Daily Archives: December 23, 2019

2019-12-23: News Headlines

Eds. (2019-12-23). The vanguard of Chavism has a woman's face: A chronicle of their resistance in 2019. mronline.org In the middle of the year, we Venezuelans received a visit from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michel Bachelet, on the occasion of meeting with the different political actors in the country to "evaluate" the complex economic and social environment brought about by the White House's decision. | Source

RT (2019-12-23). Taliban attack kills US service member in Afghanistan amid renewed peace talks. rt.com An American service member in Afghanistan was killed in an attack carried out by the Taliban, the militant group has said. The Pentagon has confirmed the death, which coincides with a new round of peace talks with the Taliban. | The US military did not provide further details about the service member. More than a dozen foreign soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan in 2019. | The US has resumed peace talks with the Taliban, after negotiations were abruptly cut off in September by Washington. | The war in Afghanistan has dragged on for more than 19 years, making it the longest war in United States history. Ev…

Max Parry (2019-12-23). How the Pro-War "Left" Fell for the Kurds in Syria. dissidentvoice.org The October decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to withdraw American troops from northeastern Syria did not only precipitate the Turkish offensive, codenamed 'Operation Peace Spring', into Kurdish-held territory which followed. It also sparked an outcry of hysteria from much of the so-called "left" that has been deeply divided during the 8-year long conflict over …

yenisafak (2019-12-23). EU only supports peaceful solution in Libya. yenisafak.com The EU on Monday called on all parties of the Libyan conflict to cease military actions and resume the political dialogue."There is no military solution to the crisis in Libya. The only way to settle it must be a political one, negotiated on the basis of the proposals recently put forward by the United Nations," Peter Stano, the lead spokesperson of the EU's External Action Service pointed out in a statement responding to the recent growing tensions in the African country.Since September, several high-level meetings were held in the German capital to put an end to the conflict ongoing since 2011. The negotiations…

RT (2019-12-23). Stalled talks with US 'not good' for Pyongyang, S. Korea tells China. rt.com Stalled denuclearization talks and a recent flare-up in tension between Washington and Pyongyang are not beneficial for Pyongyang, South Korean President Moon Jae-in told Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Monday. | North Korea has set a year-end deadline for the US to change what it says is a policy of hostility amid a stalemate in efforts to make progress on their pledge to end the North's nuclear program. | Xi told Moon that China supports South Korea's efforts to improve ties with North Korea and inject new impetus into promoting peace talks, Reuters reported. | Moon is visiting China for a trilate…

yenisafak (2019-12-23). Soldier killed in military base attack in Venezuela. yenisafak.com Venezuela's defense minister confirmed that one soldier was killed in an attack on a military base in the southeastern Gran Sabana region."In the early morning hours today, a military unit in the south of the country was assaulted by extremist sectors of the opposition, and a batch of weapons was taken from the unit," Vladimir Padrino Lopez announced Sunday on Twitter."From this terrorist attack, an army troop was killed."Padrino added that police and military agents were deployed in the area and managed to capture some of the attackers, as well as the stolen weapons.He said the detainees are providing informatio…

Rigel Sergent (2019-12-22). Grassroots Democracy & the Social Production of Housing. zcomm.org Venezuela's cities have given birth to a powerful social movement aiming at urban reorganization through self-governed assembly processes…

RT (2019-12-22). 1 killed in attack by 'extremist sectors of opposition' on Venezuela's army unit — Caracas. rt.com A Venezuelan army trooper has been killed in an attack on a military unit, carried out by "extremist sectors of the opposition," on Sunday morning, Venezuela's Defense | Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said on Twitter. | A large haul of weapons was stolen from the unit during the attack, but has swiftly been recovered, as multiple police and military were scrambled to chase the assailants. | Six of the perpetrators were captured and are now being interrogated by the security forces. | Venezuela's Minster of Communication Jorge Rodriguez said the suspects had been trained in "fully identified paramilitary camps…

news.un (2019-12-20). Stand for peace and harmony says Guterres, following meeting with Pope Francis. news.un.org In the midst of "turbulent and trying times", all the world's people must stand together in peace and harmony, the UN Secretary-General said on Friday. António Guterres was speaking following an audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican, who he thanked for his strong support for the global Organization.

