Podcast appearances and mentions of hugo ch

1. Portrayal of ICE Operations ICE arrests in Minnesota (Minneapolis/St. Paul) are presented as targeting violent criminal offenders, including: Registered sex offenders Individuals accused of rape Individuals with histories of domestic violence, DUI, and sexual assault These individuals were previously free due to local non‑cooperation with ICE. ICE is described as fulfilling its intended mission of removing dangerous criminals from communities. 2. Criticism of Democratic Leadership Minnesota Democratic officials (mayors, city council members, state leaders) National Democratic figures (Chuck Schumer, Chris Van Hollen, Tina Smith, Stacey Abrams, Jon Ossoff) Key accusations include: Shielding criminal undocumented immigrants Encouraging or excusing obstruction of ICE operations Falsely portraying ICE as abusive or authoritarian Refusing to condemn protests that allegedly crossed legal or ethical lines (e.g., disrupting church services) 3. Depiction of Internal Democratic Conflict There is a “civil war” within the Democratic Party: One faction allegedly wants to abolish ICE outright Another faction purportedly wants to soften rhetoric while effectively achieving the same outcome Democrats are accused of strategically “humanizing criminals” and “dehumanizing ICE agents” to influence public perception. 4. Framing of Protests and Activism Protesters opposing ICE are described as: “Far‑left,” “radical,” or “deranged” Protecting criminals rather than communities Protests at or inside churches are portrayed as violations of social and religious norms. Democratic officials are criticized for characterizing these protests as mostly peaceful and justified. 5. Media and Narrative Control Mainstream and local media underreport crimes committed by arrested undocumented immigrants Media figures fail to challenge false or extreme claims made about ICE ICE agents are framed as unfairly maligned while operating under hostile political conditions. 6. Broader Ideological Framing The Democratic Party is portrayed as influenced by: Marxism, socialism, and communism Anti‑police and anti‑law‑enforcement ideology References to Hitler, Hugo Chávez, and authoritarianism are used to argue that left‑wing populism is dangerous and historically problematic. 7. Pro‑Trump and Law‑and‑Order Message Donald Trump is: A defender of law enforcement A counterweight to radical left activism Voter support for Trump is driven by a desire for public safety, border enforcement, and accountability. Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast and Verdict with Ted Cruz Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening X: https://x.com/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Já que Donald Trump decidiu estragar o recesso de todo mundo, fomos até o canal do nosso amigo Pirulla fazer uma live sobre o ataque dos EUA à Venezuela. Passamos por História, petróleo, Doutrina Monroe, Hugo Chávez, Maduro e tudo o que você precisa saber para entender o que aconteceu para abrir o ano da sua revista de política internacional em formato podcastal!Aprenda tecnologia com a Alura com nosso desconto! (https://alura.tv/xadrezverbal)Campanha e comunicado sobre nosso amigo Pirulla (https://www.pirulla.com.br/)

Diego Sequera, award winning journalist and writer based in Caracas, Venezuela, discusses the recent kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife and former member of the National Assembly, Cilia Flores, delving into Venezuela's complex historical landscape. He begins with the Caracazo uprising of 1989, which revealed deep socioeconomic inequalities while uniting the working class against President Carlos Andrés Pérez's austerity measures. Sequera notes that this context set the stage for the rise of Chavismo, notably through Hugo Chávez's transformation from a coup leader to an elected president by 1999. Sequera critiques the neoliberal policies, growing foreign debt, and the resulting polarization exacerbated by anti-Communist sentiments while linking Chávez's Bolivarian Revolution to contemporary global conflicts, scrutinizing political figures like Maria Corina Machado for their role in societal divisions. Furthermore, he addresses the role of US foreign policy, detailing the sanctions imposed, starting with the Venezuela Defense of Human Rights and Civil Society Act of 2014 and culminating in the 2015 “Obama decree” ((Executive Order 13692), which targeted the Venezuelan oil industry ultimately aiming to destabilise the country both economically and politically. Sequera critically analyzes the rhetoric of US politicians who categorize Venezuela as a “narco-state” and suggest foreign interference in the 2020 US elections, as he draws parallels between Venezuela, Iran, and Gaza in critiquing the selective moral blindness of Western nations towards their participation in human rights abuses and loss of life in these regions, reflecting on the broader implications of foreign policy decisions on Venezuela's plight. Get full access to Savage Minds at savageminds.substack.com/subscribe

Brad and Abbey dive into a wide-ranging and deeply connective discussion centered on the idea that “patriots are in control,” tracing current events through the lens of long-running political, cultural, and institutional shifts. The conversation explores renewed focus on the Clintons and their refusal to testify in the Epstein investigation, the implications of contempt of Congress, and how past precedents may shape what comes next. They connect these developments to broader themes, including election integrity, Venezuela and Hugo Chávez-era voting systems, the Maduro situation, and the dismantling of globalist structures. The episode also examines cultural decay through changes in parenting, the erosion of the nuclear family, and government overreach, tying those shifts back to the 1990s. Throughout the show, Brad and Abbey frame recent Department of Labor messaging, historical Q posts, and public signals as part of a larger narrative arc, emphasizing civic responsibility, spiritual warfare, and the belief that the public now plays an active role in exposing truth and shaping what comes next.

¿Qué pasó en Venezuela para llegar a la captura de Nicolás Maduro?

