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As China deepens its presence in Latin America by owning nearly 40 ports—including a new mega port in Peru—and establishing intelligence posts in Cuba, U.S. policymakers face growing concerns over regional influence. Twenty-two Latin American countries have joined China's Belt and Road Initiative, amplifying Beijing's strategic foothold. Meanwhile, security threats persist closer to home, with cartel-driven predation undermining economic stability and enabling sophisticated cross-border operations, including the construction of tunnels linking Mexico to Texas and Arizona. External pressures and internal instability present unique challenges for Latin American nations committed to democracy and capitalism. The United States must determine how best to support leaders seeking partnership while advancing shared interests. This panel will explore the nuanced historical considerations surrounding issues like the Panama Canal, the rise of cartels as major economic forces, and the effectiveness of prosperity zone initiatives. As the new Trump Administration navigates these urgent regional dynamics, panelists will examine pressing U.S. interests and discuss strategies to strengthen alliances, counter malign influence, and promote regional stability. Featuring: Dr. Ryan C. Berg, Director, Americas Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies Joseph M. Humire, Executive Director, Center for Secure Free Society Moderator: Erick A. Brimen, CEO & Chairman of the Board, NeWay Capital and Próspera
In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, Dr. Ryan Berg joins us to discuss China's relations with Latin America. Dr. Berg discusses both Chinese and U.S. interests in the region, emphasizing that while the U.S. has tended to approach the region with “strategic neglect,” China seems to view Latin America as highly important in terms of both its strategic and economic goals. Dr. Berg explains his view that President Xi is personally invested in the region and believes it holds high economic complementarity to the Chinese economy, specifically in relation to China's Belt and Road Imitative (BRI). Dr. Berg notes that although the U.S. is still the preferred security partner among Latin American countries, China is becoming more competitive in this space and is viewed among many countries as providing more opportunities, specifically in the economic realm. Dr. Berg also discusses the public opinion of China in Latin America, noting that China's image has not fully recovered since its decline during COVID-19, and describes the U.S. efforts to not only warn Latin American countries of the risks of investment and economic deals with China but also the US attempt to compete with China as the preferred economic partner. Dr. Berg provides insights on President Xi's most recent trip to the region for the APEC Leader's Summit, specifically discussing his inauguration of a new massive port in Peru, and other ways Xi seemed to overshadow President Biden. Finally, Dr. Berg discusses some of the concerns surrounding China's growing presence in the region and suggestions for U.S. policymakers. Dr. Ryan C. Berg is director of the Americas Program and head of the Future of Venezuela Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. He is also an adjunct professor at the Catholic University of America and a course coordinator at the United States Foreign Service Institute. His research focuses on U.S.-Latin America relations, strategic competition and defense policy, authoritarian regimes, armed conflict and transnational organized crime, and trade and development issues. Previously, Dr. Berg was a research fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where he helped lead its Latin America Studies Program, as well as visiting research fellow at the University of Oxford's Changing Character of War Programme. Dr. Berg was a Fulbright scholar in Brazil and is a Council on Foreign Relations Term Member.
Jake and Anthony are joined by Laura Delgado López, Visiting Fellow at the Americas Program of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, to talk about Latin American space policy.TopicsOff-Nominal - YouTubeEpisode 157 - Assuming States are Rational (with Laura Delgado López) - YouTubeSpace security in the Americas can no longer go overlooked - SpaceNewsWhat Are the Implications of Peru Joining the Artemis Accords?Follow LauraLaura Delgado Lopez | LinkedInCSIS Americas (@CSISAmericas) / XFollow Off-NominalSubscribe to the show! - Off-NominalSupport the show, join the DiscordOff-Nominal (@offnom) / TwitterOff-Nominal (@offnom@spacey.space) - Spacey SpaceFollow JakeWeMartians Podcast - Follow Humanity's Journey to MarsWeMartians Podcast (@We_Martians) | TwitterJake Robins (@JakeOnOrbit) | TwitterJake Robins (@JakeOnOrbit@spacey.space) - Spacey SpaceFollow AnthonyMain Engine Cut OffMain Engine Cut Off (@WeHaveMECO) | TwitterMain Engine Cut Off (@meco@spacey.space) - Spacey SpaceAnthony Colangelo (@acolangelo) | TwitterAnthony Colangelo (@acolangelo@jawns.club) - jawns.club
It's a policy paper episode! Laura Delgado López joins the show to break down “Clearing the Fog: The Grey Zones of Space Governance” by Jessica West and Jordan Miller. Grey zones are harmful or disruptive space activities that fall short of provoking a military response — ideally. But the ambiguity, by its nature, could generate unplanned escalation and conflict. What are these grey zones, and why do they exist? What are their consequences to humanity, even for those in nations not actively pursuing spaceflight? And by what means can we reduce the uncertainty and, therefore the risk to space operations at Earth and beyond? Laura Delgado López has worked in space policy in the Washington, D.C., area for nearly 15 years and is currently a visiting fellow with the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), where she researches and writes on international space cooperation in Latin America. She selected this episode's paper, which can be accessed for free at the Centre for International Governance Innovation's website.Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/grey-zones-in-space-governance See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There was a thaw in U.S.-Cuba relations under the Obama administration. What has become of it? And what is the future for that complicated relationship? Host Llewellyn King and Producer/Co-host Linda Gasparello visited the island recently and talked with Ryan Berg, director of the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and Nora Gámez Torres, a reporter for el Nuevo Herald and the Miami Herald Topic: Challenges for U.S.-Cuba relations
En esta edición especial en español, Christopher Hernández-Roy, Director Adjunto y Senior Fellow del Programa sobre las Américas, conversa con Yaxys Cires, Director de Estrategia del Observatorio Cubano de Derechos Humanos sobre los resultados del último Examen Periódico Universal de Cuba del Consejo de Derechos Humanos de Naciones Unidas. Analizan la dicotomía entre la retórica gubernamental y la triste realidad de los derechos humanos en Cuba así como la profunda crisis económica que atraviesa la isla y cómo el régimen de Díaz-Canel ha respondido a estas presiones. In this special Spanish-language episode, Christopher Hernandez-Roy, Deputy Director and Senior Fellow with the Americas Program, sits down with Yaxys Cires, Director of Strategy at the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights to discuss the recent United Nations Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review of Cuba. They discuss the dichotomy between the government's rhetoric and the sad reality of Cuba's human rights record. They also discuss the mounting economic crisis facing the island and how the Díaz-Canel government has responded to these pressures.
On this episode of the Energy Security Cubed Podcast, Kelly Ogle and Joe Calnan talk with Ryan Berg about the current political situation between Guyana and Venezuela, and what it could mean for resource politics in Latin America. Guest Bio: - Ryan Berg is director of the Americas Program and head of the Future of Venezuela Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies Host Bio: - Kelly Ogle in the CEO of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute - Joe Calnan is a Fellow and Energy Security Forum Manager at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute Reading recommendations: - "Backfire: How Sanctions Reshape the World Against U.S. Interests", by Agathe Desmerais: https://www.amazon.ca/Backfire-Sanctions-Reshape-Against-Interests/dp/0231199902 Interview recording Date: December 19, 2023 Energy Security Cubed is part of the CGAI Podcast Network. Follow the Canadian Global Affairs Institute on Facebook, Twitter (@CAGlobalAffairs), or on LinkedIn. Head over to our website at www.cgai.ca for more commentary. Produced by Joe Calnan. Music credits to Drew Phillips.
