2020-01-09: News Headlines

Max Blumenthal (2020-01-09). Iraqi PM reveals Soleimani was on peace mission when assassinated, exploding Trump's lie of 'imminent attacks'. mronline.org The Trump administration claimed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani was planning "imminent attacks" on U.S. interests when it assassinated him. That lie was just destroyed, but not before countless corporate media outlets transmitted it to the public. | Source

Leonardo Flores (2020-01-09). This might be the final episode of Juan Guaidó's surreal Venezuela regime-change reality show. thegrayzone.com The farcical scene of Juan Guaido attempting to break into Venezuela's National Assembly as its members voted him out was…

Staff (2020-01-09). Andrew Bacevich: The U.S. Needs to Abandon "Militarized Approach" to Middle East and Build Peace. democracynow.org We continue our conversation with Andrew Bacevich, president and co-founder of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. He is a retired colonel, Vietnam War veteran and author of, most recently, of "The Age of Illusions: How America Squandered Its Cold War Victory." Bacevich says the crisis with Iran, sparked by President Trump's assassination of top general Qassem Soleimani, is just the latest in a long series of ill-advised American actions in the Middle East. "The only conceivable way for us to begin to extricate ourselves from this terrible mess in the region … is to abandon this militarized approac…

Liberation Staff (2020-01-09). Peace activists in South say 'No war on Iran'. liberationnews.org Reports from North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida and Kentucky.

RT (2020-01-09). Denmark better keep an eye on 'unpredictable' US as Russia only wants stability in the Arctic — study. rt.com Russian military assets in the Arctic are now mainly of defensive nature, but aggressive moves by the US and NATO may change that, and see Moscow sending more forces to the region, a top Danish think tank warned. | "Moscow still considers stability in the region a key factor in the development of the Russian Arctic as a strategically important resource base. Therefore, Russia is interested in the Arctic remaining a 'zone of peace and cooperation," a fresh report by the Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS), which was seen by RT, read. | But with the rivalry of superpowers — the US, Russia and…

Prabir Purkayastha (2020-01-09). The current U.S. approach to nuclear weapons can only lead to armageddon—arms control provides the only path to peace. mronline.org The decade ends with two major threats to humanity: global warming leading to a climate catastrophe and the threat of a nuclear war extinguishing our civilization. | Source

Mark Gruenberg, John Wojcik (2020-01-09). In the streets and in Congress, Americans stand up for peace. peoplesworld.org WASHINGTON—Insisting that the nation will not be forced into yet another war, progressive lawmakers here yesterday and today—and the American people demonstrating from coast to coast today—are bringing into the open an anti-war majority in the U.S. Declaring Congress needs to take its constitutional responsibility for war and peace back from "an irrational administration," the …

WSWS (2020-01-09). Trump bides his time, but the preparations for war against Iran will continue. wsws.org The media falsely claims that Trump's failure to order immediate strikes against Iran signals an opening for peace.

Stephen Lendman (2020-01-09). Warrior Trump Seeking Peace? Permanent War Remains Official US Policy. globalresearch.ca Throughout…

Register Peace & Freedom or Green (2020-01-09). S.F. Rep Pelosi Postponed Vote on War Powers Act. indybay.org San Francisco Representative Nancy Pelosi postponed the urgently needed vote on a War Powers Resolution to prevent a US war against Iran. And Top House Democrats want to abandon any vote on a War Powers Resolution. See | www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/08/kicking-can-next-week-irresponsible-progressives-rebuke-pelosi-delaying-iran-war

Stephen Lendman (2020-01-09). US Regional Presence Makes Middle East Peace and Stability Unattainable. globalresearch.ca As long as tens of thousands of US combat troops, heavy weapons, and its jihadist proxies remain active in Middle East (ME) countries, a perpetual state of war will exist — peace, stability and security to be unattainable. | That's the …

teleSUR (2020-01-09). 'Venezuela Won't Allow US Meddling in Elections' Arreaza Warns. telesurenglish.net Venezuela's Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza Thursday denounced that the U.S. government is promoting a plan to intervene in the elections of the National Assembly to be held in 2020. | RELATED: | Venezuela Urges the US to Abide by International Law | During his press conference, Arreaza unveiled a diplomatic note that the U.S. government sent to several coun…

yenisafak (2020-01-09). S. Sudan VP denies human rights abuse after US sanction. yenisafak.com South Sudanese First Vice President Taban Deng Gai on Thursday denied committing human rights violations and obstructing the ongoing peace process in the wake of being sanctioned by the U.S."I have been wrongly accused of serious human rights abuses and sanctioned by the U.S State Department of the Treasury's Office Foreign Assets Control," Deng said in a statement. "I deeply regret those baseless and unfounded allegations and wish to assure the international community, and above all the people of South Sudan, that my life has always been dedicated to the building of a peaceful and prosperous South Sudan."He said…