Brian Mier (2019-12-20). Chronicle of a Coup Foretold. counterpunch.org Will the US left work to normalize the impending coup attempt in Mexico the way it did for Venezuela, Bolivia, Brazil and Nicaragua? Last July I gave a speech in the Left Forum in Brooklyn. When it was over, A young activist stood up and announced, in perfect English, that they were an anarchist from More

Alan Macleod (2019-12-20). The Real Reasons Tulsi Gabbard Did Not Vote to Impeach Donald Trump. mintpressnews.com Gabbard's decision had much more to do with a desire to censure Trump over his real crimes: carrying out wars without congressional approval, illegally "occupying and pillaging" Syria, " and continuing to support Saudi Arabia's "genocidal war" in Yemen.

Joe Emersberger (2019-12-20). Notes on a private TV newscast in Bolivia. The contrast with Venezuela is clear as day. zcomm.org In August, I took detailed notes a news broadcast on one of Venezuela's largest TV networks. I summarized these notes in an interview I did with the Real News Network making the point that Venezuela's private media (which reaches 60-90% of households) is remarkably free — most especially when you consider the US is openly Read more…

The Mind Unleashed (2019-12-19). UN Peacekeepers Fathered Hundreds of Babies With Girls in Haiti as Young as 11. theantimedia.com Girls as young as 11 were impregnated by peacekeepers and left "in misery" to raise their children alone.

news.un (2019-12-19). Iran and US both undermining nuclear deal says UN political affairs chief. news.un.org Both Iran and the United States have been putting strain on the groundbreaking 2015 deal to monitor Iran's nuclear programme, which remains a "cornerstone of international peace and security", said the UN's political affairs chief on Thursday.

Staff (2019-12-19). Headlines for December 19, 2019. democracynow.org President Trump Impeached for Abuse of Power & Obstruction of Congress, Trump Slams FBI, Democrats & Impeachment at Battle Creek Rally, McConnell Pushes Through 11 Federal Judge Nominations, DOJ Inspector General Testifies About FBI's Carter Page Surveillance, 7 Democratic Presidential Candidates to Take to Debate Stage in L.A. Tonight, Federal Appeals Court Strikes Down Part of Affordable Care Act, Australia Protesters Pitch Tents Outside PM House over Climate Crisis, Report: U.N. Peacekeepers Fathered & Abandoned Hundreds of Children in Haiti, DRC: Families Sue Apple, Google, Microsoft over Children's Deaths in…

Lucas Koerner and Ricardo Vaz (2019-12-18). Venezuela: Guaido Introduces Remote Voting in Bid to Secure Reelection. venezuelanalysis.com The opposition leader has been under fire amid recent scandals.

news.un (2019-12-18). Wednesday's Daily Brief: Global Refugee Forum, Venezuela human rights, breast cancer hopes. news.un.org Our top stories for Wednesday include: First Global Refugee Forum ends in Geneva; Venezuela misery on multiple fronts, outlined by UN rights chief; and a breast cancer update that could make treatment affordable for millions more women.

news.un (2019-12-18). Only 'concrete action' will stop fraying of Israel-Palestine peace prospects. news.un.org Obstacles to any lasting deal between Israel and Palestine continue to mount, the UN's Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process told Security Council members on Wednesday, and only "concrete action" towards a two-State solution will change that dynamic.

Staff (2019-12-17). "A Spectacular Fall from Grace": Aung San Suu Kyi Denies Burmese Genocide of Rohingya at The Hague. democracynow.org Burma's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi has asked the U.N. International Court of Justice to drop the genocide case against Myanmar, formerly Burma. Suu Kyi is a Nobel Peace Prize winner who spent over a decade fighting against the Burmese military, which she is now defending. Last week, Suu Kyi appeared in person at the court to dispute the charges and called the allegations of genocide against Rohingya Muslims "incomplete and misleading." The Burmese military killed and raped thousands of Rohingya and forced more than 700,000 to flee into neighboring Bangladesh in a brutal army crackdown in 2017. Gambia brough…

The Grayzone (2019-12-17). US Venezuelan embassy protectors denied right to fair trial. thegrayzone.com Four US activists protecting Venezuela's embassy in Washington, DC face prison time after the Trump administration illegally arrested them. And now…

Anya Parampil (2019-12-16). Why Elliott Abrams is Smurf villain Gargamel. thegrayzone.com Trump Administration Special Representative for Venezuela Elliott Abram is not only the spitting image of Gargamel; the Smurfs are a…

Paul Dobson (2019-12-16). ALBA Summit: Venezuela Promises to Relaunch PetroCaribe in 2020. venezuelanalysis.com Heads of state also pledged to bolster various regional social programs including the Miracle Mission and Latin American Medical Schools.

