Daily Archives: August 20, 2019

2019-08-20: News Headlines

Staff (2019-08-20). As Deadly Bombings Devastate Afghanistan, US-Taliban Peace Talks Continue. truthout.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 a…

teleSUR (2019-08-20). US-North Korea Peace Talks Have Not Resumed: Pompeo. telesurenglish.net The U.S. and North Korea have not returned to the negotiation table as quickly as they initially hoped, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Tuesday, but he added that Washington knew there would be 'bumps on the road' in the denuclearization talks. | RELATED: | Trump Designates Brazil a 'Major Non-Nato Ally' | "We haven't gotten back to the table as quickly as we hoped but we've been pretty clear all along, we knew there would be bums along the way," Pompeo said during an interview with CBS…

teleSUR (2019-08-20). Nevada Casino Workers Fight to Save Unions Amid Owners' Threats. telesurenglish.net Casino workers of Nevada, United States, are battling the owners to either form new unions or save existing unions from intimidation, busting, or retaliating against union members. | RELATED: | Shell Union Coerced into Attending Trump Speech, or Lose Pay | Owners of casinos, mostly billionaire allies of U.S. President Donald Trump have stalled recognition, delaye…

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…

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…

Paul Dobson (2019-08-19). Imperialist threats unite Venezuelan left, even as patience with Maduro wears thin. peoplesworld.org On a recent visit to Caracas, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel characterized Venezuela as "the world's primary anti-imperialist bastion." This, coming from a Cuban, is a striking description. Despite political power having rested in the hands of progressive leaders for 20 years, the primary and unresolved contradiction facing Venezuela is between national sovereignty and imperialist power …

teleSUR (2019-08-19). Paraguay Labels Hamas, Hezbollah As 'Terrorist Groups'. telesurenglish.net Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Paraguay's decision Monday to label Palestinian organization Hamas and Lebanese militant group and political party Hezbollah, as "international terrorist organizations," a move that comes shortly after Argentina first blacklisted Hezbollah. | RELATED: | Lebanon Accuses Israel of Threatening Peace in the Region | "I welcome the decision of Paraguayan President Mario Abdo to define Hezbollah and Hamas as terrorist organizations," Netanyahu said in…

teleSUR (2019-08-19). Afghanistan: Explosions Injure Dozens on Independence Day. telesurenglish.net Dozens of people including children were wounded after a series of explosions hit the Afghan eastern city of Jalalabad in the Nangarhar Province, as the country was commemorating its 100th year of independence from the British rule. | RELATED: | US-Taliban Peace Talks End With No Deal, Sept. 1 Deadline Looms | Noor Ahmad Habibi, the spokesman for the provincial governor, said at least 10 explosions occurred around Jalalabad. "Most of the people had minor injuries and were relea…

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.

teleSUR (2019-08-19). Venezuela Calls for Unity at VIII Assembly of Caribbean Peoples. telesurenglish.net The VIII edition of the Assembly of Peoples of the Caribbean, which took place in Trinidad and Tobago, ended Monday with a call for regional unity that was reached upon by debating strategies to counter imperialism. | RELATED: | US Court Rules Canadian Firm Can Collect $1.4B From Venezuela | To strengthen the resistance and unity of the organizations and social mov…

Slava Zilber (2019-08-19). Professor slams US for causing 'intense hardships' abroad, and media for not holding it to account. thecanary.co Jeffrey Sachs — director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University — a long-time critic of US foreign policy. And speaking to The Canary, he slammed devastating US sanctions on countries like Venezuela and I…

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…

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 …

teleSUR (2019-08-19). Trump Wanted Navy Stationed Along Venezuelan Coast. telesurenglish.net The United States President Donald Trump proposed deploying navy ships along the Venezuelan coast to prevent the entry of products into the country according to a report by Axios news portal. | RELATED: | US: Already Interfering in Upcoming Venezuelan Elections | Trump devised the idea of the maritime blockade of Venezuela with his security advisors ac…

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.

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…

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…

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, …

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.