This week we talk about Venezuela, Maduro, and international law.We also discuss sour crude, extrajudicial killings, and Greenland.Recommended Book: The Keep by F. Paul WilsonTranscriptBack in mid-November of 2025, I did an episode on extrajudicial killings, focusing on the targeting of speedboats, mostly from Venezuela headed toward the United States, by the US military. These boats were allegedly carrying drugs meant for the US market, and the US government justified these strikes by saying, basically, we have a right to protect ourselves, protect our citizens from the harm caused by these illegal substances, and if we have to keep taking out these boats and killing these people to do that, we will.There's been a lot of back-and-forthing about the legitimacy of this approach, both in the sense that not all of these boats have been shown to be carrying drugs, some just seemed to be fishing boats in the wrong place at the wrong time, and in the sense that launching strikes without the go-ahead of Congress in the US is a legally dubious business. There was also the matter of some alleged follow-up strikes, which seemed to be intended to kill people who survived the initial taking-out of the boats, which is a big international human rights no no, to the point of potentially being a war crime.All of this happened within the context of a war of words between US President Trump's second administration and the increasingly authoritarian regime of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who followed the previous president Hugo Chávez as his hand-picked successor, and has more or less completed the authoritarian process of dissolving, coopting, or diminishing all aspects of the Venezuelan government that might ever check his power, which allowed him, in 2024, to bar the very popular, now Nobel Peace Prize winning candidate María Corina Machado from running, and her sub-in candidate, like previous Maduro opponent Juan Guaido, seems to have won the election by a fair bit, and in an internationally provable way, but Maduro's government faked results that made it look like he won, and his single-party rule has since continued unabated.Or rather, it continued unabated until the early morning of January 3, 2026, around 2am, when US Operation Absolute Resolve kicked into action, leading to the—depending on who you ask—justified captured or illegal kidnapping—of Maduro and his wife from a stronghold in his country.And that's what I'd like to talk about today: the operation itself, but also the consequences and potential meaning of it within the context of other important things happening in the world right now.—Maduro is immensely popular with about a fifth of the Venezuelan population, but essentially everyone else is strongly opposes him and his iron-fisted rule.It's estimated that between 2017 and 2025, just shy of 8 million people, which is more than 20% of Venezuela's 2017 population, has fled the country in order to escape a tyrannical government and its failed policies, which have collapsed the economy, made getting working and feeding oneself and one's family difficult, and made crime, conflict, and the state-sanctioned oppression of anyone who doesn't kowtow to the ruling party a commonplace thing.Trump speculated about the possibility of invading Venezuela even in his first administration, and part of the overt rationale was that it's run by a failed government that most of the locals hate, so it would be an easy win. That justification shifted to orient around immigration and drugs by his second administration, and then more recently, Trump has said publicly that the real issue here is that Venezuela stole a bunch of US company-owned oil assets when it nationalized the industry back in the day, and those assets should be recaptured, given back to the US.Operation Absolute Resolve took months to plan and only about two and a half hours to complete. By most objective measures it was a spectacular military and intelligence success, especially considering all the moving parts and thus, all the things that could have gone wrong.The operation apparently involved at least 150 aircraft of various sorts, a spy within Maduro's government, and months of surveillance, which helped them establish Maduro's habits and routines, and that allowed them to map out where he would be, when, and what to expect going in to get him. All of these patterns changed in September of 2025 when US warships started massing in Caribbean, as Maduro started to get a little paranoid—justifiably, as it turns out—and he started moving between eight different locations, seldom sleeping in the same place more than one night in a row.He was eventually grabbed from a military base in Caracas, Venezuela's capitol, and to make that happen the US military assets in the area had to take out local aviation and air defenses so that US Delta Force troops could be carried in by helicopter. Several air bases and communications centers were taken out by missiles, and fighter jets were bombed on air base tarmacs. Trump alluded that a cyberattack of some kind might have also been used to take out power in the area, though satellite imagery suggests bombs might have been used against a power station to make that happen.The operation apparently went almost exactly as planned, though a helicopter was damaged and the Delta Force team killed a large part of Maduro's security team when he refused to surrender. A few US soldiers were wounded, but none were killed, and Venezuelan officials said, in the aftermath, that lat least 40 Venezuelans were killed throughout the country during the operation. Maduro and his wife were swept from the base before they could lock themselves in their safe room, and they were tucked into the helicopters which headed out to sea, landing them on the USS Iwo Jima, which is an assault ship.All of this took a matter of hours and, again, is generally considered to be an objective success, in terms of precision, outcome, and other such metrics. Morally, legally, and politically, however, the operation is receiving a far more mixed response, and that response is continuing to play out as Maduro works his way through a bizarre version of the US justice system where he's being sent to court for drug dealing.In the US, Trump supporters have generally said all of this was a good, smart move, though some maintain that US involvement in any kind of international conflict is a waste of time, effort, and resources, and they worry about getting bogged down in another Iraq or Afghanistan-style conflict.Everyone else is generally against the effort, even those who admit that Maduro was a tyrant who needed to go—it's good that he's gone, but the way in which it was done is not just questionable, but worrying because of what it says about Trump's capacity to unilaterally launch kidnapping missions against the leaders of other countries. Not a good look, but also kind of scary.Internationally the response is generally aligned with the latter opinion, especially in other countries that Trump has at some point threatened, which is most of them.Governments in South and Central America have been especially concerned, however, because one of Trump's newer messaging efforts has revolved around the concept of a Western Hemisphere basically owned and protected by the US. Do whatever you want in the rest of the world, basically, but everything over here is ours. This has raised the possibility that an emboldened Trump might attempt similar maneuvers soon, including possibly claiming the Panama Canal for the US again, or grabbing the leaders of other Latin American countries he doesn't think are kowtowing enthusiastically enough; toeing the new international line that he's drawing, basically.He's also renewed messaging around the possible purchase or capture of Greenland, which has been raising alarm bells across Europe in particular. Greenland is considered to be a vital strategic base for US security, and it would grant potential access to an abundance of also strategically and economically important minerals, both on land and underwater, but Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, and most European leaders have said something along the lines of “if the US takes action to militarily claim Greenland, that'll be the end of NATO,” an organization that was originally founded to help protect the world, and Europe especially, from military conquest from the Soviet Union, but which, at that point, might be recalibrated to protect against incursions from the US, as well.NATO has been mostly funded and perpetuated by the US until recently, however, so there's a chance that something else would need to replace it, if the US is no longer providing nuclear deterrence as the ultimate whammy against a potential Russian invasion of its European neighbors.The UN has also indicated that they consider this operation to be a violation of international law, and have called it a dangerous precedent—because one nation capturing the leader of another nation, unilaterally, kind of negates the purpose of negotiations and the whole concept of international law. That kind of use of force is meant to be granted by the UN, not attempted secretively and outside the bounds of international processes for such things.All that said, the Trump administration seems to be leaning into the victory, gleefully talking about next-step potential targets, the most likely of which seem to be in Iran, a long-time US opponent, and a target of this administration last year, when the US attacked Iranian nuclear facilities alongside Israel.There are ongoing, very large and seemingly significant protests happening across Iran right now, so the US could see this as another opportunity to topple another unpopular authoritarian regime while also getting the chance to flex its military and intelligence capabilities at a moment in which another big-name player in that space, Russia, is generally flailing; it's failed to protect several of its allies, including Venezuela, over the past few years, and its intended few-day invasion of Ukraine has now stretched into years.That contrast is considered to be meaningful by most analysts, and though a lot of the PR about the capture of Maduro has focused on the oil, most US-based oil executives have said it's a red herring—the hundreds of billions of dollars required to get more of Venezuela's thick, dirty, expensive to process oil pumping and back on the market wouldn't be worth it—and it's more likely that this is partly a means of keeping the press and US public focused on something other than the Epstein files, which is a major scandal for Trump and his administration, while also allowing Trump to test the boundaries of his power; what the public and government will let him get away with currently, and what he can do to expand the range of what he can do without any outside buy-in or significant personal consequences, in the future.Show Noteshttps://theconversation.com/how-maduros-capture-went-down-a-military-strategist-explains-what-goes-into-a-successful-special-op-272671https://archive.is/20260105035543/https://www.theatlantic.com/national-security/2026/01/trump-nicolas-maduro-venezuela/685493/https://www.wsj.com/business/energy-oil/chevron-charts-a-new-path-in-venezuela-to-unlock-vast-oil-reserves-0369ce1bhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/04/tactical-surprise-and-air-dominance-how-the-us-snatched-maduro-in-two-and-a-half-hourshttps://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/10/us/politics/trump-iran-strikes.htmlhttps://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/10/nyregion/nicolas-maduro-lawyers.htmlhttps://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/10/business/dealbook/oil-executives-trump-venezuela.htmlhttps://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/10/world/americas/venezuela-oil-tanker-us.htmlhttps://www.axios.com/2026/01/11/trump-iran-protest-options-death-tollhttps://www.axios.com/2026/01/03/maduro-capture-trump-venezuela-operationhttps://www.axios.com/2025/05/11/trump-maga-western-civilizationhttps://www.axios.com/2026/01/08/venezuela-war-powers-senate-aumf-time-kainehttps://www.axios.com/2026/01/07/trump-russia-oil-tanker-seize-bella-venzuelahttps://www.axios.com/2026/01/08/trumps-donroe-doctrine-sets-us-on-great-power-collision-coursehttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/05/un-security-council-trump-attack-venezuelahttps://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/08/us/politics/trump-interview-power-morality.html This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

Jon Herold and Zak Paine return for Episode 167 of Baseless Conspiracies with a conversation that revisits Venezuela, regime change narratives, and the sudden media amnesia surrounding long-standing geopolitical storylines. The episode moves through recent statements, past reporting, and contradictions in how Nicolás Maduro, Hugo Chávez, and U.S. involvement have been framed over time. Jon and Zak examine how narratives shift when outcomes change, why certain facts disappear from public discourse, and how audience perception is managed through selective memory. Along the way, they riff on broader media credibility, institutional trust, and the pattern of “conspiracy” labels being retroactively withdrawn once events become undeniable. The discussion maintains the show's signature blend of humor, skepticism, and pattern recognition, with live chat engagement woven throughout as the hosts question who controls the story, when truth becomes permissible, and why yesterday's conspiracy so often becomes today's accepted reality.