Joe Emersberger (2019-12-16). Francisco Rodriguez answers some questions I asked about Venezuela. zcomm.org Venezuelan economist Francisco Rodriguez, formerly of Torino Economics, answered a few questions of mine about his country. He was the economic adviser to Henri Falcon, the second place finisher in the May 2018 presidential election. His updated estimate for 2019 is that Venezuela's real GDP will contract by 25% . That's horrific, but less severe Read more…

Ben Norton (2019-12-14). Gobierno de EEUU retira los cargos falsos contra periodista Max Blumenthal. thegrayzone.com El gobierno estadounidense desistió la causa basada en falsas acusaciones de agresión contra el editor de The Grayzone Max Blumenthal…

Staff (2019-12-13). Headlines for December 13, 2019. democracynow.org Conservative Party Wins Landslide Victory in U.K. Elections, House Judiciary Committee to Vote on 2 Articles of Impeachment Today, Algeria: Thousands Protest Thursday's Presidential Election, Aung San Suu Kyi Asks ICJ to Drop Genocide Case Against Burma, India: Police Kill 2 People in Assam Amid Protests over Citizenship Bill, Thousands of Iraqis Gather in Tahrir Sq. to Demand Protest Movement Remain Peaceful, France: Unions Remain on Strike and Vow to Continue During Holiday Season, Thousands Take to Streets in Hong Kong, DHS Memo Reveals How ICE's Inadequate Medical Care Contributed to 4 Deaths, Trump Attacks 1…

Ricardo Vaz (2019-12-11). Venezuela Oil Production Continues Slow Recovery. venezuelanalysis.com According to state oil company PDVSA, production is again approaching one million barrels per day.

Liberation Staff (2019-12-09). Peaceful rally in solidarity with terminated workers dispersed by police. liberationnews.org On Black Friday, Nov. 29, across the United States, members of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees and their allies responded to a national call to action from the union.

Paul Dobson (2019-12-09). Venezuela's Civilian Militia Surpasses Target, Reaches 3.3 Million Members. venezuelanalysis.com The body is due to be legally incorporated into the Armed Forces as a "combat unit."

Lucas Koerner and Ricardo Vaz (2019-12-05). Venezuela: Guaido Embattled as Opposition Splits over New Corruption Scandal. venezuelanalysis.com The latest scandal has further called into doubt Guaido's credibility as leader of the opposition.

Lucas Koerner (2019-12-04). TIAR Countries Blacklist Top Venezuelan Officials as US Slaps New Sanctions. venezuelanalysis.com US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused Venezuela of "hijacking" mass anti-neoliberal protests in "our own backyard."

Ricardo Vaz (2019-12-04). Red Cross Chief: Venezuela Aid Being Politicized to 'Destabilize the Country'. venezuelanalysis.com Francesco Rocca slammed the underfunding of aid programs as a problem of "political will."

Paul Dobson (2019-12-02). Venezuela's PDVSA Secures Temporary Lease Extension for Curacao Refinery. venezuelanalysis.com Despite the extension, refinery owners are looking to end the 34-year cooperation under pressure from US sanctions.

American Indian Movement West (2019-12-01). American Indian Movement West: No to Bolivia coup! Hands off Venezuela, Cuba! liberationnews.org "We declare our full solidarity and support to the heroic resistance of the Indigenous people against the fascist coup. While there is struggle, victory is assured."

Lucas Koerner (2019-11-28). US Vows to 'Reinforce' Sanctions, Accuses Venezuela and Cuba of Stirring Regional 'Strife'. venezuelanalysis.com Elliott Abrams reiterated support for Guaido and denied that sanctions are damaging the Venezuelan economy.