Jessica Corbett, staff writer (2019-08-19). 1.7 Million Turn Out for Hong Kong Demonstration With Vow to 'Keep Fighting' as Protests Enter 11th Week. commondreams.org Protests in Hong Kong that broke out in June over a now-shelved extradition bill have entered their 11th consecutive week, with a series of events over the weekend that included a peaceful mass demonstration Sunday that organizers said was attended by as many as 1.7 million people. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/gettyimages-11687383021.jpg

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…

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."

United Nations (2019-08-14). Wednesday's Daily Brief: Help for Venezuelans, Burundi Ebola vaccine drive, Paraguay poison probe urged, talking disarmament in Geneva, Libya violence down. un.org Our main stories today cover: Scaled-up assistance for Venezuelans; Ebola vaccinations for Burundi health workers; reports of civilian deaths following an Afghan-sponsored security operation; agrochemical spray probe urged in Paraguay; Libya violence abates during truce, and disarmament conference's first woman chief urges Governments to "overcome their differences".

United Nations (2019-08-14). Humanitarian assistance to be scaled-up for millions of Venezuelans in need. un.org The United Nations humanitarian wing launched a new Response Plan (HRP) on Wednesday, that aims to help around 2.6 million people in Venezuela through to the end of the year, almost half of whom are youth.

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.

Aaron Maté (2019-08-12). Trump starves Venezuela, Democrats are silent. thegrayzone.com The Trump administration is intensifying its economic warfare on the people of Venezuela with a crippling embargo — and facing…

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.

2019-08-20: Social Media Postees

As Deadly Bombings Devastate Afghanistan, US-Taliban Peace Talks Continue
Staff | truthout.org | 2019-08-20
| 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 a…
truthout.org/video/as-deadly-bombings-devastate-afghanistan-us-taliban-peace-talks-continue/

US-North Korea Peace Talks Have Not Resumed: Pompeo
telesurenglish.net | 2019-08-20
The U.S. and North Korea have not returned to the negotiation table as quickly as they initially hoped, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Tuesday, but he added that Washington knew there would be 'bumps on the road' in the denuclearization talks. | RELATED: | Trump Designates Brazil a 'Major Non-Nato Ally' | "We haven't gotten back to the table as quickly as we hoped but we've been pretty clear all along, we knew there would be bums along the way," Pompeo said during an interview with CBS…
telesurenglish.net/news/US-North-Korea-Peace-Talks-Have-Not-Resumed-Pompeo-20190820-0002.html

Say no to the McCarthyite attack on Chicago teachers
Fight Back | fightbacknews.org | 2019-08-20
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…
fightbacknews.org/2019/8/20/say-no-mccarthyite-attack-chicago-teachers

Trump calls for naval blockade of Venezuela
wsws.org | 2019-08-20
The US president's demand for a military option reflects growing desperation in Washington over the failure of its regime-change operation.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2019/08/20/vene-a20.html

Kushner's Threat to Palestine: An Interview with Norman Finkelstein
Colter Louwerse | counterpunch.org | 2019-08-20
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…
counterpunch.org/2019/08/20/kushners-threat-to-palestine-an-interview-with-norman-finkelstein/

Make love, not war? Department of PEACE plan unveiled by Marianne Williamson, and Twitter loves it
rt.com | 2019-08-20
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…
rt.com/usa/466918-marianne-williamson-peace-department/

Deadly Bombings Devastate Afghanistan as U.S.-Taliban Peace Talks Continue Without Afghan Government
Staff | democracynow.org | 2019-08-20
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…
www.democracynow.org/2019/8/20/afghanistan_peace_talks_us_taliban

Stormont leaders clash over PM's backstop demand
The Canary | thecanary.co | 2019-08-20
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…
thecanary.co/uk/news/2019/08/20/stormont-leaders-clash-over-pms-backstop-demand/

