Daily Archives: August 22, 2019

2019-08-22: News Headlines

Lyn Neeley (2019-08-22). Bolivarian revolution and Black liberation. workers.org Portland's Hands Off Venezuela PDX sponsored a Skype teach-in on Aug. 17 with Dr. Layla Brown-Vincent, an assistant professor of Africana Studies at the University of Massachusetts in Boston, who spoke about the role of racism in Bolivarian Venezuela to a room of 25 Oregonians. She said, "Just as Haiti . . . | Continue reading Bolivarian revolution and Black liberation at Workers.org

Cesar Chelala (2019-08-22). A Palestinian/Israeli Experiment for Peace in the Middle East. counterpunch.org Changing dynamics in the Middle East make peace between Israelis and Palestinians more elusive than ever. Both sides have rights, and both sides made wrongs. How to overcome these wrongs is what two professors, a Palestinian and an Israeli, have been trying to do for over two decades. Their work may represent one of the More

commondreams (2019-08-22). Sanders, Gillibrand Tied for Lead in New Greenpeace Climate 2020 Ranking. commondreams.org ______________________________…

teleSUR (2019-08-22). Jesus Santrich Given Interpol Red Notice. telesurenglish.net Interpol have officially issued a red notice for the arrest of FARC leader Jesus Santrich, following his no-show at a scheduled court appearance in Colombia, and failure to inform authorities of his whereabouts. Santrich helped negotiate the 2016 peace agreements which many say are breaking down due to the state not meeting its obligations. | RELATED: | Colombian Indigenous Peoples Declare Emergency in Cauca Valley | While at a FARC reintegration ca…

teleSUR -EF (2019-08-22). Panama to US: We Won't be Your 'Safe Third Country'. telesurenglish.net The Trump administration is looking to turn all of Central America into a 'safe third country', but Panamanian President Laurentino Cortizo says that's "not viable" in his nation. | RELATED: | Won't Block Venezuela Ships Despite US Sanctions, Panama Claims | Newly-inaugurated President Cortizo ruled out the possibility of signing an agreement with the United States to make Panama a 'safe third country' to asylum seekers not allowed to stay within the U.S. while they await their…

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

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

teleSUR (2019-08-21). Venezuela: About 4 Million Sign Petition Against US Blockade. telesurenglish.net Venezuela's government announced that the petition to collect signatures calling on the United States to lift the unilateral blockade under the "#NoMoreTrump" campaign has reached four million rubrics with about three weeks still to go. | RELATED: | Venezuela: Arreaza Denounces Blockade to UN Security Council | "We already reached four million signatures. Do not be left behind, go out to sign, in the Bolivar Squares of the country, for the defense of Venezuela, for the peace of th…

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.

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.

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). 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.

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…

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, …

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). 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.

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.

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.

2019-08-22: Social Media Postees

A Palestinian/Israeli Experiment for Peace in the Middle East
Cesar Chelala | counterpunch.org | 2019-08-22
Changing dynamics in the Middle East make peace between Israelis and Palestinians more elusive than ever. Both sides have rights, and both sides made wrongs. How to overcome these wrongs is what two professors, a Palestinian and an Israeli, have been trying to do for over two decades. Their work may represent one of the…
counterpunch.org/2019/08/22/a-palestinian-israeli-experiment-for-peace-in-the-middle-east/

Sanders, Gillibrand Tied for Lead in New Greenpeace Climate 2020 Ranking
commondreams.org | 2019-08-22
______________________________…
commondreams.org/newswire/2019/08/22/sanders-gillibrand-tied-lead-new-greenpeace-climate-2020-ranking?cd-origin=rss

Jesus Santrich Given Interpol Red Notice
telesurenglish.net | 2019-08-22
Interpol have officially issued a red notice for the arrest of FARC leader Jesus Santrich, following his no-show at a scheduled court appearance in Colombia, and failure to inform authorities of his whereabouts. Santrich helped negotiate the 2016 peace agreements which many say are breaking down due to the state not meeting its obligations. | RELATED: | Colombian Indigenous Peoples Declare Emergency in Cauca Valley | While at a FARC reintegration ca…
telesurenglish.net/news/Jesus-Santrich-Given-Interpol-Red-Notice-20190822-0009.html