Paul Dobson (2019-11-25). Venezuela Unveils First Gold Processing Complex in Mining Arc. venezuelanalysis.com While already operational, the complex will reportedly be the 5th largest in the continent upon completion.

Lucas Koerner (2019-11-21). Colombia's US Ambassador Advocates 'Covert Actions' Against Venezuela in Leaked Audio. venezuelanalysis.com Top Colombian officials acknowledged failure of regime change in Venezuela and total disarray in Washington.

Ryan Cristián (2019-11-18). US Says Israeli Settlements Are Legal, 23 Killed In Bolivia As Violent Coup Ignored & Venezuela Flop. thelastamericanvagabond.com Welcome to The Daily Wrap Up, a concise show dedicated to bringing you the most relevant independent news, as we see it, from the last 24 hours (11/18/19). As always, take the information discussed in the video below and research it for yourself, and come to your own conclusions. Anyone telling you what the truth …

Paul Dobson (2019-11-18). Venezuelans Protest Bolivia Coup After Diplomatic Break. venezuelanalysis.com The de facto government in La Paz has broken relations with Caracas and recognised Guaido.

Lucas Koerner (2019-11-14). Venezuelan Embassy Attacked in Brazil. venezuelanalysis.com Bolsonaro denied any prior knowledge of the attack.

Ricardo Vaz (2019-11-14). Venezuelan Oil Output Sees Modest Rise in October: OPEC. venezuelanalysis.com Reviving production has led Chevron convert a blending plant back to a crude upgrader for export of heavier grades.

Paul Dobson (2019-11-11). Venezuela Condemns Bolivia Coup d'État. venezuelanalysis.com Government forces and grassroots movements are holding vigils across the country in support of Evo Morales.

Jon Rainwater (2019-11-07). Take Action — Some actual, SANE legislation. peaceaction.org Trump has plans to spend nearly $2 TRILLION over the next 30 years on unneeded and unnecessary nuclear weapons and delivery systems. This makes no sense. This is insane. That's nearly $100 million wasted every day for thirty years on weapons we are supposed to be getting rid of. To put that amount in perspective, …

Ricardo Vaz and Lucas Koerner (2019-11-06). US Authorizes Tax Payments to Maduro Gov't, Sanctions Five More Venezuelan Officials. venezuelanalysis.com Washington has eased some of the restrictions imposed under its recent Venezuela embargo.

Paul Dobson (2019-11-04). Venezuela, El Salvador Break Relations as Maduro Applauds 'New Anti-Neoliberal Wave'. venezuelanalysis.com Guatemala's president-elect has similarly pledged to break with the Maduro government upon assuming office in January.

Ricardo Vaz (2019-11-01). Venezuelan Leftist Parties and Unions Stage Protest, Demand Gov't Answers. venezuelanalysis.com Dozens of activists demanded better wages and respect for collective bargaining rights.

Ricardo Vaz (2019-10-30). Venezuela: Opposition Demands Bond Annulment, Gov't Grants Rosneft Tax Breaks. venezuelanalysis.com Rosneft will reportedly invest in natural gas production in Venezuela.

Paul Dobson (2019-10-28). Venezuela Applauds Regional Leftist Victories. venezuelanalysis.com Caracas rejoiced at the "defeat of the IMF" in elections in Argentina, Uruguay, and swathes of Colombia this Sunday.

Lucas Koerner (2019-10-23). US Renews Chevron License as European Refiner Cuts Venezuela Ties over Sanctions. venezuelanalysis.com Finnish-Venezuelan refiner Nynas is one of PDVSA's few remaining cash buyers.

Paul Dobson (2019-10-21). Venezuela Government Hosts International Commune Congress. venezuelanalysis.com Maduro affirmed that popular power is "the soul" of the Bolivarian project.

Lucas Koerner and Ricardo Vaz (2019-10-19). BCV: Venezuelan Economy Contracted by 23.7 Percent in First Trimester of 2019. venezuelanalysis.com The Venezuelan Central Bank also released inflation figures for the first time in six months.

2019-12-23: Social Media Postees

Please be social by posting these 'POSTEES' on social media!