Paraguay Labels Hamas, Hezbollah As 'Terrorist Groups'
telesurenglish.net | 2019-08-19
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Paraguay's decision Monday to label Palestinian organization Hamas and Lebanese militant group and political party Hezbollah, as "international terrorist organizations," a move that comes shortly after Argentina first blacklisted Hezbollah. | RELATED: | Lebanon Accuses Israel of Threatening Peace in the Region | "I welcome the decision of Paraguayan President Mario Abdo to define Hezbollah and Hamas as terrorist organizations," Netanyahu said in…
telesurenglish.net/news/Paraguay-Labels-Hamas-Hezbollah-terrorist-groups-Israel-Applauds-20190819-0017.html

Afghanistan: Explosions Injure Dozens on Independence Day
telesurenglish.net | 2019-08-19
Dozens of people including children were wounded after a series of explosions hit the Afghan eastern city of Jalalabad in the Nangarhar Province, as the country was commemorating its 100th year of independence from the British rule. | RELATED: | US-Taliban Peace Talks End With No Deal, Sept. 1 Deadline Looms | Noor Ahmad Habibi, the spokesman for the provincial governor, said at least 10 explosions occurred around Jalalabad. "Most of the people had minor injuries and were relea…
telesurenglish.net/news/Afghanistan-Explosions-Wound-Scores-on-Independence-Day-20190819-0019.html

Venezuela Oil Production Continues Slump as US Embargo Deters Foreign Trade
Paul Dobson | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-08-19
July's production was 740,000 barrels per day, 4 percent lower than in June.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14631

Professor slams US for causing 'intense hardships' abroad, and media for not holding it to account
Slava Zilber | thecanary.co | 2019-08-19
Jeffrey Sachs — director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University — a long-time critic of US foreign policy. And speaking to The Canary, he slammed devastating US sanctions on countries like Venezuela and I…
thecanary.co/feature/2019/08/19/professor-slams-us-for-causing-intense-hardships-abroad-and-media-for-not-holding-it-to-account/

Venezuela: Worker control vs. Trump's blockade
Fight Back | fightbacknews.org | 2019-08-19
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…
fightbacknews.org/2019/8/18/venezuela-worker-control-vs-trumps-blockade

Venezuela Calls for Unity at VIII Assembly of Caribbean Peoples
telesurenglish.net | 2019-08-19
The VIII edition of the Assembly of Peoples of the Caribbean, which took place in Trinidad and Tobago, ended Monday with a call for regional unity that was reached upon by debating strategies to counter imperialism. | RELATED: | US Court Rules Canadian Firm Can Collect $1.4B From Venezuela | To strengthen the resistance and unity of the organizations and social mov…
telesurenglish.net/news/Venezuela-Calls-for-Regional-Unity-at-Assembly-of-Caribbean-Peoples-20190819-0021.html

A concentraàßà£o de riqueza conduz o novo imperialismo global
Peter Phillips | globalresearch.ca | 2019-08-19
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 …
globalresearch.ca/a-concentracao-de-riqueza-conduz-o-novo-imperialismo-global/5686753

Imperialist threats unite Venezuelan left, even as patience with Maduro wears thin
Paul Dobson | peoplesworld.org | 2019-08-19
On a recent visit to Caracas, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel characterized Venezuela as "the world's primary anti-imperialist bastion." This, coming from a Cuban, is a striking description. Despite political power having rested in the hands of progressive leaders for 20 years, the primary and unresolved contradiction facing Venezuela is between national sovereignty and imperialist power …
peoplesworld.org/article/imperialist-threats-unite-venezuelan-left-even-as-patience-with-maduro-wears-thin/

Trump Wanted Navy Stationed Along Venezuelan Coast
telesurenglish.net | 2019-08-19
The United States President Donald Trump proposed deploying navy ships along the Venezuelan coast to prevent the entry of products into the country according to a report by Axios news portal. | RELATED: | US: Already Interfering in Upcoming Venezuelan Elections | Trump devised the idea of the maritime blockade of Venezuela with his security advisors ac…
telesurenglish.net/news/Trump-Wanted-Navy-Stationed-Along-Venezuelan-Coast-20190819-0001.html

UN refugee chief impressed with Brazil's 'exemplary' response to plight of fleeing Venezuelans
United Nations | un.org | 2019-08-19
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.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/08/1044431