Episode Summary: In this inspiring episode of the Space Policy Pioneers Podcast, host Andy Williams, the Director of Science in Space, interviews guest Laura Delgado Lopez, Senior Policy Analyst at NASA Science Mission Directorate. Laura shares her journey into the world of space policy, various career paths one can take in the industry, and the importance of international space cooperation. Conversations are geared towards career advice for aspiring space policy enthusiasts and include critical topics like sustainability challenges in space, diversifying the industry, and the practicalities of working for big organizations like NASA. Laura also discusses her role in policy-making, global implications of these policies, and her current research on international space cooperation in Latin America. NOTE: Unfortunately, there was a technical issue during the recording, which resulted in less-than-optimal audio quality. Listening with headphones is recommended! Bio: Laura Delgado López is a Senior Policy Analyst at the NASA Science Mission Directorate's Policy Branch, which provides policy support to the science leadership of the Agency. As a 2023-2024 Council on Foreign Relations International Affairs Fellow, she is currently on leave from NASA and is conducting research on international space cooperation in Latin America at the Americas Program of the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Originally from Puerto Rico, Laura has worked in space policy in the Washington, DC, area for nearly 15 years. Prior to NASA, Laura was an advocacy lead at Harris Corporation's Space and Intelligence Systems Segment, a Project Manager at the Secure World Foundation (SWF), the Earth Observations Associate at the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, and a correspondent for SpacePolicyOnline.com. Ms. Delgado López is a former Editor-in-Chief of Elsevier's Space Policy journal, the premier peer-reviewed publication for the interdisciplinary study of space policy, and serves on the SWF Advisory Committee. Her research has focused on space politics and policy, international cooperation, and public opinion, and has been featured in Space Policy, Astropolitics, Space News, among other publications. She enjoys working with early career professionals and regularly volunteers as a mentor in the space community. Ms. Delgado López holds an M.A. in international science and technology with a focus on space policy from the George Washington University and a B.A. in political science from the University of Puerto Rico. https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-delgado-lopez Disclaimer: All guests are talking in their personal capacity and are not representing any official position of their former or current employing organization. Episode Guide: 00:05 Introduction to the Space Policy Pioneers Podcast 01:14 Guest Introduction: Laura Delgado Lopez 01:51 Laura's Journey into Space Policy 03:29 The Role of Passion and Interest in Space Policy 05:01 Laura's Career Path and Experiences 08:04 The Importance of Diverse Experiences and Mentorship 12:49 Working in Different Policy Fields: Industry vs Government 16:05 Experience with Space Policy Online 19:28 Working at NASA: The Dream Space Policy Job 25:50 Role in the Advisory Committee for the Secure World Foundation 28:41 Future Challenges in Space Policy 32:02 Research on International Space Cooperation in Latin America 36:16 Advice for Early Career Space Policy Enthusiasts 39:58 Laura's Big Picture and Role in the Space Policy Field 42:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Links and Resources Companies and organisations NASA Science Mission Directorate: https://science.nasa.gov/ Dr Jens Feeley: https://science.nasa.gov/people/dr-jens-feeley/ NASA Careers: https://www.nasa.gov/careers/ National Academies: Science Engineering Medicine: https://www.nationalacademies.org/ Secure World Foundation: https://swfound.org/ SWF Director, Peter Martinez: https://swfound.org/about-us/our-team/dr-peter-martinez/ L3Harris: https://www.l3harris.com/ Centre for Strategic and International Studies: https://www.csis.org/ Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space: https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/copuos/index.html Space Generation Advisory Council https://spacegeneration.org Education George Washington University: https://politicalscience.columbian.gwu.edu/ Elliot School of International Affairs: https://elliott.gwu.edu/international-science-and-technology-policy GWU Space Policy Institute: https://spi.elliott.gwu.edu/ Fellowships and Internships Truman Fellowship: https://www.truman.gov/ Lloyd V Berkner Space Policy Internship: https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/lloyd-v-berkner-space-policy-internship-program Space Policy Information Sources SpaceNews: https://spacenews.com/ Space Policy Online: https://spacepolicyonline.com/ Marcia Smith: https://twitter.com/SpcPlcyOnline SWF Newsletter: https://swfound.org/news/newsletters/
En este episodio especial en español, Laura Delgado López, becaria visitante del programa de las Américas, se sienta a conversar con Victoria Valdivia Cerda, profesora de la Academia Nacional de Estudios Políticos y Estratégicos (ANEPE) y experta en política y derecho espacial. Ellas conversan sobre las distintas formas en que los países latinoamericanos enfocan su actividad espacial, incluyendo el desarrollo tecnológico, la cooperación internacional y el impacto de la competencia entre grandes potencias en los programas espaciales de la región. También, discuten el desarrollo de capacidades espaciales de doble uso, los riesgos de las armas antisatélite y cómo sus implicaciones van más allá del sector espacial. In this special Spanish-language episode, Laura Delgado López, visiting fellow with the Americas Program, sits down with Victoria Valdivia Cerda, professor at the National Academy of Political and Strategic Studies (ANEPE) and expert in space policy and law. They discuss the different ways in which Latin American countries approach space activities, including technology development, international cooperation, and the impact of great power competition on regional space programs. They also discuss the development of dual-use space capabilities, the risks of anti-satellite weapons and how their implications go beyond the space sector.
Foreign policy analyst Kim Breier joined Rep. Crenshaw to cover the recent history of diplomatic negotiations between the U.S. and Mexico over migrant flows and what we can learn from them to build cooperation between the two countries in the war against the drug cartels. They talk about her experiences across multiple Mexican administrations going back to Vicente Fox and the devolution of the country over time at the hands of the cartels. And Kim gets into the history behind Mexico's deeply embedded suspicions about the U.S. government's motives. Kim Breier was Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs at the U.S. Department of State under President Trump. She was previously the founder and Director of the U.S.-Mexico Futures Initiative, and the Deputy Director of the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and served for more than a decade in the U.S. intelligence community as a political analyst and manager, primarily focused on Latin America.
Yareliz Mendez-Zamora currently serves as the Federal Campaign Lead at the Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC)…and is earning her Master's degree at the University of Miami in Community and Social Change. Born and raised in Miami, she grew up listening to her Nicaraguan family's immigration stories and constantly draws inspiration from them. At the University of Florida, where she earned her bachelor's in English and history and minored in Latin American Studies, she was a coordinator of the Latin@ Diaspora in the Americas Program, a Student Government Senator, interned at the Broward Public Defender's Office, was an ambassador at La Casita, a contributor for The Huffington Post Latino Voices, and is 1/6th of the online Latina Rebels collective. Please join us for this compelling conversation about one of the most significant, most complex issues facing America today: immigration. Yareliz explains FLIC's mission and shares her thoughts on immigration reform; the recently enacted draconian Florida Senate Bill 1718; the inhumane treatment and transporting of migrants by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis; NYC Mayor Eric Adams' recent inflammatory anti-migrant rhetoric; the existential threat facing DACA/Dreamers; the Hispanic shift to the GOP; and the dangerous impact of Trump and Trumpism on the decades-old immigration debate. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Music by Andrew Hollander Design by Cricket Lengyel
This week, host Jon Olson talks with Dr. Ryan Berg, who heads the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). They discuss an American Grand Strategy for Latin America and the Caribbean.
This week, host Jon Olson talks with Dr. Ryan Berg, who heads the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). They discuss an American Grand Strategy for Latin America and the Caribbean.
Today, we are joined by Dr. Meenakshi Chabba, Ecosystem and Resilience Scientist at the Everglades Foundation. She will be discussing her advanced knowledge of Everglades ecosystem science and resilience planning for South Florida's natural and built environment. She is particularly passionate about how restoration efforts in the Everglades and decision-making around them can impact ecological and economic outcomes across the ecosystem. Prior to joining the Foundation, Meenakshi was a Research Analyst with the USAID-funded Disaster Risk and Resilience in the Americas Program at Florida International University's (FIU) Extreme Events Institute, where she performed economic evaluations of approximately 20 USAID risk reduction projects and was the program's lead science writer. Meenakshi's research has contributed to the fields of financial decision-making in risk management, valuation of ecosystem services in policymaking, and the inclusion of sustainability, economic efficiency, and social equity in resilience planning for climate change. Meenakshi has also taught Biology and Ecology at the undergraduate and high school levels. Meenakshi earned a Ph.D. in Earth Systems Science from FIU, a master's degree in environmental studies from FIU, and a master's in Zoology from the University of Delhi. In this episode, you will discover that the Everglades is much more than just a natural habitat for over 2,000 animal species. The Everglades also provides drinking water to over 40% of Florida's population and plays a crucial role in the state's economy. It is also one of our greatest tools in mitigating the effects of climate change and sea-level rise in this most vulnerable area of the country. So, let's dive in with The Everglades Foundation. LINKS: https://www.evergladesfoundation.org/ https://www.evergladesliteracy.org/ IG: @evergladesfoundation
On this episode of The Internship Show, we speak with Elizabeth Braxton from Rakuten Americas. Elizabeth talks about their growing internship program, why she loves working at the company and so much more.
On this episode of Defence Deconstructed, David Perry is speaking to Ian Brodie, Thomas Juneau, Eugene Lang, and Vincent Rigby about the makings of defence policies Defence Deconstructed is brought to you by Irving Shipbuilding and Davie Shipyard. Participants bios Ian Brodie is Professor in the Department of Political Science, a Fellow at the Centre for Military, Security and Strategic Studies, and CGAI's Program Director. https://profiles.ucalgary.ca/ian-brodie Thomas Juneau is associate professor at the University of Ottawa's Graduate School of Public and International Affairs and a CGAI Fellow – https://www.cgai.ca/thomas_juneau Eugene Lang is Assistant Professor in the School of Policy Studies at Queen's University and a CGAI Fellow – https://www.cgai.ca/eugene_lang Vincent Rigby is a non-resident senior adviser with the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. https://www.csis.org/people/vincent-rigby Host Bio Dr. David Perry is President of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute – https://www.cgai.ca/david_perry What our guests are reading Doom by Niall Ferguson – https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/668960/doom-by-niall-ferguson/ Private Power, Public Purpose by Thomas d'Aquino – https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/702756/private-power-public-purpose-by-thomas-daquino/9780771000737 25 Days to Aden by Michael Knights – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/25-days-to-aden-michael-knights/1141985230 The Abyss by Max Hastings – https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-abyss-max-hastings?variant=40072929935394 Recording Date: 24 Mar 2023 Follow the Canadian Global Affairs Institute on Facebook, Twitter (@CAGlobalAffairs), or on LinkedIn. Head over to our website at www.cgai.ca for more commentary. Produced by Charlotte Duval-Lantoine. Music credits to Drew Phillips
Today on Sojourner Truth we kick off women's herstory month with an all female round panel discussion focusing on women's work and contributions as caregivers and their central role in movements towards bringing visibility to the labor of women that has been undervalued for centuries. Women and girls spend about 12.5 billion hours every day on unpaid care and domestic work. If we were to monetize this for women aged 15 and older, it adds up to $10.8 trillion a year—three times the size of the world's tech industry. Unpaid work is essential for households and economies to function globally, yet it continues to be valued less than paid work. In 2023, women in the labor force continue to earn less than their male colleagues across the board. Our panelists are Laura Carlsen, Director of the Americas Program and regular contributor to Americas Updater, Foreign Policy in Focus, CounterPunch and several Spanish-language publications, and, Jackie Goldberg, governing school board member for the Los Angeles Unified School District joining host Margaret Prescod for the hour to weigh in on these issues and lift up women in herstory that have inspired their work including: Ida B Wells, Sojourner Truth, Emma Goldman and Marge Percy.
Today on Sojourner Truth we kick off women's herstory month with an all female round panel discussion focusing on women's work and contributions as caregivers and their central role in movements towards bringing visibility to the labor of women that has been undervalued for centuries. Women and girls spend about 12.5 billion hours every day on unpaid care and domestic work. If we were to monetize this for women aged 15 and older, it adds up to $10.8 trillion a year—three times the size of the world's tech industry. Unpaid work is essential for households and economies to function globally, yet it continues to be valued less than paid work. In 2023, women in the labor force continue to earn less than their male colleagues across the board. Our panelists are Laura Carlsen, Director of the Americas Program and regular contributor to Americas Updater, Foreign Policy in Focus, CounterPunch and several Spanish-language publications, and, Jackie Goldberg, governing school board member for the Los Angeles Unified School District joining host Margaret Prescod for the hour to weigh in on these issues and lift up women in herstory that have inspired their work including: Ida B Wells, Sojourner Truth, Emma Goldman and Marge Percy.