The vanguard of Chavism has a woman's face: A chronicle of their resistance in 2019
Eds. | mronline.org | 2019-12-23
In the middle of the year, we Venezuelans received a visit from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michel Bachelet, on the occasion of meeting with the different political actors in the country to "evaluate" the complex economic and social environment brought about by the White House's decision. | Source…
mronline.org/2019/12/23/the-vanguard-of-chavism-has-a-womans-face-a-chronicle-of-their-resistance-in-2019/

EU only supports peaceful solution in Libya
yenisafak.com | 2019-12-23
The EU on Monday called on all parties of the Libyan conflict to cease military actions and resume the political dialogue."There is no military solution to the crisis in Libya. The only way to settle it must be a political one, negotiated on the basis of the proposals recently put forward by the United Nations," Peter Stano, the lead spokesperson of the EU's External Action Service pointed out in a statement responding to the recent growing tensions in the African country.Since September, several high-level meetings were held in the German capital to put an end to the conflict ongoing since 2011. The negotiations…
yenisafak.com/en/news/eu-only-supports-peaceful-solution-in-libya-3508061

How the Pro-War "Left" Fell for the Kurds in Syria
Max Parry | dissidentvoice.org | 2019-12-23
The October decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to withdraw American troops from northeastern Syria did not only precipitate the Turkish offensive, codenamed 'Operation Peace Spring', into Kurdish-held territory which followed. It also sparked an outcry of hysteria from much of the so-called "left" that has been deeply divided during the 8-year long conflict over …
dissidentvoice.org/2019/12/how-the-pro-war-left-fell-for-the-kurds-in-syria/

Taliban attack kills US service member in Afghanistan amid renewed peace talks
rt.com | 2019-12-23
An American service member in Afghanistan was killed in an attack carried out by the Taliban, the militant group has said. The Pentagon has confirmed the death, which coincides with a new round of peace talks with the Taliban. | The US military did not provide further details about the service member. More than a dozen foreign soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan in 2019. | The US has resumed peace talks with the Taliban, after negotiations were abruptly cut off in September by Washington. | The war in Afghanistan has dragged on for more than 19 years, making it the longest war in United States history. Ev…
rt.com/usa/476630-us-soldier-killed-afghanistan-taliban/

Stalled talks with US 'not good' for Pyongyang, S. Korea tells China
rt.com | 2019-12-23
Stalled denuclearization talks and a recent flare-up in tension between Washington and Pyongyang are not beneficial for Pyongyang, South Korean President Moon Jae-in told Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Monday. | North Korea has set a year-end deadline for the US to change what it says is a policy of hostility amid a stalemate in efforts to make progress on their pledge to end the North's nuclear program. | Xi told Moon that China supports South Korea's efforts to improve ties with North Korea and inject new impetus into promoting peace talks, Reuters reported. | Moon is visiting China for a trilate…
rt.com/newsline/476637-us-korea-china-talks/

Soldier killed in military base attack in Venezuela
yenisafak.com | 2019-12-23
Venezuela's defense minister confirmed that one soldier was killed in an attack on a military base in the southeastern Gran Sabana region."In the early morning hours today, a military unit in the south of the country was assaulted by extremist sectors of the opposition, and a batch of weapons was taken from the unit," Vladimir Padrino Lopez announced Sunday on Twitter."From this terrorist attack, an army troop was killed."Padrino added that police and military agents were deployed in the area and managed to capture some of the attackers, as well as the stolen weapons.He said the detainees are providing informatio…
yenisafak.com/en/world/soldier-killed-in-military-base-attack-in-venezuela-3508060

Grassroots Democracy & the Social Production of Housing
Rigel Sergent | zcomm.org | 2019-12-22
Venezuela's cities have given birth to a powerful social movement aiming at urban reorganization through self-governed assembly processes…
zcomm.org/znetarticle/grassroots-democracy-the-social-production-of-housing/

1 killed in attack by 'extremist sectors of opposition' on Venezuela's army unit — Caracas
rt.com | 2019-12-22
A Venezuelan army trooper has been killed in an attack on a military unit, carried out by "extremist sectors of the opposition," on Sunday morning, Venezuela's Defense | Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said on Twitter. | A large haul of weapons was stolen from the unit during the attack, but has swiftly been recovered, as multiple police and military were scrambled to chase the assailants. | Six of the perpetrators were captured and are now being interrogated by the security forces. | Venezuela's Minster of Communication Jorge Rodriguez said the suspects had been trained in "fully identified paramilitary camps…
rt.com/newsline/476624-venezuela-military-unit-attack/