Ashe in America and Abbey Blue Eyes open this episode of Culture of Change by framing the show as a continuation of Ghost's earlier discussion on Hugo Chávez and Venezuela, using that lens to examine how leaders, movements, and nations are mythologized or demonized. The conversation centers on Chávez's rise, the 2002 coup attempt, and the role of the National Endowment for Democracy, foreign influence operations, and media framing in shaping public perception. Ashe and Abbey discuss how popular support, sovereignty, and constitutional legitimacy are often obscured by simplified narratives, drawing parallels between Venezuela and broader global patterns. Ghost joins the conversation to expand on Chávez's communication style, public engagement, and the historical context surrounding U.S. involvement in regime destabilization. The episode weaves historical clips, sponsor breaks, and live chat interaction into a wide-ranging discussion about propaganda, power, and why understanding myth-making is essential to recognizing how “culture of change” is engineered rather than organic.

Thor Halvorssen is a Venezuelan-born human rights campaigner and the founder of the Human Rights Foundation. His life as an activist began after his mother was shot and wounded by pro-regime forces for trying to expose election fraud under Hugo Chávez, an event that turned his work from theory into something painfully concrete. In this episode we talk about how Venezuela's dictatorship operated more like a cartel than a state, why the regime survived despite losing elections, and how oil, narcotics, and foreign alliances sustained one of the worst humanitarian disasters in the hemisphere. We also discuss why Venezuela is not another Iraq, how major Western media outlets repeatedly misread the regime, and what a realistic political transition might look like. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Az előfizetők (de csak a Belső kör és Közösség csomagok tulajdonosai!) már szombat hajnalban hozzájutnak legfrissebb epizódunk teljes verziójához. A hétfőn publikált, ingyen meghallgatható verzió tíz perccel rövidebb. Itt írtunk arról, hogy tudod meghallgatni a teljes adást. Kozso-szakértőnk, a művész pályáját évtizedek óta követő Winkler Róbert a Shygys-botrányról. Táncos lábú Maduro és az imperialista inuitok. A fél méterről leadott fejlövés, mint legitim rendvédelmi intézkedés az ádáz költőnővel szemben. 00:22 Bemutatjuk új asztalunk. Zúzoros, 6. évfolyam. Bookaccio, a firenzei könyvkereskedő.04:20 Venezuelai szóviccek. Maduro táncol. A diktátor melegítője. A 444 másik podcastja Venezueláról. Aló Presidente! Putyin tévéműsora. You are a donkey, Mister Danger! Chávez kénszagot érez az ENSZ-ben.08:43 Kezd sok lenni Venezuelából. Hugo Chávez, Kuba és Kádár eredményei. A csónakmotort az indiánoknak program.12:37 A magyar gazdaság maduroizálódása. A GDP/fő mutató problémái. Lula nehéz gyermekkora. Bezzeg Brazíliában a Bolsa Família! Bede Márton korábbi cikkei Venezueláról: 2003, 2013. Kuba kilátásai.17:48 Autósüldözés Amerikában, két golyóval a fejbe. ICE a South Parkban. Egy egészséges társadalomban mersz ordibálni a rendőrrel.23:07 A magyar rendőr legalább elnézést kért a japán nő halála után. Diosdado Cabello békeügyi miniszter.26:42 VV Aurelio és Donald Trump.28:09 Cirokseprú és kazettatok a hó és jég ellen. Most derül ki, ki nem tud vezetni.31:56 Hogy tetszett az újévi Mága? Fotók az eseményről. Pataky Attila, az üzleti zseni.35:10 Winkler Róbert, Kozso és a Shygys. A Taboo együttes. Az említett Magyar Narancs-cikk, sajnos képek nélkül. Kozso siránkozása és az összeállt Shygys klipje. A Zöld Teknős legendája.43:02 Kozsó a dorogi bányásznapon.44:02 Uj Péter küzdelme a torx-csavarral. A BMW saját csavarja.46:10 Uj Péter életében először nem tud nyomtatódrivert installálni. Skodaindítás télen. A Comet browser zenélni kezd.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

【欢迎订阅】每天早上5:30，准时更新。【阅读原文】标题：Venezuela's Crisis Is No Accident: How Oil and Intervention Shaped a State How Chávez's unfinished revolution, U.S. interventionism and strategic oil politics culminated in the 2026 capture of Nicolás Maduro.正文：Hugo Chávez's ascent to power in 1998 was rooted in domestic collapse rather than ideological novelty. His victory reflected the exhaustion of Venezuela's political system, entrenched inequality and the social consequences of economic reforms that had delivered growth without inclusion. 知识点：ascent n. /əˈsent/the act of climbing or moving up; a rise to a higher position 上升；升高；攀登• The climbers began their ascent of Mount Everest at dawn. 攀登者在黎明时分开始了他们的珠穆朗玛峰攀登之旅。• His rapid ascent to the position of CEO surprised everyone. 他迅速升任首席执行官令所有人惊讶。获取外刊的完整原文以及精讲笔记，请关注微信公众号「早安英文」，回复“外刊”即可。更多有意思的英语干货等着你！【节目介绍】《早安英文-每日外刊精读》，带你精读最新外刊，了解国际最热事件：分析语法结构，拆解长难句，最接地气的翻译，还有重点词汇讲解。所有选题均来自于《经济学人》《纽约时报》《华尔街日报》《华盛顿邮报》《大西洋月刊》《科学杂志》《国家地理》等国际一线外刊。【适合谁听】1、关注时事热点新闻，想要学习最新最潮流英文表达的英文学习者2、任何想通过地道英文提高听、说、读、写能力的英文学习者3、想快速掌握表达，有出国学习和旅游计划的英语爱好者4、参加各类英语考试的应试者（如大学英语四六级、托福雅思、考研等）【你将获得】1、超过1000篇外刊精读课程，拓展丰富语言表达和文化背景2、逐词、逐句精确讲解，系统掌握英语词汇、听力、阅读和语法3、每期内附学习笔记，包含全文注释、长难句解析、疑难语法点等，帮助扫除阅读障碍。

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit zeteo.comThe US's ousting of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro over the weekend was a shock and surprise for many. But for Venezuela expert Eva Golinger, it was just the kind of action she has been warning about for years.In this ‘Mehdi Unfiltered' interview, Golinger – a lawyer, former adviser to Maduro's predecessor, Hugo Chávez, and author of The Chávez Code – joins Mehdi to discuss how the country is reacting to Maduro's ousting.WATCH ‘MEHDI UNFILTERED' ON SUBSTACK:https://zeteo.com/s/mehdi-unfilteredFIND ZETEO:Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeteo_newsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeteonewsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zeteonewsFIND MEHDI:Substack: https://substack.com/@mehdirhasanTwitter: https://twitter.com/@mehdirhasanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/@mehdirhasanTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mehdirhasan