The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with risk management specialists from around the world. Our host is Dominic Bowen, one of Europe's leading international risk specialists. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests from around the world to discuss risk.The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn for all our great updates.This week, Dominic discusses insecurities in the Latin American political landscape with Ryan Berg, director of the Americas Program and head of the Future of Venezuela Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Together, they unpack the risks involved with investing in the region and explore solutions to mitigate these risks. Find Ryan Berg's profile on LinkedIn and the CSIS website.
On this edition of Free City Radio we hear a conversation with Laura Carlsen, director of the Americas Program of the Center for International Policy based in Mexico City. In this interview we discuss the complexities of listening to the voices of social movements today in the Americas specifically within contexts where centre left and progressive governments have been elected into office. This conversation specifically focuses on Mexico with the Presidency of Andrés Manuel López Obrador. For more information on Laura's work: https://www.americas.org/people Free City Radio is hosted and produced by Stefan @spirodon Christoff and airs on @radiockut 90.3FM at 11am on Wednesdays and @cjlo1690 AM in Tiohti:áke/Montréal on Tuesdays at 1pm on @ckuwradio 95.9FM in Winnipeg at 8am on Tuesdays, on @cfrc 101.9FM in Kingston, Ontario at 11:30am on Wednesdays. Now also broadcasting on @cfuv 101.9 FM in Victoria, BC on Wednesdays at 9am. Also Free City Radio is a podcast through both Spotify and Apple Podcasts, please encourage a friend to tune-in !
Leslie Vinjamuri, Head of the United States and Americas Program at Chatham House in London, Greg Swenson, from Republicans Overseas
Building the Future: Freedom, Prosperity, and Foreign Policy with Dan Runde
In this week's episode of Building the Future, Dan is joined by Dr. Evan Ellis, a CSIS non-resident senior associate for the Americas Program and a research professor of Latin American studies at the U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute. Dr. Ellis focuses on Latin American countries' relationships with China and other non-Western Hemisphere actors as well as transnational organized crime and populism in the region. Additionally, Dr. Ellis previously served as a member of the Secretary of State's Policy Planning Staff, where he was responsible for issues pertaining to Latin America and the Caribbean, and international narcotics and law enforcement issues. In this podcast, they will discuss Dr. Ellis' recently published book, “China Engages Latin America: Distorting Development and Democracy.”
The Zones of Employment and Economic Development (ZEDEs) in Honduras have already proved effective in attracting foreign capital and importing socioeconomic institutions for prosperity. For Ryan Berg, senior fellow for the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), ZEDEs also offer diplomatic leverage for the United States to counteract Chinese expansion in the region. China is garnering economic power in Central America with a significant presence in Salvadoran trade zones. Berg opines US officials should pay more attention to ZEDEs and their geopolitical potential. As the head of the Future of Venezuela Initiative, Berg explains how CSIS also contributes to the fight for democracy in Venezuela. In addition to improving the effectiveness of humanitarian aid, CSIS is working with opposition and business leaders on delineating political transition scenarios. Show notes: https://impunityobserver.com/2022/07/06/how-zedes-can-be-a-geopolitical-tool-against-china/
In mid-November, following the re-election of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, Congress passed and President Biden signed the RENACER Act, which escalated an ongoing economic war against President Daniel Ortega. In this episode learn about what the RENACER Act does as we examine the situation in Nicaragua and find out and why Daniel Ortega has a target on his back. Please Support Congressional Dish – Quick Links Contribute monthly or a lump sum via PayPal Support Congressional Dish via Patreon (donations per episode) Send Zelle payments to: Donation@congressionaldish.com Send Venmo payments to: @Jennifer-Briney Send Cash App payments to: $CongressionalDish or Donation@congressionaldish.com Use your bank's online bill pay function to mail contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North, Number 4576, Crestview, FL 32536. Please make checks payable to Congressional Dish Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Background Sources Recommended Congressional Dish Episodes Essential Background Episodes CD102: The World Trade Organization: COOL? CD167: Combating Russia (NDAA 2018) LIVE CD186: National Endowment for Democracy CD187: Combating China Rabbit Hole Episodes CD041: Why Attack Syria? CD067: What Do We Want In Ukraine? CD108: Regime Change (Syria) CD131: Bombing Libya CD156: Sanctions – Russia, North Korea & Iran CD172: The Illegal Bombing of Syria CD176: Target Venezuela: Regime Change in Progress CD190: A Coup for Capitalism CD191: The “Democracies” Of Elliott Abrams CD208: The Brink of the Iran War CD224: Social Media Censorship CD225: Targets of the Free Marketeers CD229: Target Belarus U.S.-Nicaragua Relations Maureen Taft-Morales. November 4, 2021. “Nicaragua in Brief: Political Developments in 2021, U.S. Policy, and Issues for Congress.” Congressional Research Service. U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs. September 14, 2021. U.S. Relations With Nicaragua William I. Robinson. August 19, 2021. “Crisis in Nicaragua: Is the Ortega-Murillo Government Leftist? (Part I)” North American Congress on Latin America (NACLA) Clare Ribando Seelke. March 17, 2008. “Nicaragua: Political Situation and U.S. Relations” [RS22836]. Congressional Research Service. Maureen Taft-Morales. April 19, 2007. “Nicaragua: The Election of Daniel Ortega and Issues in U.S. Relations [RL33983] Congressional Research Service. IMF Staff. May 16, 2006. “Nicaragua : Staff Report for the 2005 Article IV Consultation, Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Reviews Under the Three Year Arrangement Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility, Requests for Rephasing and Waiver of Performance Criteria, Financing Assurances Review, and Request for Extension of the Arrangement.” The International Monetary Fund. Author's Name Redacted. May 16, 1997. “Nicaragua: Changes Under the Chamorro Government and U.S. Concerns” [96-813 F]. Congressional Research Service. Edgar Chamorro. January 9, 1986. “Terror Is the Most Effective Weapon of Nicaragua's 'Contras.'” The New York Times. Fred Hiatt, Joanne Omang, Michael Getler and Don Oberdorfer. April 7, 1984. “CIA Helped To Mine Ports In Nicaragua.” The Washington Post. Nicaragua Relationships to Russia and China 100% Noticias. September 9, 2021. “Nicaraguan Parliament Ratifies Security Agreement with Russia. Havana Times. “Russia, Nicaragua ink information security deal.” July 19, 2021. TASS: Russian News Agency. Frida Ghitis. June 8, 2017. “A Russian Satellite-Tracking Facility in Nicaragua Raises Echoes of the Cold War.” World Politics Review. Cristina Silva. May 22, 2017. “New Cold War: Is Russia Spying on the U.S. From a Nicaragua Military Compound?” Newsweek. Carrie Kahn. November 17, 2016. “U.S. To Monitor Security Agreement Signed Between Russia And Nicaragua.” NPR Morning Edition. John Otis. June 4, 2015. “Nicaraguan Canal Plan Riles Landholders.” The Wall Street Journal. Matthew Miller. May 4, 2014. “China's 'ordinary' billionaire behind grand Nicaragua canal plan.” Reuters. 2021 Sanctions “Nicaragua Leaves the Organization of American States.” November 19, 2021. Telesur. U.S. Department of the Treasury. November 15, 2021. “Treasury Sanctions Public Ministry of Nicaragua and Nine Government Officials Following Sham November Elections.” Antony Blinken. November 15, 2021. “New Sanctions Following Sham Elections in Nicaragua.” U.S. Department of State. Ned Price. August 6, 2021. “The United States Restricts Visas of 50 Additional Nicaraguan Individuals Affiliated With Ortega-Murillo Regime.” U.S. Department of State. Antony Blinken. July 12, 2021. “The United States Restricts Visas of 100 Nicaraguans Affiliated with Ortega-Murillo Regime.” U.S. Department of State. U.S. Department of the Treasury. June 9, 2021. “Treasury Sanctions Nicaraguan Officials for Supporting Ortega's Efforts to Undermine Democracy, Human Rights, and the Economy.” “Nicaragua Minimum Wage.” Minimum-Wage.org 2021 Nicaraguan Elections “North Americans Debunk US & OAS Claims on Nicaragua Election.” November 10, 2021. Kawsachun News. Monique Beals. November 7, 2021. “Biden slams Nicaragua's 'sham elections,' calls Ortegas autocrats.” The Hill. Meta (formerly Facebook). November 1, 2021. “October 2021 Coordinated Inauthentic Behavior Report.” Meta (formerly Facebook). November 1, 2021. “October 2021 Coordinated Inauthentic Behavior Report Summary.” Nahal Toosi. October 26, 2021. “Tiny Nicaragua is becoming a big problem for Joe Biden.” Politico. Antony Blinken. October 22, 2021. “The United States Applauds the OAS Resolution Condemning the Undemocratic Electoral Process and Repression in Nicaragua.” U.S. Embassy in El Salvador. Carlos Dada. October 6, 2021. “La prioridad ahorita es que no nos maten; luego, la justicia y la democracia.” El Faro. Kai M. Thaler and Ryan C. Berg. August 24, 2021. “To replace autocrats of Nicaragua, think beyond this fall's election.” The Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. December 11, 2020. “Nicaragua opposition figure seeks rule changes for 2021 vote.” The Associated Press. Foreign Agent Law Guy José Bendaña-Guerrero. May 2, 2021. “Changes in Nicaragua's Consumer Law.” Marca Sur. “Nicaragua: National Assembly Approves Law To Defend Its People. December 22, 2020. Telesur. LAND Staff. October 29, 2020. “Nicaragua Approves Cybercrime Law.” Latin America News Dispatch (LAND). Associated Press. October 15, 2020. “Nicaragua passes controversial 'foreign agent' law.” ABC News. Oretega's Arrested Opponents Felix Maradiaga Biography. World Economic Forum. Felix Maradiaga Curriculum Vitae. Academia.edu Cristiana Chamorro Biography. The Dialogue: Leadership for the Americas. Cristiana Chamorro LinkedIn Profile. Juan Sebastian Chamorro LinkedIn Profile. Samantha Sultoon Biography. The Atlantic Council. Jared Genser, Brian Tronic, Stephanie Herrmann, and Michael Russ. October 28, 2021. “Petition to United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.” Perseus Strategies. Tom Phillips. October 22, 2021. “Nicaraguan business leaders arrested in Ortega's pre-election crackdown.” The Guardian. “Nicaragua: Police arrest 2 more opposition contenders.” September 6, 2021. Deutsche Welle (DW). Ismael López Ocampo and Mary Beth Sheridan. June 9, 2021. “As election looms, Nicaraguan government arrests Ortega's challengers.” The Washington Post. “Ortega Holds Arturo Cruz Prisoner at Interrogation Jail.” June 7, 2021. Havana Times. “Nicaraguan police detain another opposition presidential contender. June 5, 2021. Reuters. “Nicaragua: Opposition Leader Linked To Money Laundering Scandal.” June 3, 2021. Telesur. The Guardian Staff and agencies in Managua. June 2, 2021. “Nicaragua police detain