2020-01-20: News Headlines

Ben Norton (2020-01-20). Brazil's far-right government backed terror plot against Venezuela, top newspaper reveals. mronline.org Brazil's extreme Bolsonaro government backed an attack on Venezuela in a plot to overthrow its elected president. The shocking terror operation has received no coverage in mainstream U.S. media. | Source

R. Robertson (2020-01-20). San Mateo Peace Action — Rally for Women on the SF Peninsula. indybay.org Every Saturday, San Mateo Peace Action sponsors a protest at 3rd Ave and El Camino Real from 3pm… but one Saturday out of the year is extraordinary.

San Jose Peace & Justice Center (2020-01-20). Secular Traditions in Indian Music and Poetry. indybay.org San Jose Peace and Justice Center | 48 South 7th Street | San Jose, CA 95112 | Bus routes: 22, 522, 23, 523, 55, 64, 66, 68, 72, 73, 168, 181, 500, Hwy 17 Express, MST 55, LRT…

RT (2020-01-20). 'Berlin conference showed Moscow & Ankara have a huge role to play in solving Libya crisis'. rt.com The Berlin peace summit shows that Russia and Turkey still have an important role to play as they are among the few countries that can really influence the situation in Libya, Yusuf Erim, a Turkish foreign policy expert, said. | The peace conference on Libya convened in Berlin succeeded in bringing together a host of world leaders to try and find a way out of the civil war plaguing the war-ravaged land for years, Erim told RT. However, it also clearly showed that very few nations can really move the Libyan peace process forward, as most lack a strategy and the will to translate words into action. | Also on rt.

Fight Back (2020-01-20). Embassy Protectors speak out in Fort Lauderdale. fightbacknews.org Fort Lauderdale, FL — Over 60 people from South Florida's tri-county area gathered at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation Church of Fort Lauderdale to hear a panel and question-and-answer session featuring anti-war activists Kevin Zeese and Margaret Flowers. Zeese and Flowers are two of the four Embassy Protector activists who spent 37 days protecting international law and peace within the Venezuelan Embassy in Washington, D.C. They are currently facing bogus federal charges brought by the Trump administration that, if convicted, would mean up to one year in prison and $100,000 fines each. | Also on th…

IMEMC News & Agencies (2020-01-19). Bennett Gives Orders Restricting Peace Activists. imemc.org Israeli Minister of Defense Naftali Bennett, Saturday evening, gave the Israeli army instructions that restrict the activities of peace activists who participate in the weekly protests against the apartheid wall in the occupied West Bank. Hebrew channel 12 reported that the decision is made in cooperation with Israeli army and …

Emily Apple (2020-01-19). At first I couldn't stop laughing at the cop's counter-terror list. But I stopped because it's utterly sinister. thecanary.co On 17 January, the Guardian revealed a counter-terrorism document listing a variety of protest and left-wing groups alongside neo-Nazis and the far-right and their associated symbols. | My first reaction to it was laughter and piss-taking. The list contains groups from Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) to Greenpeace and Animal Aid. It's also woefully out-of-date. It's as if someone has taken a roll call of groups from ten years ago and added Extinction Rebellion (XR) to the list. | It also c…

RT (2020-01-19). 'Detailed proposals for Libyans to take up': Roadmap for settling every field of Libya war agreed in Berlin, Lavrov says. rt.com A set of measures to overcome the ongoing Libyan crisis has been agreed in a wide-ranging document at the Berlin talks, the acting Russian FM said — and it is up to the Libyans themselves to take up the peace process baton.