-Rob celebrates Trump ousting Maduro and seizing Venezuelan oil tankers, describing it as payback for Hugo Chávez “stealing our stuff” and a massive win for U.S. leadership. -The streaming feed keeps collapsing, so Rob blames everything from 1792-era Virginia Wi-Fi to Russian sabotage to a “swollen digital prostate,” while terrestrial radio listeners coast along just fine. -On the Newsmax hotline, Canadian host Michael Charbonne checks in from the Great White North to joke about potash, Canadian liberals, and the geopolitical shockwaves from Trump's moves in Venezuela. Today's podcast is sponsored by : RELIEF FACTOR - You don't need to live with aches & pains! Reduce muscle & joint inflammation and live a pain-free life by visiting http://ReliefFactor.com now! BEAM DREAM POWDER - Refreshing sleep now 40% off with promo code NEWSMAX at http://shopbeam.com/newsmax BIRCH GOLD - Protect and grow your retirement savings with gold. Text ROB to 98 98 98 for your FREE information kit! To call in and speak with Rob Carson live on the show, dial 1-800-922-6680 between the hours of 12 Noon and 3:00 pm Eastern Time Monday through Friday…E-mail Rob Carson at : RobCarsonShow@gmail.com Musical parodies provided by Jim Gossett (http://patreon.com/JimGossettComedy) Listen to Newsmax LIVE and see our entire podcast lineup at http://Newsmax.com/Listen Make the switch to NEWSMAX today! Get your 15 day free trial of NEWSMAX+ at http://NewsmaxPlus.com Looking for NEWSMAX caps, tees, mugs & more? Check out the Newsmax merchandise shop at : http://nws.mx/shop Follow NEWSMAX on Social Media:  -Facebook: http://nws.mx/FB  -X/Twitter: http://nws.mx/twitter -Instagram: http://nws.mx/IG -YouTube: https://youtube.com/NewsmaxTV -Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/NewsmaxTV -TRUTH Social: https://truthsocial.com/@NEWSMAX -GETTR: https://gettr.com/user/newsmax -Threads: http://threads.net/@NEWSMAX  -Telegram: http://t.me/newsmax  -BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/newsmax.com -Parler: http://app.parler.com/newsmax Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Convidado: David Zylbersztajn, ex-diretor-geral da Agência Nacional do Petróleo e prof. do Instituto de Energia da PUC-Rio. A Venezuela concentra hoje cerca de 17% de todas as reservas de petróleo conhecidas do mundo, segundo a Opep (Organização dos Países Exportadores de Petróleo) — mais do que qualquer outro país. Essa abundância sempre atraiu interesses externos e moldou decisões internas de governos venezuelanos. A produção local, que chegou a ser de 3,7 milhões de barris em 1970, despencou e hoje mal chega a 1 milhão de barris diários. Desde a ascensão do chavismo, com Hugo Chávez e nos últimos anos com o ditador Nicolás Maduro, as multinacionais foram afastadas e a exploração ficou concentrada na estatal PDVSA. É nesse cenário de declínio que Donald Trump ancora o argumento para justificar sua ofensiva na Venezuela. Em seu discurso após a captura de Maduro, Trump falou 18 vezes a palavra petróleo. Para o presidente dos EUA, a indústria petrolífera venezuelana precisa ser retomada — desta vez, sob comando americano. Neste episódio, Natuza Nery conversa com David Zylbersztajn, ex-diretor-geral da Agência Nacional do Petróleo (ANP) e professor do Instituto de Energia da PUC-Rio. Ele relembra a ascensão da Venezuela como potência exploradora de petróleo e explica por que as reservas históricas do país não se converteram em riqueza para a população venezuelana. Por fim, Zylbersztajn analisa o que pode acontecer com o preço do petróleo em meio à deposição de Maduro e às incertezas sobre o futuro político do país caribenho.

For decades, Venezuela has been ravaged by socialism and the rule of strongmen like Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro. It is a country that has watched its most capable citizens flee for more than a decade. But after the shocking capture and arrest of Nicolás Maduro, as you can imagine, I've been getting questions left and right from the Expat Money community about the situation in Venezuela.  In today's episode, my co-host Marc Clair and I break down what this arrest means for international law and geopolitical power, what it may mean inside Venezuela, and why this is not a classic “regime change” story. We also speculate on the real motives behind the move, who may be pulling strings, and where this could go next. IN TODAY'S EPISODE Listen in as Marc and I discuss what Maduro's arrest means for international law and geopolitical power politicsLearn why this is not a traditional regime change and what that means for Venezuela internallyHear our take on how this fits into Trump's renewed focus on Latin America and the Monroe DoctrineFind out what we think the real motives are, who the key players may be, and what comes next STAY IN TOUCH! Stay informed about the latest news affecting the expat world and receive a steady stream of my thoughts and opinions on geopolitics by subscribing to our newsletter. You will receive the EMS Pulse® newsletter and the weekly Expat Sunday Times; sign up now and receive my FREE special report, “Plan B Residencies and Instant Citizenships.” WEALTH, FREEDOM & PASSPORTS CONFERENCE, MARCH 6-7, 2026 Join us in Panama City from March 6-7, 2026, for our second annual in-person event, the Wealth, Freedom and Passports Conference! Prices go up January 10th, and space is very limited, so reserve your tickets right away. RELATED EPISODES 387: The Leaders Shaping Latin America's Shift Toward Freedom 365: The Bukele Effect: Inside El Salvador's Radical Transformation 340: Expat News: Trump Sends Rubio To Panama & Javier Milei's Meme Coin Scandal

Nicolás Maduro estaba permanentemente custodiado por un grupo de élite perteneciente al popular grupo G2, que integra el Servicio de Inteligencia del Gobierno cubano. 32 de ellos fallecieron durante el ataque con el que Estados Unidos capturó y exfiltró al gobernante venezolano. ¿Pero quiénes son? Para conocer un poco más sobre estos agentes de contrainteligencia cubanos que hacían la labor de guardaespaldas en la seguridad personal de Nicolás Maduro, entrevistamos a Arturo Grandón, analista de Seguridad, Defensa, Inteligencia y Operaciones Especiales, a su vez director del Security College en Estados Unidos. Un “grupo de élite” “El personal que fue dado de baja en esta operación correspondía a una de las unidades de la guardia personal que tenía Nicolás Maduro. Su primer anillo de seguridad lo conformaban netamente el ejército cubano, toda vez que Nicolás Maduro no confiaba en las fuerzas que podían protegerlo del mismo Venezuela, por problemas de traición o algo que pudiese pasarle”, explica. “No pasaban de los 40 años, eso es lo que se tiene como antecedente. Era un grupo de élite preparado para este tipo de eventos y son los que murieron en combate, porque cuando fue el asalto propiamente tal fue muy cruel. O sea, en realidad los informes que tenemos nosotros de inteligencia es que fue muy, muy duro el ataque que se llevó adelante y ellos no reaccionaron como pensaron que iba a ser la reacción de la seguridad de Maduro”, agrega el especialista. “Chávez también tenía personal de seguridad cubano” El grupo G2 está presente en Venezuela desde el año 1999, coincidiendo con el primer año de la presidencia de Hugo Chávez, luego de un acuerdo entre ambos países a cambio de petróleo por una reestructuración de las fuerzas militares venezolanas. “Siempre ha estado apoyado por gente cubana, tanto en la parte táctica como en la parte de inteligencia. Así que, desde el momento en que Chávez está operando en Venezuela, comienza este intercambio entre comillas del apoyo de Cuba hacia Venezuela. Chávez también tenía personal de seguridad cubano, también tenía personal de inteligencia cubano operando no solamente en Venezuela sino en aquellas delegaciones venezolanas en el extranjero”, indica Arturo Grandón. El grupo de Inteligencia cubana, que se encarga de recopilar información sobre amenazas internas y externas para la seguridad de su Estado, opera tanto dentro como fuera de la isla. Fue creado en 1961 y desde entonces tiene presencia en varios países latinoamericanos, especialmente en Nicaragua y Venezuela.