opposition leader and expected Ortega challenger.” The Guardian. Trump Era - April 2018 Protests Paz Gómez. August 25, 2021. “The Break-Up: COSEP's Love Affair with Daniel Ortega.” Impunity Observer. Mary Beth Sheridan. August 4, 2019. “Nicaragua's Ortega is strangling La Prensa, one of Latin America's most storied newspapers.” The Washington Post. U.S. Department of the Treasury. April 17, 2019. “Treasury Targets Finances of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega's Regime.” Samantha Sultoon. November 29, 2018. “Trump administration's new Nicaragua sanctions strategically target the top.” New Atlanticist Blog from the Atlantic Council. Blocking Property of Certain Persons Contributing to the Situation in Nicaragua [Executive Order 13851] November 27, 2018. Federal Register Vol. 83 No. 230. Rocio Cara Labrador. November 26, 2018. “Nicaragua in Crisis: What to Know.” Council of Foreign Relations. Rafael Bernal. November 01, 2018. “Bolton dubs Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua the 'Troika of Tyranny'” The Hill. Mabel Calero. July 26, 2018. “Daniel Ortega buries his model of alliance with private companies that lasted 11 years.” La Prensa. Max Blumenthal. June 19, 2018. “US govt meddling machine boasts of ‘laying the groundwork for insurrection' in Nicaragua.” The Grayzone. “Pension reforms in Nicaragua leads to violent protests and opposition from business groups.” The Caribbean Council. Foreign “Assistance” to Nicaragua About ForeignAssistance.gov National Endowment for Democracy Grants Awarded to Fundacion Nicaraguense para el Desarrollo Economico y Social National Endowment for Democracy Grants Awarded to Instituto de Estudios Estrategicos y Politicas Publicas Associated Press. August 26, 2021. “Nicaragua Orders Closure of 15 More NGOs.” U.S. News and World Report. William I. Robinson. August 20, 2021. “Crisis in Nicaragua: Is the US Trying to Overthrow the Ortega-Murillo Government? (Part II)” North American Congress on Latin America (NACLA) Elliott Abrams. June 9, 2021. “Biden and Democracy in Nicaragua.” Council on Foreign Relations. Ben Norton. June 1, 2021. “How USAID created Nicaragua's anti-Sandinista media apparatus, now under money laundering investigation.” The Grayzone. John Perry. August 4, 2020. “The US contracts out its regime change operation in Nicaragua.” Council on Hemispheric Affairs. Responsive Assistance in Nicaragua [RFTOP No: 72052420R00004] “Section C - Statement of Work.” March-April 2020. USAID OIG Latin America and Caribbean Regional Office. October 24, 2019. “Financial Audit of the Media Strengthening Program in Nicaragua, Managed by Fundación Violeta Barrios de Chamorro Para la Reconciliación y la Democracia, Cooperative Agreement AID-524-A-14-00001, January 1 to December 31, 2018 (9-524-20-004-R)” USAID. IMF Western Hemisphere Department Staff. June 27, 2017. “Nicaragua : Selected Issues.” The International Monetary Fund. Richard Falk. February 21, 2012. “When an ‘NGO' is not an NGO: Twists and turns under Egyptian skies.” Al Jazeera. Laws S. 1064: RENACER Act Sponsor: Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) Passed by Voice Vote in the Senate November 3, 2021 House Vote Breakdown Law Outline Sec. 2: Sense of Congress "Congress unequivocally condemns the politically motivated and unlawful detention of presidential candidates Cristiana Chamorro, Arturo Cruz, Felix Maradiaga, and Juan Sebastian Chamorro." "Congress unequivocally condemns the passage of the Foreign Agents Regulation Law, the Special Cybercrimes Law, the Self Determination Law, and the Consumer Protection Law by the National Assembly of Nicaragua..." Sec. 3: Review of Participation of Nicaragua in Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement "The President should review" the continued participation of Nicaragua in the agreement. The authority listed is Article 21.2 of the agreement that says, "Nothing in this agreement shall be construed... to preclude a Party from applying measures that it considers necessary for the fulfillment of its obligations with respect to the maintenance or restoration of international peace or security, or the protection of its own essential security interests." President Trump issued an Executive Order on November 27, 2018 that said that the response to the protests that began on April 18, 2018 "and the Ortega regime's systematic dismantling and undermining of democratic institutions and the rule of law, its use of indiscriminate violence and repressive tactics against civilians, as well as its corruption leading to the destabilization of Nicaragua's economy constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States." Sec. 4: Restrictions on International Financial Institutions Relating to Nicaragua Directs the United States Executive Director at the World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, and the International Monetary Fund to "increase scrutiny of any loan or financial or technical assistance provided for a project in Nicaragua" and "to ensure" that the loan or assistance is administered through an entity with full independence from the Government of Nicaragua. Sec. 5: Targeted Sanctions to Advance Democratic Elections The Secretary of State and Secretary of Treasury, "in consultation" with the intelligence community, "shall develop and implement a coordinated strategy" for implementing targeted sanctions in order to "facilitate the necessary conditions for free, fair, and transparent elections in Nicaragua." Targets sanctions specifically at... Officials in the government of President Daniel Ortega Family members of Daniel Ortega High ranking members of the National Nicaraguan Police Members of the Supreme Electoral Council of Nicaragua Officials of the Central Bank of Nicaragua Party members and elected officials from the Sandinista National Liberation Front and their family members Businesses that conduct "corrupt" financial transactions with officials in the government of President Daniel Ortega, his party, or his family. The sanctions are authorized by the 2018 law (outlined below) against "any foreign person" who, on or after April 18, 2018... Used violence "or conduct" that "constitutes a serious abuse" against protestors Taken "actions or policies" that undermine "democratic processes or institutions" Any current or former government official that used "private or public assets for personal gain or political purposes" Any current or former government official involved in corruption related to government contracts Any current or former government official involved in bribery Any current or former government official that transferred the proceeds of corruption Arrested or prosecuted a person disseminating information to the public The sanctions include... Asset blocking of "all property and interests in property" if they are in the United States, come within the United States, or come within the possession or control of a "United States person." Exclusion from the United States and revocation of visas and other documents. Anyone who "violates, attempts to violate, conspires to violate, or causes a violation" of sanctions can be hit with a civil penalty of a $250,000 maximum fine or up to twice the amount of sanctions violating transaction and/or a criminal penalty of up to $1 million or up to 20 years in prison. Sec. 6: Developing and Implementing a Coordinated Sanctions Strategy with Diplomatic Partners Requires the Secretary of State to coordinate with other countries - specifically Canada, members of the European Union, and governments in Latin America and the Caribbean - to impose the sanctions together "in order to advance democratic elections in Nicaragua." Sec. 7: Inclusion of Nicaragua in List of Countries Subject to Certain Sanctions Relating to Corruption Adds Nicaragua to an annual report that gets submitted to Congress. The people identified in the report who are accused of corruption in regards to government contracts, bribery, extortion, money laundering, or "violence, harassment, or intimidation directed at governmental or non governmental corruption investigators" will have their visas revoked and be prohibited from entering the United States. Sec. 9: Classified Report on the Activities of the Russian Federation in Nicaragua The Department of State - working with intelligence officials - will submit a classified report to Congress within 90 days about... Cooperation between the Nicaraguan military and Russian military, intelligence, security forces, law enforcement, and Russian security contractors. Cooperation between Russia and Nicaragua in telecommunications and satellites Economic cooperation, specifically in banking Threats that cooperation between Russia and Nicaragua pose to "United States national interests and national security." Sec. 12: Supporting Independent News Media and Freedom of Information in Nicaragua The Secretary of State, Administrator of USAID and the CEO of the United States Agency for Global Media will submit a report to Congress listing all media "directly or indirectly owned or controlled by President Daniel Ortega, members of the Ortega family, or known allies of the Ortega government" and it will access the extent to which Voice of America is reaching the Nicaraguan people. Sec. 13: Amendment to Short Title of Public Law 115-335 Renames the "Nicaraguan Human Rights and Anticorruption Act of 2018" the "Nicaragua Investment and Conditionality Act of 2018" or "NICA Act" H.R. 1918: Nicaragua Human Rights and Anticorruption Act of 2018 Signed into law on December 20, 2018 Sponsor: Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) Law Outline Sec. 2: Sense of Congress on Advancing a Negotiated Solution to Nicaragua's Crisis Congress wanted the Catholic Church of Nicaragua to negotiate for early elections on behalf of "civil society", the student movement, private sector, and the "political opposition" Congress did like that the Government of Nicaragua was refusing to negotiate Sec. 4: Restrictions on International Financial Institutions Relating to Nicaragua Forces the Treasury Secretary to instruct our representatives at the World Bank Group and Inter-American Development Bank to oppose "any loan or financial or technical assistance to the Government of Nicaragua for a project in Nicaragua." We can support loans "to address basic human needs" or "promote democracy in Nicaragua" Sec. 5 : Imposition of Targeted Sanctions with Respect to Nicaragua Authorizes sanctions against "any foreign person" who, on or after April 18, 2018... Used violence "or conduct" that "constitutes a serious abuse" against protestors Taken "actions or policies" that undermine "democratic processes or institutions" Any current or former government official that used "private or public assets for personal gain or political purposes" Any current or former government official involved in corruption related to government contracts Any current or former government official involved in bribery Any current or former government official that transferred the proceeds of corruption Arrested or prosecuted a person disseminating information to the public The sanctions include... Asset blocking of "all property and interests in property" if they are in the United States, come within the United States, or come within the possession or control of a "United States person." Exclusion from the United States and revocation of visas and other documents. Punishes anyone who "violates, attempts to violate, conspires to violate, or causes a violation" of sanctions with a civil penalty up to a $250,000 fine or up to twice the amount of sanctions violating transaction and/or a criminal penalty of up to $1 million or up to 20 years in prison. The asset blocking sanctions do not authorize the blocking of goods imports. Sec. 6: Annual Certification and Waiver Allows the President to waive the travel restrictions and sanctions. Sec. 10: Termination The sanctions authorized by this law expire on December 31, 2023. Audio Sources Kawsachun News - Nicaragua 2021 Election Observer Press Conference November 10, 2021 Moderator: I present Paul Pumphrey from Friends of the Congo. Paul Pumphrey: Here in Nicaragua, I saw a free and fair election. I talked to many people who were not a part of the Sandinistas party. And yet they themselves said they were willing to accept whatever result happened in the election. Moderator: Next we have Craig Pasta Jardula who is a journalist based in the United States. Craig Pasta Jardula: Mainly, I want to talk about the process, meaning the chain of custody, because that's something that we really saw that was great here in Nicaragua, it made this election a home run. The chain of custody is very strong here, including the fact that in Nicaragua, we have something that is awesome that a lot of countries need to adopt, which is where the vote is cast, it is counted, that ensures a strong chain of custody. Moderator: Next is Rick Cohn from Friends of Latin America. 