Venezuela: Worker control vs. Trump's blockade
Fight Back | fightbacknews.org | 2019-08-19
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…
www.fightbacknews.org/2019/8/18/venezuela-worker-control-vs-trumps-blockade

Anti-War Committee denounces Israel's ban of Omar and Tlaib
Fight Back | fightbacknews.org | 2019-08-19
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…
fightbacknews.org/2019/8/18/anti-war-committee-denounces-israel-s-ban-omar-and-tlaib

Anti-War Committee denounces Israel's ban of Omar and Tlaib
Fight Back | fightbacknews.org | 2019-08-19
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…
www.fightbacknews.org/2019/8/18/anti-war-committee-denounces-israel-s-ban-omar-and-tlaib

Monday's Daily Brief: World Humanitarian Day, Afghan massacre aftermath, Venezuelans in Brazil, Yemen war update, and reconciliation in Mali
United Nations | un.org | 2019-08-19
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.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/08/1044491

Sudan agreement, Hong Kong Protests, Venezuela and Trade War
unitedEditor | uwidata.com | 2019-08-19
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, …
uwidata.com/4995-sudan-agreement-hong-kong-protests-venezuela-and-trade-war/

1.7 Million Turn Out for Hong Kong Demonstration With Vow to 'Keep Fighting' as Protests Enter 11th Week
Jessica Corbett, staff writer | commondreams.org | 2019-08-19
Protests in Hong Kong that broke out in June over a now-shelved extradition bill have entered their 11th consecutive week, with a series of events over the weekend that included a peaceful mass demonstration Sunday that organizers said was attended by as many as 1.7 million people. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/gettyimages-11687383021.jpg
commondreams.org/news/2019/08/19/17-million-turn-out-hong-kong-demonstration-vow-keep-fighting-protests-enter-11th?cd-origin=rss

13 arrested, 6 injured after Portland protests descend into violence
rt.com | 2019-08-18
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…
rt.com/usa/466740-portland-arrests-violence-right/

Milwaukee VA workers fight union busting
Fight Back | fightbacknews.org | 2019-08-17
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…
www.fightbacknews.org/2019/8/17/milwaukee-va-workers-fight-union-busting

Milwaukee VA workers fight union busting
Fight Back | fightbacknews.org | 2019-08-17
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…
fightbacknews.org/2019/8/17/milwaukee-va-workers-fight-union-busting

Trump's 'Deal of the Century': A plan for peace, or destruction?
unitedEditor | uwidata.com | 2019-08-17
Trump's 'Deal of the Century' bills itself as an effort at establishing peace between Israel and Palestine, but in reality aims at advancing Israel's interests, and fundamentally altering the geopolitical balance of the Middle East. THE US' TRUE MOTIVATIONS The US established a new strategy in the Middle East after the end of World War …
uwidata.com/4948-trumps-deal-of-the-century-a-plan-for-peace-or-destruction/

North Korea Suspends Talks With South Korea Because of U.S. Sanctions
Staff | therealnews.com | 2019-08-16
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…
therealnews.com/stories/north-korea-suspends-talks-with-south-korea-because-of-u-s-sanctions

UN Security Council discusses Kashmir, China urges India and Pakistan to ease tensions
United Nations | un.org | 2019-08-16
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.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/08/1044401

The Black Working Class and Venezuela: Fighting The Same Enemy
Staff | therealnews.com | 2019-08-15
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…
therealnews.com/stories/the-black-working-class-and-venezuela-fighting-the-same-enemy

The US is already interfering in the upcoming Venezuelan elections
unitedEditor | uwidata.com | 2019-08-15
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 …
uwidata.com/4894-the-us-is-already-interfering-in-the-upcoming-venezuelan-elections/

Aloha from Dr. Martin Luther King and Tulsi Gabbard
Paul Rockwell | mintpressnews.com | 2019-08-15
"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.
mintpressnews.com/aloha-from-dr-martin-luther-king-and-tulsi-gabbard/261363/