Nicolás Maduro captured by U.S. troops in Venezuela. What's next for the Trump administration internationally? Secretary of State Marco Rubio lays out the future for Venezuela. Maduro and his wife are headed to court. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) is ready to replace the leaders of multiple countries. "The warmth of collectivism" is on display as Zohran Mamdani is inaugurated as the new mayor of New York City. Seattle inaugurates its own communist mayor. So much fraud, and it's not just in Minneapolis. 00:00 Pat Gray UNLEASHED! 00:22 Nicolás Maduro is OUT! 04:55 Russia is Mad??? 08:07 China in Venezuela?! 09:18 Hugo Chávez Mausoleum Bombed 11:17 Harry Sisson "Schools" Trump Supporters 13:20 Venezuela Celebrates its Freedom 14:26 Venezuelan Family's Reaction to Maduro's Ousting 18:07 President Trump on the Monroe Doctrine A.K.A. "Donroe Doctrine" 19:51 Venezuela STOLE From the U.S. 21:32 Maduro on the Move 23:12 President Trump on the Future of Venezuelan Oil 25:08 Mike Lee Comments on Venezuela 25:57 Donald Trump Asked about Ousting Dictators 26:44 Why is Venezuela Part of "America First"? 33:52 Marco Rubio Explains Maduro's Arrest 36:29 Marco Rubio on NBC News Discussing Venezuelan Oil 38:02 Lindsey Graham on Drug Nations 42:02 Trump NEEDS Greenland! 45:43 New Polls about Venezuela Takeover 56:02 Zohran Mamdani is the New Mayor of NYC 59:33 Zohran Mamdani's Nazi Salute 1:00:01 Zohran Mamdani's New Fire Chief Lillian Bonsignore 1:01:18 Zohran Mamdani's New City Attorney Ramzi Kassem 1:01:49 Bread & Roses Socialist Anthem at NYC Inauguration 1:08:28 Venezuelans Celebrating Everywhere!!! 1:12:20 New Communist Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson 1:14:06 Fat Five 1:25:57 Heavily Redacted Epstein Files 1:26:57 Update on J6 Pipe Bomb Suspect 1:27:15 Somali Fraud Chart 1:29:00 Somali Fraud in Minnesota 1:32:03 Somali Community being Harassed? 1:33:59 Somali Mom Freaks Out Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The White House seems to be working with the remnants of the Maduro regime after Saturday's raid. But for decades, there has been robust opposition to the governments of Maduro and his predecessor, Hugo Chávez. Among the principal leaders of that opposition now is Nobel Peace Laureate Maria Corina Machado. Amna Nawaz spoke with one of Machado's top aides, David Smolansky. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Venezuela's collapse didn't start with sanctions — and it didn't start with Hugo Chávez either. In this clip from our Bro History series on Venezuela, we break down how decades of oil dependence, political exclusion, corruption, and institutional fragility created a system that was always one crash away from disaster. We walk through: How Venezuela's post-1958 “stable democracy” was built on oil money and exclusion Why the Punto Fijo system carried the seeds of its own collapse How Chávez did improve living standards — and why those gains were structurally fragile How Nicolás Maduro inherited the same broken system… and made every worst-case scenario come true Why the oil crash, hyperinflation, repression, and mass migration all reinforced each other How U.S. sanctions escalated an already collapsing state And finally, the little-discussed moment when Maduro reportedly offered to leave — and why Washington said no This episode isn't about defending regimes or repeating talking points. It's about understanding how states fail — and why Venezuela's story is more complicated than “socialism bad” or “imperialism did it.”

It didn't take long. But after getting his ass kicked on the world stage, guess who now wanted to talk to President Trump?No, not a legacy media anchor looking for redemption. Not a Hollywood celebrity trying to crawl back into relevance. Not even a European bureaucrat clutching a briefing binder and a therapy animal.It's Venezuelan narco-terrorists, Nicolás Maduro. The former president of Venezuela has been captured.Yes, that Maduro. The Venezuelan strongman and heir to Hugo Chávez's socialist wreckage. The man who turned one of the richest oil nations on Earth into a humanitarian crisis with a national anthem. Maduro now wants a sit-down with Donald J. Trump, the same president Democrats once swore would start World War III by accident, possibly via tweet, while eating a Big Mac.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Yana Stainova is a sociocultural anthropologist and an Assistant Professor at McMaster University. She is interested in art, urban poverty, social inequality, migration, and the lived experience of violence in Latin America. Her research explores how people summon music practices to pursue visions of social justice in the face of political turmoil and barriers to immigration. Her first book project entitled Sonorous Worlds: Musical Enchantment in Venezuela studies how young people coming of age in the urban barrios of Caracas use music and stories to push back against the forces of everyday violence, social exclusion, and state repression. Her second book project, tentatively titled The Politics of Joy: Collective Art Practices across the US-Mexico Border focuses on Latinx migration and artistic practices in North America.A correction: El Sistema was founded in 1975. Hugo Chávez won the Venezuelan election held in 1998 but officially assumed power in 1999. DONATE TODAYA note from Lev:I am a high school teacher of history and economics at a public high school in NYC, and began the podcast to help demystify economics for teachers.  The podcast is now within the top 2% of podcasts worldwide in terms of listeners (per Listen Notes) and individual episodes are frequently listed by The Syllabus (the-syllabus.com) as among the 10 best political economy podcasts of a particular week.  The podcast is reaching thousands of listeners each month.  The podcast seeks to provide a substantive alternative to mainstream economics media; to communicate information and ideas that contribute to equitable and peaceful solutions to political and economic issues; and to improve the teaching of high school and university political economy. Best, Lev A Correction Podcast Episodes RSS

In Episode 122, hosts Ray Powell and Jim Carouso welcome Dr. Robert Burrell, retired US Marine Corps officer and irregular warfare specialist, and Colonel (Ret.) Michael Burgoyne, University of Arizona professor and former Army attaché in Mexico, to analyze the unprecedented US military operation in Venezuela that captured President Nicolás Maduro in January 2026. The experts explore the operation's implications for the Indo-Pacific, US foreign policy, and the international rules-based order.The Venezuela Operation: A New PrecedentBurrell and Burgoyne dissect the extraordinary special operations mission that extracted Maduro in just two and a half hours. The guests explain how three decades of authoritarian rule under Hugo Chávez and Maduro created a nexus between China, Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah in America's hemisphere. The 2024 election, won by opposition candidate Edmundo González, was rigged by Maduro, prompting the Trump administration's decisive action led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.Legal and Strategic ImplicationsThe discussion examines the operation's framing as a law enforcement action under foreign terrorist organization designations - a controversial use of Article 2 presidential powers without Congressional authorization. Burgoyne warns this unilateral approach abandons post-WWII hemispheric cooperation frameworks like the Organization of American States Charter and the “Good Neighbor Policy,” returning instead to early 20th-century interventionism reminiscent of Theodore Roosevelt's corollary to the Monroe Doctrine.Indo-Pacific ConnectionsThe experts draw critical parallels for Indo-Pacific allies who depend on international law and the rules-based order. Countries like Japan, the Philippines, and Australia may question US commitment to multilateral norms, while adversaries like China could exploit the precedent to justify their own unilateral actions. Brazil and other regional powers are already diversifying partnerships with China and BRICS nations, concerned about unpredictable US interventionism and trade policy.What Comes Next?With Maduro's vice president maintaining control in Caracas and the regime apparatus intact, the guests outline scenarios ranging from peaceful opposition transition to Libya-style state collapse. They emphasize Venezuela's complexity: three decades of corruption, transnational criminal organizations, and a population unfamiliar with democracy. Best-case scenarios require international cooperation and long-term US commitment - both uncertain given the operation's unilateral nature.The episode concludes with sobering assessments about narrative control, regional stability, and whether this operation serves as prologue to regime change efforts in Cuba and Nicaragua.