Norman Solomon (2020-01-09). Trump Is a Reckless and Dangerous Warmonger, But Too Many Democrats Continue to Work Against Peace. commondreams.org Former U.S. Senator Wayne Morse (D-Or.) at a peace rally during the U.S. war in Vietnam stands in front of a banner that reads "Napalm use is an atrocity." (Photo: Wayne Morse Center for Law and Politics / University of Oregon) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/screen_shot_2020-01-09_at_9.05.21_am.png

Ricardo Vaz (2020-01-08). Venezuela: Guaido Installs Parallel Parliament After Washington Threatens More Sanctions. venezuelanalysis.com The Trump administration is reportedly mulling sanctions against opposition deputies who voted against Guaido.

RT (2020-01-08). 'No lives lost': Trump holds fire on 'big missiles,' talks peace after Iran's strikes on US bases in Iraq. rt.com US President Donald Trump is delivering an eagerly-awaited address to America, as the country stands on the brink of war with Iran. Trump's speech comes hours after Iranian missiles struck two US bases in Iraq. | Speaking from the White House, Trump backed away from threatening further strikes against Iran, describing Tehran's stand-down as "a good thing for all parties concerned." | Our missiles are big, powerful, accurate, lethal and fast…The fact that we have this great military and equipment, however, does not mean that we have to use it. | Trump did, however, vow to impose new economic sanctions on the…

teleSUR (2020-01-08). New Tool Uses Climate, Political Data to Predict Water Conflicts. telesurenglish.net As violence related to water is increasing globally, researchers from six different organizations have created a warning system to help foresee potential water conflicts. | RELATED: | Australia Deploys 3,000 Reservists to Combat Bushfire Crisis | Water, Peace, and Security ( WPS) warning tool was funded by the Dutch government and presented to the United Nations security council before its official launching last month. | "The ma…

Jon Rainwater (2020-01-08). In the ongoing crisis, Congress must rein in Trump's war powers. peaceaction.org As we feared, President Trump's reckless assassination of Iran's Gen. Soleimani resulted in escalation — direct Iranian missile attacks on two military bases in Iraq. It's painful to watch more violence in a country that has already suffered far too much from endless war. All parties in the US/Iran conflict must cease military action and …

Staff (2020-01-08). Headlines for January 8, 2020. democracynow.org Iran Strikes 2 Iraqi Bases in Retaliation for Soleimani's Assassination, McConnell Says He Has Enough Votes to Open Impeachment Trial Without Witnesses, Trump Declares Emergency for Puerto Rico Following Earthquake, Spain Poised to Form First Progressive Coalition Government Since 1930s, Argentina Deals Blow to Legitimacy of Venezuela's U.S.-Backed Opposition, Indian Workers & Students Launch Strike to Protest Privatization, Wet'suwet'en Nation Issues Eviction Notice to Workers of Pipeline Company in Canada, Planned Parenthood Attacked with Incendiary Device in Delaware, NYT: More Than 20 Shootings at After Schoo…

Fight Back (2020-01-08). Juan Guaidó, the political joke of Venezuela. fightbacknews.org Chicago, IL – Juan Guaidó is not that smart of a politician. He never seems to care much about strategy, or coalition building, or putting forward a serious political platform. The only political talent Guaidó seems to have is in front of the cameras. He knows how to put on a good show for the audience he wants to please. | | While that could be seen throughout the past year, as Guaidó and his allies bumbled their way through one of the worst coup attempts in recent memory, it is the best way to understand what has happened in Venezuela these past few days. | | On Sunday, January 5, Guaidó's support amo…

John Catalinotto (2020-01-08). WW editorial: No war on Iran! U.S. out of Iraq! workers.org The gangsters in the White House and the Pentagon are responsible for the targeted assassination of a top representative of a sovereign government. The target, Qassem Soleimani of Iran, was on a peace mission that the U.S. president was aware of and had encouraged. Trump has now followed up . . . | Continue reading WW editorial: No war on Iran! U.S. out of Iraq! at Workers.org

Staff (2020-01-07). Will Soleimani's Assassination Set Back Iraq's October Revolution? therealnews.com Soleimani's killing could open a path for peace if cooler heads prevail, argues professor of Middle East politics Sabah Alnasseri.

news.un (2020-01-07). UN chief monitoring Venezuela developments 'with concern'. news.un.org The latest twist in Venezuela's ongoing political crisis "make urgently needed dialogue even more difficult to achieve", the UN Secretary-General has said.

NationAction (2020-01-07). Take Action Now: No War With Iran. thenation.com Protest endless war, learn about the situation in Iran, and work towards peace at home and abroad.