13:05 Rick Cohn: I want to speak just a little bit though a group of 11 of us went to Bilwi on the Caribbean coast. And in the United States, one of the things they'll use to say this election is fake, is that a high percentage of people voted, and a high percentage of people voted for the FSLN. And that can't happen, because American politicians that would never happen. Well, so I want to say something about why the voters told us they were voting. They told us that basically, they had two Category Four and Category Five hurricanes last year, and the government came and saved their lives, saved many, many lives. And, you know, people have trust in that government. And then the government came in and made sure the electric was up. In Puerto Rico from a year earlier, electric still isn't isn't working, because they, you know, are making money selling electric, but it still doesn't work. They told us they had new roofs put on almost immediately they were delivered. They told us that the schools were rebuilt. All of the schools were in good condition. Oh, the schools and some of them have new buildings. So we had a situation where they were very happy with the performance of the government. And that is why -- oh, they also told us they had one kilometer of road before the FSLN came into power from the neoliberal period, now they have 500 kilometers. And with 70 more kilometers, they'll be able to drive from all the way to Managua, which they've never been able to do in history. So they told us these things. And the FSLN party received the highest percentage of votes, but that's not strange, because they really support the government. They received 86.7% of the vote. You know, there's no way that's made up - it's not fake. It's where they're at. It is certainly the biggest deficiency in democracy in Nicaragua is the interference that there is so much interference from the US government and the media, and the censorship and the lies that they tell. That's the interference that's occurring in this election. 33:52 Rick Cohn: Corporate media like Facebook, well, all of the corporate media including Facebook and Twitter, but social media, are actually just part of the US system and they're contracted to provide information back and forth, they're actually an aspect of the government and they close 1000s of people's accounts, who are people, and I met some of them, they're actual people, and they close their accounts. And they weren't, you know, anyone who was saying anything other than the fact that they may have been supporting the Nicaraguan people or opposed to the the sanctions on Nicaragua. AN INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE TO ORTEGA'S DESTRUCTION OF DEMOCRACY IN NICARAGUA September 21, 2021 House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Civilian Security, Migration and International Economic Policy *Hearing not on C-SPAN Witnesses: Emily Mendrala Deputy Assistant Secretary of State at the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Laure Chinchilla Former President of Costa Rica Co-Chair at The Inter-American Dialogue Ryan Berg, PhD Senior Fellow in the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Oct. 2018 - Apr. 2021: Research Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute Apr. 2018 - Oct. 2018: Research Consultant at The World Bank July 2014 - Oct 2014: US State Department negotiator at the Organization of American States (OAS) 2009: Intern for Paul Ryan Berta Valle Wife of Felix Maradiaga Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ): The regime has rounded up nearly every potential challenger to Ortega and has not even tried to hide these arrests and forced disappearances under the veneer of legality. 05:42 Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ): Having written the NICA Act with Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), I am frustrated that the International Monetary Fund recently provided $350 million to the regime. The IMF should not take Ortega's us word for it that these funds will be used to address the COVID pandemic. 06:53 Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ): We should also begin preparing a number of severe diplomatic consequences, assuming Nicaragua's election in November becomes a coronation for Ortega. Nicaragua should be suspended under the International Democratic Charter on November 8, and its participation under the Central America Free Trade Agreement should be reconsidered. 10:39 Rep. Mark Green (R-TN): On November 7 a political farce will be held, claiming to resemble elections. No one should be fooled about the outcome -- any hope of unseating the socialist dictatorship is sitting inside of Ortega's prisons. 13:56 *Emily Mendrala: As you are well aware, the Ortega-Murillo government has carried out a ruthless crackdown over the past several months, canceling the registration of opposition parties, incarcerating journalists, opposition leaders, potential presidential candidates, students, private sector leaders and others who defend free and fair elections, attacking the free press, closing long standing NGOs that provide humanitarian and medical assistance to Nicaraguans in need. 15:06 Emily Mendrala: In the face of sham elections in Nicaragua, we and our international partners must continue to denounce and push back against the Ortega-Murillo government's anti-democratic rule as well as its use of Russian-inspired laws to carry out repression. 17:56 Emily Mendrala: Through USAID we continue to support Nicaraguan civil society, independent media and human rights defenders. Our continued support assures Nicaraguans that the outside world has not forgotten them. 19:06 Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ): Are we using our voice? Is the administration using its voice and vote with international financial institution to oppose loans and other financial assistance to Ortega? Because I have to tell you, it's very upsetting to me that we do all this work here. We asked the administration to put sanctions on different people. And yet the IMF, which we probably contribute the largest amount of money, or if not, one of the largest amounts of money, they seem to just ignore what's going on in Nicaragua. And it has to -- I intend to write a letter to the IMF. And hopefully we'll have them before this committee, because this is not acceptable. 20:22 Emily Mendrala: We are using our voice and our vote and every opportunity in front of multilateral institutions to oppose lending to the Ortega-Murillo government. We will continue to use our voice, vote and influence to advocate against lending from international financial institutions to the Ortega-Murillo government and we will also continue to collaborate with international partners where appropriate: EU, Canada and others to do the same. 30:43 Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX): The upcoming November 7 elections will be neither free nor fair 1:04:30 Berta Valle: Even though Félix [Maradiaga] has dedicated his life to serving our country, the regime has charged him and others with a conspiracy to undermine national integrity. The government is alleging that Félix and others were part of a global conspiracy to use foreign resources, including from the US Agency for International Development, the International Republican Institute and the National Endowment for Democracy to harm the interests of the nation. 1:16:33 Ryan Berg: As well as November 7, I think we need to declare Nicaragua's elections illegitimate under current conditions. 1:27:16 Ryan Berg: Thank you, Congressman Green, for the question. Yes, the two countries that I would point out as extra-hemispheric actors who have have come into the hemisphere to shore up the Ortega regime are Russia and Iran. Russia, we've seen with a significant presence in Nicaragua for a while. Its increased its presence in past years, to an extent that I think should be very alarming for the US government. Not only does it have a number of port agreements with Nicaragua, and access to the Caribbean, where it can engage in anti access and area denial capabilities, potentially. But also in cyberspace. We saw recently the Russians and Nicaraguans sign a major agreement in the cyberspace, particularly to help the regime not only increase its domestic security apparatus, but to spy potentially on the opposition on our own citizens, and indeed, potentially on on other governments in Central America, depending upon the strength of the equipment transfers that we'll see in future. So they have a whole number or whole range of capabilities that they are developing within Nicaragua, that there are signals intelligence stations that are actually quite close to the US Embassy in Managua. And so that's that's Russia, Russia has an interest in shoring up this regime on the cheap. And I think Iran has approached the regime in a number of ways, most specifically, in offering partnerships to circumvent US sanctions architecture, in which it excels, because of the sanctions architecture that it has been under for so long. And we haven't seen as deep I would say, as a presence of the Iranians in Nicaragua, but it's it's there and it's also concerning. I think, in general, Congressman, part of the Ortega regime's plan for survival is to sort of recreate a situation of rivalry and enmity in Central America again, and lend a platform for major geopolitical competitors to the United States to increase their capabilities on the US doorstep and I think that's a significant aspect of this political, economic and social crisis here. 1:35:50 Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ): If the Ortega regime moves ahead was stealing this November's elections the international community must come together to impose a very steep price. John Bolton: Miami Dade College's National Historic Landmark Freedom Tower November 1, 2018 John Bolton: The "Troika of Tyranny" in this hemisphere -- Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua -- has finally met its match. John Bolton: Today in this hemisphere we are also confronted once again, with the destructive forces of oppression, socialism and totalitarianism. In Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua, we see the perils of poisonous ideologies left unchecked. Nicaraguan President Speech at the United Nations General Assembly September 25, 2007 16:50 President Daniel Ortega: The General Assembly is simply a reflection of this world where a capitalist and imperialist minority is imposing global capitalism to impoverish the world continue to enslave us all and promote apartheid against Latin American immigrants and against African immigrants in Europe. This global capitalism is one beast and it has tentacles everywhere. 