PHOTOS: Venezuelans march against US embargo in enormous #NoMoreTrump protest
Ben Norton | thegrayzone.com | 2019-08-14
The Grayzone attends a massive march where hundreds of thousands took to the streets of Caracas to condemn the US…
thegrayzone.com/2019/08/14/photos-venezuela-march-us-embargo-no-more-trump-protest/

Humanitarian assistance to be scaled-up for millions of Venezuelans in need
United Nations | un.org | 2019-08-14
The United Nations humanitarian wing launched a new Response Plan (HRP) on Wednesday, that aims to help around 2.6 million people in Venezuela through to the end of the year, almost half of whom are youth.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/08/1044221

Venezuelan Opposition Journalist Served as Agent for US, UK Gov't
TeleSUR English | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-08-14
In a U.S. diplomatic cable, Bocaranda is dubbed a "reliable source" and to be "strictly protected."
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14627

Wednesday's Daily Brief: Help for Venezuelans, Burundi Ebola vaccine drive, Paraguay poison probe urged, talking disarmament in Geneva, Libya violence down
United Nations | un.org | 2019-08-14
Our main stories today cover: Scaled-up assistance for Venezuelans; Ebola vaccinations for Burundi health workers; reports of civilian deaths following an Afghan-sponsored security operation; agrochemical spray probe urged in Paraguay; Libya violence abates during truce, and disarmament conference's first woman chief urges Governments to "overcome their differences".
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/08/1044231

Venezuela's Maduro Reshuffles Cabinet as Supreme Court Strips Three Opposition Lawmakers of Immunity
Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-08-14
The National Constituent Assembly will also evaluate bringing forward legislative elections.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14628

BDS movement condemns U.S. Congress' anti-BDS resolution
patrick | bdsmovement.net | 2019-08-13
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) …
bdsmovement.net/news/bds-movement-condemns-us-congress-anti-bds-resolution

Safe Zone in Syria, Elections in Argentina and Guatemala, Ex-president of Kyrgyzstan arrested
unitedEditor | uwidata.com | 2019-08-13
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 …
uwidata.com/4914-safe-zone-in-syria-elections-in-argentina-and-guatemala-ex-president-of-kyrgyzstan-arrested/

Worldwide Solidarity Rallies Held in Support of Venezuela
TeleSur English | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-08-12
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.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14623

Venezuela Secures New Chinese Oil Investment
Paul Dobson | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-08-12
The move defies the US embargo's secondary sanction provisions targeting foreign firms trading with Venezuela.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14625

Trump starves Venezuela, Democrats are silent
Aaron Maté | thegrayzone.com | 2019-08-12
The Trump administration is intensifying its economic warfare on the people of Venezuela with a crippling embargo — and facing…
thegrayzone.com/2019/08/12/trump-starves-venezuela-democrats-are-silent/

Venezuelan Gov't Suspends Dialogue as EU Criticizes US Embargo
Lucas Koerner and Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-08-08
The European Union objected to the "extraterritorial application of unilateral measures."
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14619

Actions urged against U.S. blockade of Venezuela
Gloria La Riva | liberationnews.org | 2019-08-08
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.
liberationnews.org/actions-urged-against-u-s-blockade-of-venezuela/

Se urgen acciones contra bloqueo de EEUU a Venezuela
Gloria La Riva | liberationnews.org | 2019-08-08
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.
liberationnews.org/se-urgen-acciones-contra-bloqueo-de-eeuu-a-venezuela/

Venezuelan Campesinos' March on Miraflores Blocked by Police
Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-08-08
The mobilization marked the one-year anniversary of the Admirable Campesino March.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14620

Venezuelan Athletes Bring Home Medals from Pan-American Games
Paul Dobson | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-08-07
Venezuela has scored thirteen medals so far, including three golds, with more expected.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14617

Washington Escalates Venezuela Sanctions into Full-Fledged Embargo
Lucas Koerner and Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-08-06
The latest measures amount to a total trade embargo impacting both US and foreign entities.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14615

Venezuela derrota nuevo sabotaje de poder en horas
Gloria La Riva | liberationnews.org | 2019-08-06
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.
liberationnews.org/venezuela-derrota-nuevo-sabotaje-de-poder-en-horas/