Bolivarian revolution and Black liberation
Lyn Neeley | workers.org | 2019-08-22
Portland's Hands Off Venezuela PDX sponsored a Skype teach-in on Aug. 17 with Dr. Layla Brown-Vincent, an assistant professor of Africana Studies at the University of Massachusetts in Boston, who spoke about the role of racism in Bolivarian Venezuela to a room of 25 Oregonians. She said, "Just as Haiti . . . | Continue reading Bolivarian revolution and Black liberation at Workers.org
workers.org/2019/08/21/bolivarian-revolution-and-black-liberation/

Panama to US: We Won't be Your 'Safe Third Country'
teleSUR -EF | telesurenglish.net | 2019-08-22
The Trump administration is looking to turn all of Central America into a 'safe third country', but Panamanian President Laurentino Cortizo says that's "not viable" in his nation. | RELATED: | Won't Block Venezuela Ships Despite US Sanctions, Panama Claims | Newly-inaugurated President Cortizo ruled out the possibility of signing an agreement with the United States to make Panama a 'safe third country' to asylum seekers not allowed to stay within the U.S. while they await their…
telesurenglish.net/news/Panama-to-US-We-Wont-be-Your-Safe-Third-Country-20190822-0014.html

Venezuela: About 4 Million Sign Petition Against US Blockade
telesurenglish.net | 2019-08-21
Venezuela's government announced that the petition to collect signatures calling on the United States to lift the unilateral blockade under the "#NoMoreTrump" campaign has reached four million rubrics with about three weeks still to go. | RELATED: | Venezuela: Arreaza Denounces Blockade to UN Security Council | "We already reached four million signatures. Do not be left behind, go out to sign, in the Bolivar Squares of the country, for the defense of Venezuela, for the peace of th…
telesurenglish.net/news/Venezuela-About-4-Million-Sign-Petition-Against-US-Blockade-20190821-0020.html

That Couldn't Be True: Restorying and Reconciliation
Michael Welton | counterpunch.org | 2019-08-21
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…
counterpunch.org/2019/08/21/that-couldnt-be-true-restorying-and-reconciliation/

Taliban Peace Talks Must Not Ignore CIA-Funded Afghan Militias, Report Says
Alex Emmons | theintercept.com | 2019-08-21
"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."
theintercept.com/2019/08/21/taliban-peace-talks-afghanistan-militias/

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

Selected Articles: Mainstream Media Betrayal of Assange
Global Research News | globalresearch.ca | 2019-08-21
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 …
globalresearch.ca/selected-articles-mainstream-media-betrayal-assange/5686812

'No time to lose' UN envoy tells Security Council, 'Yemen cannot wait'
United Nations | un.org | 2019-08-20
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.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/08/1044561

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…
www.fightbacknews.org/2019/8/20/say-no-mccarthyite-attack-chicago-teachers

Tuesday's Daily Brief: water quality crisis, Yemen and Libya updates, Venezuelan children appeal, ocean protection
United Nations | un.org | 2019-08-20
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.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/08/1044581

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/

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

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…
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/

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

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 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/

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

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/

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

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

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/

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

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

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/

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

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 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/

New Civil Rights Memorial to be installed on 54th anniversary of Voting Rights Act
splcenter.org | 2019-08-05
Jimmie Lee Jackson was beaten and shot by Alabama state troopers during a peaceful voting rights march on Feb. 18, 1965.
splcenter.org/news/2019/08/06/new-civil-rights-memorial-be-installed-54th-anniversary-voting-rights-act

Venezuela: Trump Threatens Blockade as Dialogue Continues
Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-08-05
A White House official added that the threat should be "taken seriously."
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14614

Venezuela's PDVSA Reconverts Oil Facilities While US Court Ruling Puts Citgo at Risk
Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-08-01
Oil giant Chevron has also been granted a 90-day waiver by the Treasury Department to continue its Venezuela operations.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14609

Venezuela: Six Chavista Militants Killed in Fresh Rural Violence
Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-07-30
Landowner violence continues to plague the Venezuelan countryside.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14607

Sao Paulo Forum Voices Solidarity with Venezuela, Rejects US Warmongering
Paul Dobson | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-07-29
The host of delegates from around the world likewise expressed support for leftist movements in Latin America.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14606

Venezuela: US Sanctions Target Subsidized Food Program as Foro de Sao Paulo Kicks Off
Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-07-25
Washington has targeted companies and individuals it alleges are profiteering from the CLAP food initiative.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14602

Venezuela Recovers From Blackout as Guaido 'Approves' Military Treaty Reincorporation
Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-07-24
Caracas blamed the blackout on an "electromagnetic attack" while recovery was faster than before.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14599