25:30 President Daniel Ortega: They have to understand once and for all, that just as they have managed to profit from privatizations that have given rise to these huge multi-nationals that then set up in developing countries, they say that they are helping us. No business person provides assistance, they simply go to earn as much money as they can, they don't go to invest. Developing countries are considered to be insecure countries, and we are simply being ransacked. If we compare the volume of riches that they're extracting from our countries -- the capitalists in developed countries I'm talking about -- through their major companies, the globalized multinationals. If we can compare that wealth with what the Latin American immigrants send back to their families from the U.S. or the Asian and African families in Europe send back to their families, it is a miserable amount compared to the volume of wealth that is extracted on a daily basis by these forms of institutionalized oppression. 28:30 President Daniel Ortega: These companies are simply using cheap labor. They are benefiting from clauses in free trade agreements. I've got us free trade, why not? Free trade for societies and nations. But clearly in that system, it's the law of the jungle the strongest will impose themselves on the rest. What well the world needs is fair trade. What the world demands is really a genuine change in the capitalist, globalized, imperialist economies, that is where we need to have a change. They have to change this concept that they have of a free market. They have to change the slant of these free trade agreements. Nicaraguan Presidential Address to Congress April 16, 1991 20:00 President Violetta Chamorro: My government is committed to radically reducing government intervention in the economy and the enormous bureaucratic apparatus that we have inherited. Our Congress approved a law that authorizes private banks to operate and encourages foreign investments and is studying the privatization law in order to convert government to businesses. We are rapidly advancing towards the establishment of a social market economy. Restrictions on prices and salaries must be lifted. Likewise, we have initiated a serious economic stabilization program accompanied by the corresponding tax reforms in order to discipline and improve and decrease public spending to encourage domestic production and to stimulate private domestic and foreign investment. Cover Art Design by Only Child Imaginations Music Presented in This Episode Intro & Exit: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio)
Today on Sojourner Truth: My home island of Barbados, after close to 400 years, cut ties with the Queen of England as the Head of State, and became the world's youngest republic. Our president is former governor general Sandra Mason. This, 55 years after we gained our independence from Britain. Prince Charles, the future King of England, attended the ceremony representing the Queen. Our guest is David Comissiong, Ambassador of Barbados to CARICOM (Caribbean Community). David is also active in the Caribbean Pan-African network. In another change in the Americas, Honduras will have its first woman president. This, over a decade after a U.S.-backed coup deposed democratically-elected President Manuel Zelaya. Now the former First Lady, Xiomara Castro de Zelaya, is on her path to victory. Our guest is Laura Carlsen, the Director of the Americas Program and works with Just Associates, an international feminist organization. For our weekly Earth Watch, we speak with Paraguay-based environmentalist and agronomist Miguel Lovera.
Today on Sojourner Truth: My home island of Barbados, after close to 400 years, cut ties with the Queen of England as the Head of State, and became the world's youngest republic. Our president is former governor general Sandra Mason. This, 55 years after we gained our independence from Britain. Prince Charles, the future King of England, attended the ceremony representing the Queen. Our guest is David Comissiong, Ambassador of Barbados to CARICOM (Caribbean Community). David is also active in the Caribbean Pan-African network. In another change in the Americas, Honduras will have its first woman president. This, over a decade after a U.S.-backed coup deposed democratically-elected President Manuel Zelaya. Now the former First Lady, Xiomara Castro de Zelaya, is on her path to victory. Our guest is Laura Carlsen, the Director of the Americas Program and works with Just Associates, an international feminist organization. For our weekly Earth Watch, we speak with Paraguay-based environmentalist and agronomist Miguel Lovera.
Today on Sojourner Truth: My home island of Barbados, after close to 400 years, cut ties with the Queen of England as the Head of State, and became the world's youngest republic. Our president is former governor general Sandra Mason. This, 55 years after we gained our independence from Britain. Prince Charles, the future King of England, attended the ceremony representing the Queen. Our guest is David Comissiong, Ambassador of Barbados to CARICOM (Caribbean Community). David is also active in the Caribbean Pan-African network. In another change in the Americas, Honduras will have its first woman president. This, over a decade after a U.S.-backed coup deposed democratically-elected President Manuel Zelaya. Now the former First Lady, Xiomara Castro de Zelaya, is on her path to victory. Our guest is Laura Carlsen, the Director of the Americas Program and works with Just Associates, an international feminist organization. For our weekly Earth Watch, we speak with Paraguay-based environmentalist and agronomist Miguel Lovera.
Today on Sojourner Truth: My home island of Barbados, after close to 400 years, cut ties with the Queen of England as the Head of State, and became the world's youngest republic. Our president is former governor general Sandra Mason. This, 55 years after we gained our independence from Britain. Prince Charles, the future King of England, attended the ceremony representing the Queen. Our guest is David Comissiong, Ambassador of Barbados to CARICOM (Caribbean Community). David is also active in the Caribbean Pan-African network. In another change in the Americas, Honduras will have its first woman president. This, over a decade after a U.S.-backed coup deposed democratically-elected President Manuel Zelaya. Now the former First Lady, Xiomara Castro de Zelaya, is on her path to victory. Our guest is Laura Carlsen, the Director of the Americas Program and works with Just Associates, an international feminist organization. For our weekly Earth Watch, we speak with Paraguay-based environmentalist and agronomist Miguel Lovera.
Today on Sojourner Truth: My home island of Barbados, after close to 400 years, cut ties with the Queen of England as the Head of State, and became the world's youngest republic. Our president is former governor general Sandra Mason. This, 55 years after we gained our independence from Britain. Prince Charles, the future King of England, attended the ceremony representing the Queen. Our guest is David Comissiong, Ambassador of Barbados to CARICOM (Caribbean Community). David is also active in the Caribbean Pan-African network. In another change in the Americas, Honduras will have its first woman president. This, over a decade after a U.S.-backed coup deposed democratically-elected President Manuel Zelaya. Now the former First Lady, Xiomara Castro de Zelaya, is on her path to victory. Our guest is Laura Carlsen, the Director of the Americas Program and works with Just Associates, an international feminist organization. For our weekly Earth Watch, we speak with Paraguay-based environmentalist and agronomist Miguel Lovera.
Today on Sojourner Truth: My home island of Barbados, after close to 400 years, cut ties with the Queen of England as the Head of State, and became the world's youngest republic. Our president is former governor general Sandra Mason. This, 55 years after we gained our independence from Britain. Prince Charles, the future King of England, attended the ceremony representing the Queen. Our guest is David Comissiong, Ambassador of Barbados to CARICOM (Caribbean Community). David is also active in the Caribbean Pan-African network. In another change in the Americas, Honduras will have its first woman president. This, over a decade after a U.S.-backed coup deposed democratically-elected President Manuel Zelaya. Now the former First Lady, Xiomara Castro de Zelaya, is on her path to victory. Our guest is Laura Carlsen, the Director of the Americas Program and works with Just Associates, an international feminist organization. For our weekly Earth Watch, we speak with Paraguay-based environmentalist and agronomist Miguel Lovera.
Today on Sojourner Truth: My home island of Barbados, after close to 400 years, cut ties with the Queen of England as the Head of State, and became the world's youngest republic. Our president is former governor general Sandra Mason. This, 55 years after we gained our independence from Britain. Prince Charles, the future King of England, attended the ceremony representing the Queen. Our guest is David Comissiong, Ambassador of Barbados to CARICOM (Caribbean Community). David is also active in the Caribbean Pan-African network. In another change in the Americas, Honduras will have its first woman president. This, over a decade after a U.S.-backed coup deposed democratically-elected President Manuel Zelaya. Now the former First Lady, Xiomara Castro de Zelaya, is on her path to victory. Our guest is Laura Carlsen, the Director of the Americas Program and works with Just Associates, an international feminist organization. For our weekly Earth Watch, we speak with Paraguay-based environmentalist and agronomist Miguel Lovera.
Today on Sojourner Truth: My home island of Barbados, after close to 400 years, cut ties with the Queen of England as the Head of State, and became the world's youngest republic. Our president is former governor general Sandra Mason. This, 55 years after we gained our independence from Britain. Prince Charles, the future King of England, attended the ceremony representing the Queen. Our guest is David Comissiong, Ambassador of Barbados to CARICOM (Caribbean Community). David is also active in the Caribbean Pan-African network. In another change in the Americas, Honduras will have its first woman president. This, over a decade after a U.S.-backed coup deposed democratically-elected President Manuel Zelaya. Now the former First Lady, Xiomara Castro de Zelaya, is on her path to victory. Our guest is Laura Carlsen, the Director of the Americas Program and works with Just Associates, an international feminist organization. For our weekly Earth Watch, we speak with Paraguay-based environmentalist and agronomist Miguel Lovera.