Dimitri Lascaris (2020-01-07). Invoke U.N.'s Uniting for Peace Resolution before Trump Embroils Us in War with Iran. dissidentvoice.org In the early hours of January 3, 2020, the United States military assassinated Iran's most powerful military commander, General Qasem Soleimani. Soleimani's killing, accomplished by means of a drone strike in Baghdad, was done without the authorization of the Iraqi government. It thus constitutes a grave breach of Iraqi sovereignty. It also constitutes an act of …

Fight Back (2020-01-07). Cleveland activists rally against U.S. attack on Iran. fightbacknews.org Cleveland, OH – Anti-war activists took to Market Square in Cleveland, Ohio on Saturday, January 4, at noon to denounce U.S. imperialism and aggression towards Iran following the murder of top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani by the Trump regime. | Chanting slogans of "1, 2, 3, 4, we don't want your racist war! 5, 6, 7, 8, stop the killings, stop the hate!" and "We are people, we want peace! U.S. out of Middle East!" around 100 protesters rallied as prepared speeches were given by representatives from the Workers World Party, Cleveland State University's Middle East and Northern Africa student group, Pe…

Staff (2020-01-07). Headlines for January 7, 2020. democracynow.org John Bolton Willing to Testify in Senate Impeachment Trial, Confusion in Pentagon & Trump Administration over U.S. Policy on Iran, Julián Castro Endorses Elizabeth Warren, U.S. Can Now Deport Mexican Asylum Seekers to Guatemala, Wildfires Rage in Australia; India Suffered Hottest Decade on Record, Harvey Weinstein Charged with Rape in Los Angeles County, Mexico: 60,000 People Disappeared Since U.S.-Backed Drug War Began, Bolivia Sets May 3 Date for New Election, After Morales's Ouster, Confusion over Leader of National Assembly Reigns in Venezuela, Earthquake Knocks Out Power Across Puerto Rico, Men Sue Boy Scout…

Liberation Staff (2020-01-06). Hundreds of protesters for peace come out in Pacific Northwest Jan. 4. liberationnews.org Reports from Seattle, Spokane, Kennewick and Boise…

Paul Dobson (2020-01-06). Venezuelan Government and Opposition Fraction Announce Release of 14 'Political Prisoners'. venezuelanalysis.com The National Roundtable for Peaceful Dialogue also offered its backing to the new National Assembly president, Luis Parra.

Staff (2020-01-06). How Soleimani's Assassination Violates International Law and Puts Peace Further Out of Reach. therealnews.com Phyllis Bennis says Congress must stop Trump from taking the U.S. to war without any justification or provocation.

John Ryan (2020-01-06). Censorship in Canada? Vanessa Beeley's Talks on Syria. dissidentvoice.org White Helmets Vanessa Beeley is a British journalist who was invited to Canada in the fall of 2019 to present talks in seven cities on the conflict in Syria. The sponsors of her speaking tour were several anti-war groups, including the Geopolitical Economy Research Group, the Hamilton Coalition to Stop the War, and Peace Alliance …

UnistotenCamp (2020-01-05). Coastal Gaslink Evicted from Unist'ot'en Territory. dissidentvoice.org All Coastal Gaslink workers have now been peacefully evicted from Unist'ot'en and Gidimt'en territories. Under the authority of Anuk nu'at'en (Wet'suwet'en law), and with support of the Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefs of all five clans, the Wet'suwet'en are standing up for the last of our lands and we need you to stand with us. We will …

Lucas Koerner and Ricardo Vaz (2020-01-05). Venezuela: Guaido Replaced as Parliament Head in Disputed Vote. venezuelanalysis.com Pro-Guaido opposition lawmakers have rejected the vote, forming a parallel parliament with US and international right-wing support.

news.un (2020-01-03). Sudan urged to step up protection, restore peace, following West Darfur violence. news.un.org Authorities in Sudan are being urged to restore peace and order in the wake of intercommunal clashes in West Darfur state which erupted on Sunday and left 65 people dead, 54 injured, and thousands displaced.

The Grayzone (2020-01-02). Top 20 The Grayzone stories of 2019: From Venezuela coup attempt to Russiagate delusions, information warfare to new cold war. thegrayzone.com 2019 was a big year for The Grayzone. We traveled the world and broke many stories, exposing the empire's schemes…

ANSWER (2020-01-01). Sat. Jan. 4 National Day of Action U.S. Troops Out of Iraq! liberationnews.org Initiators for this call include the ANSWER Coalition, CODEPINK, Popular Resistance, World Beyond War and many other anti-war and peace organizations.

Ricardo Vaz (2019-12-23). Venezuela Repels 'Terrorist' Attack on Military Bases, 1 Soldier Dead. venezuelanalysis.com The assailants stormed several military installations before being engaged by the Venezuelan army.

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.

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.

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…

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.

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.

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.