Staff (2020-01-19). Southern Peace Activists Help Soldiers Become Conscientious Objectors. truthout.org The South is arguably the engine of the U.S. war machine. The region is home to Fort Bragg, the largest U.S. military base in the world. Southern states supply more soldiers than others; the region is home to three of the five states with the highest military recruitment numbers in 2016 — Florida, Georgia, and Texas. Its congressional delegations have historically been some of the most militaristic, and military contractors hav…

Tyler Durden (2020-01-19). Syrian Rebels Caught on Film Getting Transferred to Libya on Commercial Plane. theantimedia.com (ZH) — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has continued warning that terrorist groups as well as a 'flood of refugees' will show up on Europe's shores if the Tripoli government were to fall to renegade General Khalifa Haftar, amid his continued offensive to control the Libyan capital. Erdogan's statement came a day before he heads to Berlin for a major peace conference …

teleSUR (2020-01-19). Libya Summit Agree to Respect Arms Embargo, Push Ceasefire. telesurenglish.net An agreement to respect the disregarded international arms embargo on Libya was the result of Sunday's Germany-led peace summit, attended by countries with interests in the conflict and the two warring sides. | RELATED: | Turkey to Officially Send Troops to Libya: Erdogan | "We agreed on a comprehensive plan forward," German Chancellor Angela Merkel said, adding that they all "agree that we should respect the arms embargo and that the arms embargo should be controlled more strongly than it…

John Catalinotto (2020-01-17). In Venezuela, reactionary Guaidó humiliated by assembly defeat. workers.org The self-appointed "interim president" of Venezuela, Juan Guaidó, received a humiliating setback in that country's National Assembly vote on Jan. 5. He was deposed as leader of the parliamentary body. Throughout 2019, Guaidó served as the designated puppet of U.S. imperialism in Venezuela. He made five attempts with a reactionary, . . . | Continue reading In Venezuela, reactionary Guaidó humiliated by assembly defeat at Workers.org

Staff (2020-01-17). What Really Happened With Venezuela's Parallel President? therealnews.com Media reports and the Trump administration presented a very one-sided version of the election of Venezuela's National Assembly leadership, presenting it as a coup. But who is trying to overthrow whom?

Eds. (2020-01-17). In Commune: Altos de Lídice. mronline.org This video was made recently about the Altos de Lidice Commune in Caracas. We were there. | Source

The Canary (2020-01-17). Police criticised for the 'chilling effect' of including environmental groups in counter-terror documents. thecanary.co Police have defended their inclusion of environmental groups such as Extinction Rebellion in counter-terrorism documents, in the face of criticism it could have a "chilling effect" on people.The Guardian reported that a 24-page policing document it had seen included Greenpeace, the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) and other non-violent groups, as well as extremist right-wing proscribed groups such as National Action.It said the document was distributed to teachers and medical staff as part of anti-extremism briefings last year.Deputy assistant commissioner Dean Haydon, senior national co-ordinator for the U…

(2020-01-17). San Francisco Labor Council Resolution: "Support the rising anti-war and pro-peace movement" workers.org The following resolution was adopted Jan. 13 by unanimous vote of the San Francisco Labor Council. Whereas, President Trump has placed the whole world on alert and brought the United States closer to war due to the irresponsible assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani; and Whereas, President Trump has threatened . . . | Continue reading San Francisco Labor Council Resolution: "Support the rising anti-war and pro-peace movement" at Workers.org

Victor Grossman (2020-01-17). The bombs of the last war and preparations for the next rattle Germany. peoplesworld.org BERLIN—"ALARM! Twelve thousand residents must immediately leave their homes! All hospital clinics must be evacuated! No exceptions! Hasten!" Not in burning Australia nor a besieged town in Syria or Afghanistan were those words heard, but rather on Jan. 12, 2020 in the otherwise peaceful if no longer prosperous Dortmund, in Germany's Ruhr Valley. Once again, unexploded …

teleSUR (2020-01-17). 'Latin America in Constant Siege from US': Venezuela's FM. telesurenglish.net Venezuela's Foreign Affairs Minister Jorge Arreaza warned Friday that the United States maintains a permanent siege against Latin America and the Caribbean because it wants to seize its natural resources and implement governments that respond to its domination interests. | RELATED: | Venezuela, China Have Signed More Than 500 Bilateral Agreements | "The region is a constant target of attempted coups, destabilization, terrorism, communicational war, economic, commercial and bankin…