Stand for peace and harmony says Guterres, following meeting with Pope Francis
news.un.org | 2019-12-20
In the midst of "turbulent and trying times", all the world's people must stand together in peace and harmony, the UN Secretary-General said on Friday. António Guterres was speaking following an audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican, who he thanked for his strong support for the global Organization.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/12/1054091

Chronicle of a Coup Foretold
Brian Mier | counterpunch.org | 2019-12-20
Will the US left work to normalize the impending coup attempt in Mexico the way it did for Venezuela, Bolivia, Brazil and Nicaragua? Last July I gave a speech in the Left Forum in Brooklyn. When it was over, A young activist stood up and announced, in perfect English, that they were an anarchist from…
counterpunch.org/2019/12/20/chronicle-of-a-coup-foretold-2/

The Real Reasons Tulsi Gabbard Did Not Vote to Impeach Donald Trump
Alan Macleod | mintpressnews.com | 2019-12-20
Gabbard's decision had much more to do with a desire to censure Trump over his real crimes: carrying out wars without congressional approval, illegally "occupying and pillaging" Syria, " and continuing to support Saudi Arabia's "genocidal war" in Yemen.
mintpressnews.com/war-pillaging-and-peace-why-tulsi-gabbard-did-not-vote-to-impeach-trump/263657/

Notes on a private TV newscast in Bolivia. The contrast with Venezuela is clear as day
Joe Emersberger | zcomm.org | 2019-12-20
In August, I took detailed notes a news broadcast on one of Venezuela's largest TV networks. I summarized these notes in an interview I did with the Real News Network making the point that Venezuela's private media (which reaches 60-90% of households) is remarkably free — most especially when you consider the US is openly Read…
zcomm.org/zblogs/notes-on-a-private-tv-newscast-in-bolivia-the-contrast-with-venezuela-is-clear-as-day/

UN Peacekeepers Fathered Hundreds of Babies With Girls in Haiti as Young as 11
The Mind Unleashed | theantimedia.com | 2019-12-19
Girls as young as 11 were impregnated by peacekeepers and left "in misery" to raise their children alone.

UN Peacekeepers Fathered Hundreds of Babies With Girls in Haiti as Young as 11

Iran and US both undermining nuclear deal says UN political affairs chief
news.un.org | 2019-12-19
Both Iran and the United States have been putting strain on the groundbreaking 2015 deal to monitor Iran's nuclear programme, which remains a "cornerstone of international peace and security", said the UN's political affairs chief on Thursday.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/12/1054071

Venezuela: Guaido Introduces Remote Voting in Bid to Secure Reelection
Lucas Koerner and Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-12-18
The opposition leader has been under fire amid recent scandals.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14749

Wednesday's Daily Brief: Global Refugee Forum, Venezuela human rights, breast cancer hopes
news.un.org | 2019-12-18
Our top stories for Wednesday include: First Global Refugee Forum ends in Geneva; Venezuela misery on multiple fronts, outlined by UN rights chief; and a breast cancer update that could make treatment affordable for millions more women.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/12/1053971

Only 'concrete action' will stop fraying of Israel-Palestine peace prospects
news.un.org | 2019-12-18
Obstacles to any lasting deal between Israel and Palestine continue to mount, the UN's Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process told Security Council members on Wednesday, and only "concrete action" towards a two-State solution will change that dynamic.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/12/1053841

"A Spectacular Fall from Grace": Aung San Suu Kyi Denies Burmese Genocide of Rohingya at The Hague
Staff | democracynow.org | 2019-12-17
Burma's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi has asked the U.N. International Court of Justice to drop the genocide case against Myanmar, formerly Burma. Suu Kyi is a Nobel Peace Prize winner who spent over a decade fighting against the Burmese military, which she is now defending. Last week, Suu Kyi appeared in person at the court to dispute the charges and called the allegations of genocide against Rohingya Muslims "incomplete and misleading." The Burmese military killed and raped thousands of Rohingya and forced more than 700,000 to flee into neighboring Bangladesh in a brutal army crackdown in 2017. Gambia brough…
www.democracynow.org/2019/12/17/aung_san_suu_kyi_burma_rohingya