The White House seems to be working with the remnants of the Maduro regime after Saturday's raid. But for decades, there has been robust opposition to the governments of Maduro and his predecessor, Hugo Chávez. Among the principal leaders of that opposition now is Nobel Peace Laureate Maria Corina Machado. Amna Nawaz spoke with one of Machado's top aides, David Smolansky. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

VENEZUELA UNRAVELED: The Fall of Maduro & The 2026 InvasionEpisode DescriptionThe country with the world's largest oil reserves is in total chaos—and the U.S. military just made its move. In this explosive episode, we provide the ultimate Venezuelan crisis explained for 2026. From the 2:00 AM airstrikes of Operation Absolute Resolve to the shocking images of Nicolás Maduro in U.S. custody, we go behind the headlines to show you how a 21st-century superpower collapsed into a failed state.Why did Venezuela's economy implode? We break down the timeline of hyperinflation, the failed Bolivarian Revolution, and how Hugo Chávez turned a wealthy nation into a landscape of starvation and mass migration. Inside this episode:The Snatch & Grab: How the U.S. captured Maduro and the truth about the narco-terrorism charges.The Oil Trap: Why 300 billion barrels of oil couldn't save the economy from mismanagement and corruption.The Humanitarian Nightmare: The reality of the 7.6 million refugees and the dangerous Darién Gap crossing.2026 Power Vacuum: With the "decapitation" of the regime, who is really running Caracas? Will the Trump administration take over the oil fields?Venezuela crisis explained 2026Why is Venezuela in a crisis?Nicolas Maduro capture newsOperation Absolute Resolve VenezuelaVenezuela oil collapse summaryHistory of Venezuelan hyperinflationUS invasion of Venezuela 2026Venezuela refugee crisis factsThis episode includes AI-generated content.

Donald Trump anunció la semana pasada un “bloqueo total y completo” a todos los petroleros sancionados que se dirijan o salgan de Venezuela. Esto supone algo realmente serio que multiplica la presión sobre el régimen de Nicolás Maduro. Venezuela depende por entero de las ventas de ese petróleo en el mercado internacional. En el caso de que fallen las exportaciones las expectativas para Maduro y el chavismo serían muy negativas y comprometerían su continuidad en el poder. Trump anunció en bloqueo en una publicación de Truth Social en la que adelantaba que Venezuela está “completamente rodeada por la mayor armada jamás reunida en Sudamérica” al tiempo que amenazaba con incrementar la presencia militar hasta que el régimen devuelva el petróleo, las tierras y los activos robados a EEUU. Con esto se refería a las nacionalizaciones de empresas estadounidenses. El anuncio ha venido acompañado de la incautación de petroleros en alta mar que salían o navegaban hacia Venezuela, lo que ha provocado que muchos buques hayan dado media vuelta. Esto ha reducido de forma notable el tráfico marítimo en los puertos venezolanos. Desde hace tiempo el Gobierno chavista se sirve de una flota “fantasma” iraní y rusa para evadir las sanciones. Aunque un bloqueo total sería un acto de guerra, este es parcial ya que excluye a los buques de la compañía Chevron, que disponen de una licencia recién renovada por la Casa Blanca. El impacto es devastador para Venezuela, pero también para Cuba, el principal aliado de la Venezuela bolivariana desde hace un cuarto de siglo. Desde que Hugo Chávez llegó al poder el país recibe petróleo regalado a cambio de médicos y, sobre todo, inteligencia cubana que es muy útil para el régimen. El suministro a Cuba ha pasado de unos 100.000 barriles diarios en 2008 a unos 27.000 en estos momentos. Si se interrumpiese por completo agravaría la crisis económica cubana, la peor desde que Fidel Castro se hizo con el poder en 1959, peor incluso que el periodo especial tras la caída de la Unión Soviética. La situación en Cuba es de extrema gravedad. La economía se ha contraído un 20% en los últimos años, la inflación supera el 450%, aproximadamente el 90% de la población vive en pobreza extrema y un 70% de los cubanos no se puede permitir comer a diario. Hay apagones de hasta 18 horas seguidas, escasez de agua potable, se acumula la basura por las calles y se están propagando enfermedades infecciosas en un país cuyo sistema sanitario colapsó hace tiempo. Como consecuencia de todo lo anterior, desde 2020 casi 3 millones de cubanos (una cuarta parte de la población de la isla, muchos de ellos con titulación superior) han emigrado a EEUU, Europa y varios países de Hispanoamérica. Se está produciendo un vaciamiento demográfico no muy distinto al de los países que atraviesan una guerra. Las reservas de divisas del Gobierno están en mínimos y se reponen con dificultad ya que el turismo, una de sus principales fuentes, está gripado. Si la ofensiva contra Venezuela continúa Trump podría cobrarse dos pájaros de un tiro: en Caracas a Nicolás Maduro y en La Habana a Miguel Díaz-Canel. En ambos casos han decidido resistir sobre la espalda de su propia población. Pero eso no puede durar eternamente. En La ContraRéplica: 0:00 Introducción 3:59 Cuba cerca del colapso 35:32 “Contra el pesimismo”… https://amzn.to/4m1RX2R 37:36 Inconvenientes del vehículo eléctrico 46:09 Antisionismo judío 51:23 El cupón de la ONCE · Canal de Telegram: https://t.me/lacontracronica · “Contra el pesimismo”… https://amzn.to/4m1RX2R · “Hispanos. Breve historia de los pueblos de habla hispana”… https://amzn.to/428js1G · “La ContraHistoria del comunismo”… https://amzn.to/39QP2KE · “La ContraHistoria de España. Auge, caída y vuelta a empezar de un país en 28 episodios”… https://amzn.to/3kXcZ6i · “Contra la Revolución Francesa”… https://amzn.to/4aF0LpZ · “Lutero, Calvino y Trento, la Reforma que no fue”… https://amzn.to/3shKOlK Apoya La Contra en: · Patreon... https://www.patreon.com/diazvillanueva · iVoox... https://www.ivoox.com/podcast-contracronica_sq_f1267769_1.html · Paypal... https://www.paypal.me/diazvillanueva Sígueme en: · Web... https://diazvillanueva.com · Twitter... https://twitter.com/diazvillanueva · Facebook... https://www.facebook.com/fernandodiazvillanueva1/ · Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/diazvillanueva · Linkedin… https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernando-d%C3%ADaz-villanueva-7303865/ · Flickr... https://www.flickr.com/photos/147276463@N05/?/ · Pinterest... https://www.pinterest.com/fernandodiazvillanueva Encuentra mis libros en: · Amazon... https://www.amazon.es/Fernando-Diaz-Villanueva/e/B00J2ASBXM #FernandoDiazVillanueva #cuba #venezuela Escucha el episodio completo en la app de iVoox, o descubre todo el catálogo de iVoox Originals