Today on Sojourner Truth: My home island of Barbados, after close to 400 years, cut ties with the Queen of England as the Head of State, and became the world's youngest republic. Our president is former governor general Sandra Mason. This, 55 years after we gained our independence from Britain. Prince Charles, the future King of England, attended the ceremony representing the Queen. Our guest is David Comissiong, Ambassador of Barbados to CARICOM (Caribbean Community). David is also active in the Caribbean Pan-African network. In another change in the Americas, Honduras will have its first woman president. This, over a decade after a U.S.-backed coup deposed democratically-elected President Manuel Zelaya. Now the former First Lady, Xiomara Castro de Zelaya, is on her path to victory. Our guest is Laura Carlsen, the Director of the Americas Program and works with Just Associates, an international feminist organization. For our weekly Earth Watch, we speak with Paraguay-based environmentalist and agronomist Miguel Lovera.
Today on Sojourner Truth: My home island of Barbados, after close to 400 years, cut ties with the Queen of England as the Head of State, and became the world's youngest republic. Our president is former governor general Sandra Mason. This, 55 years after we gained our independence from Britain. Prince Charles, the future King of England, attended the ceremony representing the Queen. Our guest is David Comissiong, Ambassador of Barbados to CARICOM (Caribbean Community). David is also active in the Caribbean Pan-African network. In another change in the Americas, Honduras will have its first woman president. This, over a decade after a U.S.-backed coup deposed democratically-elected President Manuel Zelaya. Now the former First Lady, Xiomara Castro de Zelaya, is on her path to victory. Our guest is Laura Carlsen, the Director of the Americas Program and works with Just Associates, an international feminist organization. For our weekly Earth Watch, we speak with Paraguay-based environmentalist and agronomist Miguel Lovera.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative’s (BRI) global ambitions have involved more than seventy countries. For the United States, these BRI developments and independent influence operations in South America raise security and strategy concerns. In the region south of Mexico and related seas, China is reportedly participating in more than two dozen deep-water port expansion and building projects. The PRC’s deepening relationship with Panama’s government has raised alarm, but China is also engaging with Bolivia, Argentina, Cuba, and Venezuela. China’s People’s Liberation Army operates a space station from the south of Argentina. Is China exporting digital authoritarianism through surveillance architecture, as seen most recently with the Fatherland Identity Card in Venezuela? Are there long-term implications for the ability of Latin American countries to make autonomous sovereign decisions, and for longevity of U.S. relationships in the region? Featuring:Dr. Evan Ellis, Latin America Research Professor, U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies InstituteRyan Berg, Senior Fellow, Americas Program; Head of the Future of Venezuela Initiative, Center for Strategic and International StudiesErick A. Brimen, CEO & Chairman of the Board, Honduras PrósperaJulian Ku (Moderator), Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Faculty Director of International Programs, and Maurice A. Deane Distinguished Professor of Constitutional Law, Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University
Experts argue that Mexico affects daily life in the United States more than any other country. For years, U.S. and Mexican officials have attempted to tackle immigration, trade, and security challenges, and their success has depended on cooperation. With so much at stake, Why It Matters investigates the complex relationship and the factors that threaten it. Featured Guests: Shannon K. O'Neil (Vice President, Deputy Director of Studies, and Nelson and David Rockefeller Senior Fellow for Latin America Studies, Council on Foreign Relations) Mariana Campero (Senior Associate, Non-resident, Americas Program, Center for Strategic & International Studies) For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/mexico
Hoy conversamos en el tema del día con el Carmen Rodríguez, Corresponsal para Latinoamérica en Washington DC, autorizada por el Departamento de Estado. Corresponsal de LPG, The Americas Program y Anadolu Español de Turquía.
Today on Sojourner Truth: Since Cuba's 1959 Revolution, the United States has attempted to undo what the Revolution was hoping to achieve. The U.S. tried invasion, economic boycotts, several assassination attempts of Fidel Castro, and propaganda. Now, thousands of protesters have hit the streets in Cuba. What's going on? This, at the same time as turmoil in Haiti following the assassination of U.S.-backed President Jovenel Moise. Our guest on Cuba is Laura Carlsen, Director of the Americas Program and works with Just Associates, an international feminist organization. We also discuss voting rights. Even as Democratic legislators flee Texas to avoid allowing yet another attempt to pass a voter suppression law. They traveled to Washington D.C. to pressure the Biden administration to do more to protect voting rights. On Tuesday, July 13, Biden gave a speech on voting rights in Philadelphia. But did he go far enough? Our guest is voting rights campaigner Barbara Arnwine. Also, migrants are on hunger strike in Belgium. Benoit Martin of Payday Men's Network fills us in on what's going on. Lastly, our weekly Earth Minute presented by Theresa Church of the Global Justice Ecology Project.
Today on Sojourner Truth: Since Cuba's 1959 Revolution, the United States has attempted to undo what the Revolution was hoping to achieve. The U.S. tried invasion, economic boycotts, several assassination attempts of Fidel Castro, and propaganda. Now, thousands of protesters have hit the streets in Cuba. What's going on? This, at the same time as turmoil in Haiti following the assassination of U.S.-backed President Jovenel Moise. Our guest on Cuba is Laura Carlsen, Director of the Americas Program and works with Just Associates, an international feminist organization. We also discuss voting rights. Even as Democratic legislators flee Texas to avoid allowing yet another attempt to pass a voter suppression law. They traveled to Washington D.C. to pressure the Biden administration to do more to protect voting rights. On Tuesday, July 13, Biden gave a speech on voting rights in Philadelphia. But did he go far enough? Our guest is voting rights campaigner Barbara Arnwine. Also, migrants are on hunger strike in Belgium. Benoit Martin of Payday Men's Network fills us in on what's going on. Lastly, our weekly Earth Minute presented by Theresa Church of the Global Justice Ecology Project.
Today on Sojourner Truth: Since Cuba's 1959 Revolution, the United States has attempted to undo what the Revolution was hoping to achieve. The U.S. tried invasion, economic boycotts, several assassination attempts of Fidel Castro, and propaganda. Now, thousands of protesters have hit the streets in Cuba. What's going on? This, at the same time as turmoil in Haiti following the assassination of U.S.-backed President Jovenel Moise. Our guest on Cuba is Laura Carlsen, Director of the Americas Program and works with Just Associates, an international feminist organization. We also discuss voting rights. Even as Democratic legislators flee Texas to avoid allowing yet another attempt to pass a voter suppression law. They traveled to Washington D.C. to pressure the Biden administration to do more to protect voting rights. On Tuesday, July 13, Biden gave a speech on voting rights in Philadelphia. But did he go far enough? Our guest is voting rights campaigner Barbara Arnwine. Also, migrants are on hunger strike in Belgium. Benoit Martin of Payday Men's Network fills us in on what's going on. Lastly, our weekly Earth Minute presented by Theresa Church of the Global Justice Ecology Project.
Today on Sojourner Truth: Since Cuba's 1959 Revolution, the United States has attempted to undo what the Revolution was hoping to achieve. The U.S. tried invasion, economic boycotts, several assassination attempts of Fidel Castro, and propaganda. Now, thousands of protesters have hit the streets in Cuba. What's going on? This, at the same time as turmoil in Haiti following the assassination of U.S.-backed President Jovenel Moise. Our guest on Cuba is Laura Carlsen, Director of the Americas Program and works with Just Associates, an international feminist organization. We also discuss voting rights. Even as Democratic legislators flee Texas to avoid allowing yet another attempt to pass a voter suppression law. They traveled to Washington D.C. to pressure the Biden administration to do more to protect voting rights. On Tuesday, July 13, Biden gave a speech on voting rights in Philadelphia. But did he go far enough? Our guest is voting rights campaigner Barbara Arnwine. Also, migrants are on hunger strike in Belgium. Benoit Martin of Payday Men's Network fills us in on what's going on. Lastly, our weekly Earth Minute presented by Theresa Church of the Global Justice Ecology Project.
Today on Sojourner Truth: Since Cuba's 1959 Revolution, the United States has attempted to undo what the Revolution was hoping to achieve. The U.S. tried invasion, economic boycotts, several assassination attempts of Fidel Castro, and propaganda. Now, thousands of protesters have hit the streets in Cuba. What's going on? This, at the same time as turmoil in Haiti following the assassination of U.S.-backed President Jovenel Moise. Our guest on Cuba is Laura Carlsen, Director of the Americas Program and works with Just Associates, an international feminist organization. We also discuss voting rights. Even as Democratic legislators flee Texas to avoid allowing yet another attempt to pass a voter suppression law. They traveled to Washington D.C. to pressure the Biden administration to do more to protect voting rights. On Tuesday, July 13, Biden gave a speech on voting rights in Philadelphia. But did he go far enough? Our guest is voting rights campaigner Barbara Arnwine. Also, migrants are on hunger strike in Belgium. Benoit Martin of Payday Men's Network fills us in on what's going on. Lastly, our weekly Earth Minute presented by Theresa Church of the Global Justice Ecology Project.
Today on Sojourner Truth: Since Cuba's 1959 Revolution, the United States has attempted to undo what the Revolution was hoping to achieve. The U.S. tried invasion, economic boycotts, several assassination attempts of Fidel Castro, and propaganda. Now, thousands of protesters have hit the streets in Cuba. What's going on? This, at the same time as turmoil in Haiti following the assassination of U.S.-backed President Jovenel Moise. Our guest on Cuba is Laura Carlsen, Director of the Americas Program and works with Just Associates, an international feminist organization. We also discuss voting rights. Even as Democratic legislators flee Texas to avoid allowing yet another attempt to pass a voter suppression law. They traveled to Washington D.C. to pressure the Biden administration to do more to protect voting rights. On Tuesday, July 13, Biden gave a speech on voting rights in Philadelphia. But did he go far enough? Our guest is voting rights campaigner Barbara Arnwine. Also, migrants are on hunger strike in Belgium. Benoit Martin of Payday Men's Network fills us in on what's going on. Lastly, our weekly Earth Minute presented by Theresa Church of the Global Justice Ecology Project.