US Venezuelan embassy protectors denied right to fair trial
The Grayzone | thegrayzone.com | 2019-12-17
Four US activists protecting Venezuela's embassy in Washington, DC face prison time after the Trump administration illegally arrested them. And now…
thegrayzone.com/2019/12/16/venezuelan-embassy-defenders-denied-right-fair-trial/

Why Elliott Abrams is Smurf villain Gargamel
Anya Parampil | thegrayzone.com | 2019-12-16
Trump Administration Special Representative for Venezuela Elliott Abram is not only the spitting image of Gargamel; the Smurfs are a…
thegrayzone.com/2019/12/16/elliott-abrams-smurf-villain-gargamel/

ALBA Summit: Venezuela Promises to Relaunch PetroCaribe in 2020
Paul Dobson | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-12-16
Heads of state also pledged to bolster various regional social programs including the Miracle Mission and Latin American Medical Schools.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14745

Francisco Rodriguez answers some questions I asked about Venezuela
Joe Emersberger | zcomm.org | 2019-12-16
Venezuelan economist Francisco Rodriguez, formerly of Torino Economics, answered a few questions of mine about his country. He was the economic adviser to Henri Falcon, the second place finisher in the May 2018 presidential election. His updated estimate for 2019 is that Venezuela's real GDP will contract by 25% . That's horrific, but less severe Read…
zcomm.org/zblogs/francisco-rodriguez-answers-some-questions-i-asked-him-about-venezuela/

Gobierno de EEUU retira los cargos falsos contra periodista Max Blumenthal
Ben Norton | thegrayzone.com | 2019-12-14
El gobierno estadounidense desistió la causa basada en falsas acusaciones de agresión contra el editor de The Grayzone Max Blumenthal…
thegrayzone.com/2019/12/14/gobierno-eeuu-retira-cargos-max-blumenthal-venezuela/

Venezuela Oil Production Continues Slow Recovery
Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-12-11
According to state oil company PDVSA, production is again approaching one million barrels per day.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14744

Peaceful rally in solidarity with terminated workers dispersed by police
Liberation Staff | liberationnews.org | 2019-12-09
On Black Friday, Nov. 29, across the United States, members of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees and their allies responded to a national call to action from the union.
liberationnews.org/peaceful-rally-in-solidarity-with-terminated-workers-dispersed-by-police/

Venezuela's Civilian Militia Surpasses Target, Reaches 3.3 Million Members
Paul Dobson | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-12-09
The body is due to be legally incorporated into the Armed Forces as a "combat unit."
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14742

Venezuela: Guaido Embattled as Opposition Splits over New Corruption Scandal
Lucas Koerner and Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-12-05
The latest scandal has further called into doubt Guaido's credibility as leader of the opposition.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14739

TIAR Countries Blacklist Top Venezuelan Officials as US Slaps New Sanctions
Lucas Koerner | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-12-04
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused Venezuela of "hijacking" mass anti-neoliberal protests in "our own backyard."
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14737

Red Cross Chief: Venezuela Aid Being Politicized to 'Destabilize the Country'
Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-12-04
Francesco Rocca slammed the underfunding of aid programs as a problem of "political will."
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14738

Venezuela's PDVSA Secures Temporary Lease Extension for Curacao Refinery
Paul Dobson | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-12-02
Despite the extension, refinery owners are looking to end the 34-year cooperation under pressure from US sanctions.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14736

American Indian Movement West: No to Bolivia coup! Hands off Venezuela, Cuba!
American Indian Movement West | liberationnews.org | 2019-12-01
"We declare our full solidarity and support to the heroic resistance of the Indigenous people against the fascist coup. While there is struggle, victory is assured."
liberationnews.org/american-indian-movement-west-no-to-bolivia-coup-hands-off-venezuela-cuba/

US Vows to 'Reinforce' Sanctions, Accuses Venezuela and Cuba of Stirring Regional 'Strife'
Lucas Koerner | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-11-28
Elliott Abrams reiterated support for Guaido and denied that sanctions are damaging the Venezuelan economy.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14734

Venezuela Unveils First Gold Processing Complex in Mining Arc
Paul Dobson | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-11-25
While already operational, the complex will reportedly be the 5th largest in the continent upon completion.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14731