Nicolás Maduro beskrivs som en diktator. Han riggar val och har kört Venezuelas ekonomi i botten. Över Venezuela ruvar nu ett hot om en amerikansk invasion. Lyssna på alla avsnitt i Sveriges Radios app. När Venezuelas president Hugo Chávez dör 2013 har han redan utsett sin efterträdare – den då 50-årige utrikesministern Nicolás Maduro. Maduro ger ett vagt löfte om att fortsätta Chávez socialistiska reformprojekt, ett löfte som han får svårt att infria. Trots en av världens största råoljereserver är Venezuela ett land med en ekonomi i fritt fall som åtta miljoner venezuelaner har lämnat. Efter ett decennium som president klamrar sig Maduro fast vid makten trots protester, anklagelser om valfusk och internationella påtryckningar. Inte minst från USA som har förtöjt sitt största hangarfartyg utanför landets kust. Hösten 2025 bombas flera båtar som påstås ha transportera narkotika, med över 80 döda. USA har utlyst en belöning för den som kan bidra med information som leder till att Maduro grips till 50 miljoner dollar, samtidigt som hotet om en amerikansk invasion drar över Venezuela. Hör Sveriges Radios latinamerikakorrespondent Lotten Collin och Fredrik Uggla, forskare inom statsvetenskap vid Uppsala universitet. Avsnittet gjordes november/december 2025 av Dist.Programledare och producent: Vendela LundbergAvsnittsmakare och reporter: Sally HenrikssonSlutmix: Fredrik NilssonLjudklippen kommer från Sveriges Radio, CBS, AFP, AP, France 24, El País, Euronews, The Guardian, Global News, NBC, RTVE, Sky News, EFE, Al Jazeera, CNN och BBC.

¿Fue la crisis económica un accidente o un plan fríamente calculado? En este video desglosamos la transición de Hugo Chávez: desde sus promesas de respeto a la democracia en 1998 hasta la implementación agresiva de la "expropiación de los expropiadores".Analizamos cómo el desconocimiento técnico y la ideología marxista se unieron para desmantelar el aparato productivo. Veremos clips históricos donde la máscara democrática cae para dar paso al control total del Estado sobre la banca y la industria, transformando el derecho a la propiedad en una herramienta de intimidación política.Puntos Clave:La contradicción entre las promesas de 1998 y la realidad.La influencia de las tesis de Karl Marx en el plan de gobierno.El impacto de la ignorancia financiera en las decisiones de estado.Consecuencias: De la confiscación a la ruina nacional.Pregunta de Debate: "Muchos dicen que fue falta de capacidad, otros aseguran que fue un plan para destruir a la clase media. ¿Tú qué opinas? ¿Fue ignorancia o estrategia?"Interacción: "Si viviste de cerca el proceso de una empresa expropiada, cuéntanos tu historia en los comentarios."CTA Final: "Si te interesa entender la historia real detrás de los titulares, suscríbete y activa la campana. Dale like si crees que la propiedad privada es la base de la libertad."

We are thrilled to share this Special Edition COBT as our final episode of 2025. Like many of you, we have been closely watching the escalating situation in Venezuela, and we had the honor of hosting former Attorney General Bill Barr to hear his unique perspectives. Bill served twice as Attorney General, first under President George H. W. Bush from 1991 to 1993 and again under President Donald Trump from 2019 to 2020. He is the author of “One Damn Thing After Another” and has held senior roles at Kirkland & Ellis and Verizon. He earned his law degree from George Washington University and studied Government and Chinese Studies at Columbia. Bill is currently a Partner at Torridon Group. It was our pleasure to visit with Bill and hear his insights on the latest developments in Venezuela. In our conversation, we explore the current Venezuela crisis and U.S. military buildup, why Bill welcomes the Trump Administration's response, and why he sees Venezuela as both a national security threat and humanitarian crisis. Bill outlines narco-terrorism versus traditional organized crime, how cartels use drugs as a weapon against the U.S., and why he views Venezuela as a strategic adversary with deep ties to Russia, China, Cuba, Iran, and Hezbollah. He explains why domestic-style law enforcement doesn't work inside hostile foreign territory and walks through the long-standing U.S. doctrine of acting when foreign states are “unable or unwilling” to deal with threats to the U.S. in their territory. We discuss lessons from U.S. action in Panama, stopping short in Iraq after Gulf War I, what “if you break it, you own it” means for Venezuela, why Venezuela is the focus now, versus Mexico and others, the role of Russia and China in Venezuela, and how renewed enforcement pressure on sanctioned tankers and oil flows can further squeeze the regime. We cover the effectiveness and limits of sanctions and the emerging quasi-blockade, how the President should think about escalation from a legal and constitutional perspective, Maduro's options and potential off-ramps, the case for swift, decisive action, how failed regimes drive refugee crises that put pressure on U.S. borders, the potential collateral benefits for Venezuela and the broader region if things go well, and much more. As always, we appreciate hearing Bill's perspectives. It was a fascinating conversation. Mike Bradley kicked us off by noting that Thursday's November CPI report printed much lower than expected, which lifted bonds and equities. On the electricity market front, he highlighted that the PJM Capacity Auction for 2027-2028 resulted in a record price ($333 per megawatt day). The more concerning takeaway, however, was that PJM did not obtain enough capacity to meet future reliability requirements. In energy news, Mike noted that Meg O'Neill, current CEO of Woodside Energy, has accepted the CEO role at BP PLC. On the oil market front, he observed that WTI price appears to have temporarily stabilized in the $56-$57/bbl range. Oil markets continue to be overly concerned with a “perceived” oil supply price glut in 2026, and at the current WTI strip price (mid-$50s/bbl), 2026 E&P budgets will be negatively impacted when they report in the coming months. He wrapped by walking through Venezuela's past/present oil production (under both the Chávez and Maduro administrations) and the severe economic damage that's been inflicted under the Maduro presidency. Arjun Murti built on Mike's comments and reflected on Venezuela's oil industry in the 1990s, when international oil companies partnered with PDVSA to develop the country's vast heavy-oil resources under favorable fiscal terms and strong technical collaboration. He contrasted that period with the deterioration that followed under Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro, as contract terms were tightened and assets were eventually nationalized, contributing to the collapse of Venezuela's oil sector and the country's

On today's show, host Esty Dinur is joined by scholar Marc Becker to talk about the Trump Administration's rapidly escalating attacks on Venezuela. He puts the strikes on boats allegedly trafficking drugs in the context of Venezuela's oil economy and Latin American politics. Venezuela is considered to have the world's largest oil reserves which leads many mainstream news sources to call the country the wealthiest in Latin America. But Becker says that wealth is poorly distributed. Under the presidency of Hugo Chávez, Venezuela was successful at redistributing that oil wealth. However, the US has worked to remove Chavez and more recently Nicolás Maduro from power. Even the media circulates narratives that these left-wing leaders have “illegitimate” power.   They also talk about how the US embargo has had a catastrophic effect on the Venezuelan economy, how the US might be gearing up for attacks on Cuba, Chinese policy in Latin and South America, and the Ineligibility of María Corina Machado in the recent Venezuelan elections.  Marc Becker is professor of history at Truman State University. He studies the Latin American left with a particular interest in race, class, and gender within popular movements in the South American Andes. Among other works, he is the author of Contemporary Latin American Revolutions (Rowman and Littlefield, 2022); The CIA in Ecuador (Duke University Press, 2020); The FBI in Latin America: The Ecuador Files (Duke University Press, 2017); and Indians and Leftists in the Making of Ecuador’s Modern Indigenous Movements (Duke University Press, 2008. He has served on the executive committees and has been web editor of the Peace History Society (PHS) and Historians for Peace and Democracy (H-Pad). Becker is currently working on a project on Philip Agee and the CIA in Ecuador in the early 1960s. Featured image of a mural outside a Venezuelan state-owned oil and gas company from 2009 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0). Did you enjoy this story? Your funding makes great, local journalism like this possible. Donate hereThe post Oil Motivates US Attacks on Venezuela appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.