Protesters flee on foot as law enforcement fires tear gas and so-called “less lethal” weapons at the end of a Justice for George Floyd protest in Oakland on June 1. Photo by KPFA's Ariel Boone. On this show: 0:08 – The first death from Covid-19 inside an ICE detention center took place in Otay Mesa Detention Center in San Diego. We speak with Anthony Alexandre, who is currently being detained at the CoreCivic-run facility, and led a hunger strike inside earlier this year. Alexandre reports being exposed to confirmed cases of Covid-19 at least twice since inside, and says immigration status should not be a death sentence during the pandemic. Alexandre also says ICE is vastly underreporting the number of cases inside Otay Mesa. 0:17 – A new Reuters investigation follows asylum seekers who are dropping their cases in order to flee for their safety — from Covid-19. Immigrants in detention with medical vulnerabilities fear death from the virus and are reporting immigration officials are encouraging them to sign for their own deportation, to try to avoid the virus. Laura Gottesdiener (@Gottesdiener), a reporter for Reuters in Monterrey, Mexico. You can read her investigation here. 0:33 – Yesterday, Mexico's COVID-19 death toll reached 30,000, making it the country with the fifth-highest number of officially reported deaths. Shannon Young (@SYoungReports) reports from Oaxaca. 0:41 – We turn to Yemen, where a five-year civil war and devastating U.S.-supported bombing campaign by Saudi Arabia continue to cause a humanitarian disaster, destroying the country's health infrastructure and leaving it unprepared to handle the coronavirus. KPFA's Rami Almeghari reports. 0:48 – Laura Carlsen (@lauracarlsenc) discusses the politics and economics of COVID in Mexico and President Trump's upcoming meeting with with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. She's the director of the Mexico City-based Americas Program, a fiscally sponsored program of the Center for Economic and Policy Research. 1:08 – The Supreme Court let stand a lower court decision that blocked construction of part of the Keystone XL Pipeline in Montana, a pipeline long targeted by climate activists; a federal judge ruled that the Dakota Access Pipeline operated by Energy Transfer Partners must shut down and empty itself of oil within 30 days; and Dominion Energy and Duke Energy have cancelled their plans to build the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, deciding it was no longer profitable. Environmental advocates count these as major victories against polluting, extractive projects, after years of resistance largely led by indigenous organizers. We speak with Antonia Juhasz (@AntoniaJuhasz), a Bertha Fellow in investigative journalism, part of a global team of journalists investigating climate, fossil fuels and corporate power. Her most recent book is Black Tide. 1:33 – On June 1, 2020, at the end of a youth-led Justice for George Floyd demonstration and 20 minutes before Oakland's curfew, the Oakland Police Department tear gassed protesters. The police claim it was justified and provoked. But what really happened that evening? We're joined by three journalists from nonprofit newsroom The Oaklandside, Darwin BondGraham (@DarwinBondGraha), Sarah Belle Lin (@SarahBelleLin) and Jonah Owen Lamb, who used visual evidence to investigate police conduct at the protest and compare it to police and city statements and policies. Read their investigation here: “Did OPD violate its own policies against protesters?” The post Some asylum seekers abandon their cases to escape COVID in ICE detention; Mexico's virus death toll reaches 30,000; Visual evidence sheds light on OPD protest crackdown appeared first on KPFA.
On today's show: Racial justice, labor, and international activist Bill Fletcher, Director of the Americas Program of the Center for International Policy Laura Carlsen, and TRNN political editor Don Rojas. Hosted by Kim Brown.
Today on Sojourner Truth, our weekly roundtable. We discuss the impeachment trial of Donald Trump, new bombshell evidence related to the case against Trump, and the limiting of media access to senators throughout this process. We also discuss the last Democratic Debate, including the apparent split between the two progressive candidates, Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. Also, the continuing crisis in the Middle East. Trump's story keeps shifting as to why the U.S. assassinated general Qassem Soleimani. Meanwhile, in Iran, tens of thousands heard from their Supreme Leader, who called the U.S. strike an act of terror. Our panelists are Jackie Goldberg, Dr. Gerald Horne and Laura Carlsen. Jackie Goldberg is a governing board member for the Los Angeles School Board - District 5. She is a former member of the California State Assembly. Goldberg had previously served as a member of the Los Angeles City Council. Before being elected to the council, she served on, and was later president of, the Los Angeles School Board. Dr. Gerald Horne, Moores Professor of History & African-American Studies at the University of Houston, has written more than 30 books. His most recently published books include White Supremacy Confronted: U.S. Imperialism and Anti-communism vs. the Liberation of Southern Africa, From Rhodes to Mandela and "Jazz and Justice: Racism and the Political Economy of the Music. Laura Carlsen is the Director of the Americas Program for the Center for International Policy. Based in Mexico City, she is a regular contributor to CounterPunch, Fortune, Americas Updater, Foreign Policy in Focus, and several Spanish-language publications. Laura is also a television host and commentator on NAFTA, the Drug War, immigration and gender issues for various international news outlets.
Today on Sojourner Truth, our weekly roundtable. We discuss the impeachment trial of Donald Trump, new bombshell evidence related to the case against Trump, and the limiting of media access to senators throughout this process. We also discuss the last Democratic Debate, including the apparent split between the two progressive candidates, Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. Also, the continuing crisis in the Middle East. Trump's story keeps shifting as to why the U.S. assassinated general Qassem Soleimani. Meanwhile, in Iran, tens of thousands heard from their Supreme Leader, who called the U.S. strike an act of terror. Our panelists are Jackie Goldberg, Dr. Gerald Horne and Laura Carlsen. Jackie Goldberg is a governing board member for the Los Angeles School Board - District 5. She is a former member of the California State Assembly. Goldberg had previously served as a member of the Los Angeles City Council. Before being elected to the council, she served on, and was later president of, the Los Angeles School Board. Dr. Gerald Horne, Moores Professor of History & African-American Studies at the University of Houston, has written more than 30 books. His most recently published books include White Supremacy Confronted: U.S. Imperialism and Anti-communism vs. the Liberation of Southern Africa, From Rhodes to Mandela and "Jazz and Justice: Racism and the Political Economy of the Music. Laura Carlsen is the Director of the Americas Program for the Center for International Policy. Based in Mexico City, she is a regular contributor to CounterPunch, Fortune, Americas Updater, Foreign Policy in Focus, and several Spanish-language publications. Laura is also a television host and commentator on NAFTA, the Drug War, immigration and gender issues for various international news outlets.
Today on Sojourner Truth, our weekly roundtable. We discuss the impeachment trial of Donald Trump, new bombshell evidence related to the case against Trump, and the limiting of media access to senators throughout this process. We also discuss the last Democratic Debate, including the apparent split between the two progressive candidates, Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. Also, the continuing crisis in the Middle East. Trump's story keeps shifting as to why the U.S. assassinated general Qassem Soleimani. Meanwhile, in Iran, tens of thousands heard from their Supreme Leader, who called the U.S. strike an act of terror. Our panelists are Jackie Goldberg, Dr. Gerald Horne and Laura Carlsen. Jackie Goldberg is a governing board member for the Los Angeles School Board - District 5. She is a former member of the California State Assembly. Goldberg had previously served as a member of the Los Angeles City Council. Before being elected to the council, she served on, and was later president of, the Los Angeles School Board. Dr. Gerald Horne, Moores Professor of History & African-American Studies at the University of Houston, has written more than 30 books. His most recently published books include White Supremacy Confronted: U.S. Imperialism and Anti-communism vs. the Liberation of Southern Africa, From Rhodes to Mandela and "Jazz and Justice: Racism and the Political Economy of the Music. Laura Carlsen is the Director of the Americas Program for the Center for International Policy. Based in Mexico City, she is a regular contributor to CounterPunch, Fortune, Americas Updater, Foreign Policy in Focus, and several Spanish-language publications. Laura is also a television host and commentator on NAFTA, the Drug War, immigration and gender issues for various international news outlets.
Today on Sojourner Truth, our first roundtable discussion of 2020. We dig into the latest on the U.S.-Iran crisis, the impeachment of Donald Trump and the U.S. presidential election. Our panelists will also share a story on their radar, but under-reported in 2019. Our panelists are Jackie Goldberg, Laura Carlsen and Khury Petersen-Smith. Jackie Goldberg is a governing board member for the Los Angeles School Board - District 5. She is a former member of the California State Assembly. Goldberg had previously served as a member of the Los Angeles City Council. Before being elected to the council, she served on, and was later president of, the Los Angeles School Board. Laura Carlsen is the Director of the Americas Program for the Center for International Policy. Based in Mexico City, she is a regular contributor to CounterPunch, Fortune, Americas Updater, Foreign Policy in Focus, and several Spanish-language publications. Laura is also a television host and commentator on NAFTA, the Drug War, immigration and gender issues for various international news outlets. Khury Petersen-Smith is the Michael Ratner Middle East Fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington, DC. He researches U.S. empire, borders and migration.
Today on Sojourner Truth, our first roundtable discussion of 2020. We dig into the latest on the U.S.-Iran crisis, the impeachment of Donald Trump and the U.S. presidential election. Our panelists will also share a story on their radar, but under-reported in 2019. Our panelists are Jackie Goldberg, Laura Carlsen and Khury Petersen-Smith. Jackie Goldberg is a governing board member for the Los Angeles School Board - District 5. She is a former member of the California State Assembly. Goldberg had previously served as a member of the Los Angeles City Council. Before being elected to the council, she served on, and was later president of, the Los Angeles School Board. Laura Carlsen is the Director of the Americas Program for the Center for International Policy. Based in Mexico City, she is a regular contributor to CounterPunch, Fortune, Americas Updater, Foreign Policy in Focus, and several Spanish-language publications. Laura is also a television host and commentator on NAFTA, the Drug War, immigration and gender issues for various international news outlets. Khury Petersen-Smith is the Michael Ratner Middle East Fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington, DC. He researches U.S. empire, borders and migration.