in June to 1.1 million barrels per day.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14570

US Sanctions Maduro's Son as Venezuela Discussed at G20
Paul Dobson | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-07-01
Russian President Vladimir Putin challenged Juan Guaido to run in elections while Trump said he has "five different alternatives for Venezuela."
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14565

UPDATED: Venezuelan Navy Captain Dies in State Custody, Maduro Orders Investigation
Lucas Koerner | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-06-30
Acosta had been linked to an alleged coup plot in which he discussed assassinating President Nicolas Maduro.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14563

Most Senators Oppose War with Iran Without Congressional Approval
Paul Kawika Martin | peaceaction.org | 2019-06-28
Washington, D.C. — June 28, 2019 — In response to the Senate voting 50-40 in favor of an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to block funding for military action against Iran without congressional approval, Paul Kawika Martin, Senior Director for Policy and Political Affairs at Peace Action, released the following statement: "Because …
peaceaction.org/2019/06/28/most-senators-oppose-war-with-iran-without-congressional-approval/

Venezuelan Government Claims New Coup Plot Foiled
Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-06-27
Plans allegedly included the assassination of President Maduro.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14560

Abrams Welcomes Venezuela's Former Intelligence Chief to the US, Reaffirms Trump's Commitment to Ousting Maduro
Paul Dobson | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-06-26
The press conference came as the Venezuelan military called for respect from those looking to fracture it.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14559

Peace Action Endorses Ilhan Omar for Congress
Peace Action | peaceaction.org | 2019-06-25
Washington, DC — June 25, 2019 — Peace Action has announced its endorsement of Ilhan Omar for Congress in Minnesota's 5th Congressional District. Peace Action is a national grassroots organization working to advance nuclear disarmament, promote government spending priorities that support human needs, encourage real security through international cooperation and human rights, and support nonmilitary …
peaceaction.org/2019/06/25/peace-action-endorses-ilhan-omar-for-congress-2/

UN Human Rights Head Visits Venezuela, Meets Maduro and Guaido
Paul Dobson | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-06-24
Michelle Bachelet commented on access to food and medicine, allegations of political prisoners, and the impact of sanctions, among other issues.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14554

Peace Action Endorses Kara Eastman for Congress
Peace Action | peaceaction.org | 2019-06-24
Washington, DC — June 24, 2019 — Peace Action has announced its endorsement of Kara Eastman for Congress in Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District. Peace Action is a national grassroots organization working to advance nuclear disarmament, promote government spending priorities that support human needs, encourage real security through international cooperation and human rights, and support nonmilitary …
peaceaction.org/2019/06/24/peace-action-endorses-kara-eastman-for-congress-bold-champion-for-peace-and-security/

Senate Votes to Block Arms Sales to Saudi Arabia and the UAE
Paul Kawika Martin | peaceaction.org | 2019-06-20
Washington, D.C. — June 20, 2019 — In response to the Senate voting to block arms sales involving Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other countries, Paul Kawika Martin, Senior Director for Policy and Political Affairs at Peace Action, released the following statement: "When Trump vetoed legislation earlier this year to end U.S. involvement …
peaceaction.org/2019/06/20/senate-votes-to-block-arms-sales-to-saudi-arabia-and-the-uae/

Venezuela: Popular Movements Mobilize to Demand Housing Self-Management
Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-06-20
Popular movements want to build half of the houses planned by the national Housing Mission.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14550

Striking Iran Now Could Spark a Major War
Jon Rainwater | peaceaction.org | 2019-06-20
Washington, D.C. — June 20, 2019 — In response to reports that the Trump administration is considering strikes on Iran in response to the downing of a U.S. surveillance drone, Jon Rainwater, Executive Director of Peace Action, released the following statement: "The United States has stumbled into a perilous situation. If, for example, the U.S. …
peaceaction.org/2019/06/20/striking-iran-now-could-spark-a-major-war/