Brendan Oswald (2020-01-16). Prospects for Peace in the Ukraine Conflict. progressive.org The war started as a land grab, with Russia taking advantage of disarray in the Ukrainian state and armed forces in the weeks following the Euromaidan revolution.

news.un (2020-01-15). Implementing peace deal only path for stabilization in Mali: UN peacekeeping chief. news.un.org Implementation of the 2015 peace agreement in Mali provides the only pathway for stabilization there, the head of UN peacekeeping told the Security Council on Wednesday.

news.un (2020-01-15). UN peacekeepers protecting hundreds displaced by Central African Republic fighting. news.un.org Fresh clashes in the Central African Republic's southeast have driven some 400 people to seek shelter at a UN base there, the United Nations Spokesperson said on Wednesday.

Ajamu Baraka and Bahman Azad (2020-01-15). Trump Prosecutors Make Move to Ensure that Embassy Protectors are Convicted. dissidentvoice.org As the trial approaches, the lawyers for the Trump Administration's prosecution of the four Venezuelan Embassy Protectors who were arrested last May are asking the court to make sure the jury is kept ignorant about the facts and circumstances surrounding the actions of the protectors. In a recently filed motion by government lawyers, state prosecutors …

Ricardo Vaz (2020-01-15). Venezuela: Oil Output Stabilizes as Government Eyes Foreign Investment. venezuelanalysis.com The Maduro government is reportedly looking to offer greater advantages to private companies in joint oil ventures.

Lucas Koerner (2020-01-14). US Sanctions Venezuela's New Parliament Leader, Senior Opposition Lawmakers. venezuelanalysis.com The legislature's new opposition leadership "categorically" rejected the sanctions.

Paul Dobson (2020-01-13). Venezuela Blames Sanctions After UN Voting Right Suspended. venezuelanalysis.com Venezuela, which has one of the highest UN contribution rates in the region, has not paid its dues since 2018.

Ben Norton (2020-01-13). Under US pressure, social media companies censor critical content and suspend Venezuelan, Iranian, and Syrian accounts. thegrayzone.com As the US escalates its hybrid wars, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are suspending accounts and censoring content that conflicts with…

news.un (2020-01-13). Colombia: 'Significant strides' towards integrated peace, UN envoy tells Security Council. news.un.org Colombia has continued to make "significant strides in its peace process", the top UN envoy in the country told the Security Council on Monday.

Anya Parampil (2020-01-11). Juan Guaidó's top 5 fails. thegrayzone.com Anya Parampil reflects on Juan Guaidó's greatest failures throughout his first year as wannabe president of Venezuela along with Diego…

Susan Price (2020-01-10). US peace activists, leftists oppose Iran war. greenleft.org.au anti-war Susan PriceIssue 1248 United States US wars US aggression against Iran peace movementJanuary 10, 2020Former vetera…

pip.hinman (2020-01-10). Venezuela: Guaido installs parallel parliament, US threatens more sanctions. greenleft.org.au Venezuela Ricardo VazIssue 1248 Venezuela Juan Guaido US Vice President Mike PenceJanuary 10, 2020Opposition leader Juan Guaido installed a "parallel" parliament in Caracas on January 7. | The…

Lucas Koerner (2020-01-10). For Western Press, the Only Coup in Venezuela Is Against Guaidó. fair.org The Washington Post ( 1/5/20) described Venezuelan lawmakers voting against someone other than Washington's chosen candidate to head the assembly as "sedition within the opposition." | The international corporate media have entered crisis mode following the replacement of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó as head of the country's National Assembly. | In headline after headline, Venezue…

Anya Parampil (2020-01-09). The end of Juan Guaidó: Venezuelan coup leader rejected by country's opposition. thegrayzone.com Red Lines host Anya Parampil breaks down recent events in Venezuela, after US-backed coup leader Juan Guaidó was replaced as…

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.

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.

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 …

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.

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.

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…

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.

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…

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.

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.