What if the most powerful negotiation tactic… was silence? In this masterclass episode, legendary negotiator William Ury, co-author of Getting to Yes and co-founder of Harvard's Program on Negotiation, shares the unbelievable true story of how he helped prevent a civil war in Venezuela — not with force, but with silence, empathy, and preparation. You'll hear how Ury kept calm while being yelled at by President Hugo Chávez… and how going to the “mental balcony” gave him the clarity to de-escalate the moment and shift the direction of an entire nation.

In the latest escalation of tensions between the US and Venezuela, the US President Donald Trump ordered a "complete blockade" of sanctioned oil tankers going into and out of Venezuela. His Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolás Maduro, called the move "warmongering threats", and accused the US of trying to steal its resources. In this episode we speak to Pablo Uchoa, a PhD candidate researching Venezuela's military, on how Venezuela has long been preparing for this moment, ever since a failed coup attempt on Maduro's predecessor, Hugo Chávez. This episode was written and produced by Mend Mariwany and Gemma Ware with assistance from Katie Flood. Mixing by Michelle Macklem and theme music by Neeta Sarl. Gemma Ware is the executive producer. Read the full credits for this episode and sign up here for a free daily newsletter from The Conversation.If you like the show, please consider donating to The Conversation, an independent, not-for-profit news organisation.Mentioned in this episode:The Making of an AutocratSearch "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series: The Making of an Autocrat. Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world's pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.

What if the most powerful negotiation tactic… was silence? In this masterclass episode, legendary negotiator William Ury, co-author of Getting to Yes and co-founder of Harvard's Program on Negotiation, shares the unbelievable true story of how he helped prevent a civil war in Venezuela — not with force, but with silence, empathy, and preparation. You'll hear how Ury kept calm while being yelled at by President Hugo Chávez… and how going to the “mental balcony” gave him the clarity to de-escalate the moment and shift the direction of an entire nation.

Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:17532056201798502,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-9437-3289"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");pt> Click On Picture To See Larger Picture Trump and his administration are now dismantling the entire green agenda. The [CB] has made everything unaffordable, Trump is now in the process of reversing this. The [CB] tried to trap Trump in a failing economy, Trump turn the tables and trapped the [CB]. The [DS] is fighting back, corruption still exists, criminals are still running many parts of gov across the country. Trump is dismantling their system and they are trying to stop him. Trump has countered the fake news, they have been trying to divide the people and pushing doubt in regards to the Trump administration. His admin are now showing the world that they are united and they stand behind Trump. This was needed for the next part of the plan that we are entering. Soon the storm is coming, buckle up. Economy  (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:18510697282300316,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-8599-9832"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs"); https://twitter.com/unusual_whales/status/2001275434898784270?s=20 https://twitter.com/PlanetOfMemes/status/2000978294993236140?s=20 https://twitter.com/USTradeRep/status/2000990028835508258?s=20   enterprise services to EU companies, and they support millions of jobs and more than $100 billion in direct investment in Europe. The United States has raised concerns with the EU for years on these matters without meaningful engagement or basic acknowledgement of U.S. concerns. In stark contrast, EU service providers have been able to operate freely in the United States for decades, benefitting from access to our market and consumers on a level playing field. Some of the largest EU service providers that have hitherto enjoyed this expansive market access include, among others: — Accenture — Amadeus — Capgemini — DHL — Mistral — Publicis — SAP — Siemens — Spotify If the EU and EU Member States insist on continuing to restrict, limit, and deter the competitiveness of U.S. service providers through discriminatory means, the United States will have no choice but to begin using every tool at its disposal to counter these unreasonable measures. Should responsive measures be necessary, U.S. law permits the assessment of fees or restrictions on foreign services, among other actions. The United States will take a similar approach to other countries that pursue an EU-style strategy in this area.  Political/Rights https://twitter.com/amuse/status/2000982942907039813?s=20   Russiagate. In 2017, he founded the Committee to Investigate Russia, a political NGO that promoted the Russiagate hoax. Former CIA Director John Brennan and DNI James Clapper served on its advisory board, giving intelligence world credibility to a partisan effort. The group's mission was clear: cripple President Trump and question the legitimacy of the 2016 election. https://twitter.com/CynicalPublius/status/2000993976330191330?s=20   efforts to have Trump imprisoned on wholly fabricated charges. Proof below. 3. In all likelihood, Reiner was in cahoots with the CIA in attempting to destroy our Constitutional form of government. Given the above, if anything Trump’s commentary on Reiner was too kind. So knock it off, bedwetters. https://twitter.com/TonySeruga/status/2001297973209416013?s=20 https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/2000987037638496554?s=20  https://twitter.com/RedWave_Press/status/2001066545716326714?s=20 https://twitter.com/TheLastRefuge2/status/2001196416056619102?s=20 Brown University Received a Letter from 34 Human Rights Groups in August Requesting They Disable Their CCTV System  The question is: Did Brown University acquiesce under pressure from far-left human rights groups to disable their CCTV systems, in advance of the mass shooting on campus? [SOURCE – AUGUST 19, 2025] As originally reported in August 2025 {SOURCE}, a group of far-left human rights advocate sent a letter to 150 U.S. colleges and universities asking them to disable the CCTV systems to protect “free expression and academic freedom across the country,” because “the Trump administration has launched an aggressive campaign against US academic institutions.” The motive for the request to disable CCTV systems as stated: “Right now these tools are facilitating the identification and punishment of student protesters, undermining activists' right to anonymity––a right the Supreme Court has affirmed as vital to free expression and political participation.” {SOURCE} The letter from ‘Fight For The Future‘ (August, 2025) came after an earlier campaign by the same group seeking to stop the use of facial recognition cameras on college campuses. {SOURCE} Source: theconservativetreehouse.com https://twitter.com/DataRepublican/status/2001107948312133776?s=20   network. Students from there have been arrested for participating in terrorist plots. The evidence is so overwhelming, that House Republicans successfully convinced Harvard to cut research ties to Birzeit University — briefly. Let’s put it this way: If I were in Vegas and forced to bet on whether Professor Doumani had ever been part of any extremist plots, I wouldn’t bet on “no.” We need to stop accepting “Ivy League” as any meaningful measure of merit. https://twitter.com/DC_Draino/status/2001052796037017940?s=20   in the area with no noticeable gun, then started jogging towards the building where he shot one of the few conservative leaders on a radical campus. That seems like an assassination of Ella Cook, possibly with an innocent bystander taken down with her. https://twitter.com/amuse/status/2001062786084880887?s=20  today, December 16, 2025, amid widespread speculation and emerging reports identifying him as the prime suspect in the December 13 mass shooting on campus that killed two students and injured nine others. The university has not released an official statement explaining the deletion, but online discussions and news coverage point to it as an effort to scrub digital traces of Kharbouch during the ongoing FBI manhunt and investigation. His X (formerly Twitter) account has also been taken down, fueling theories of a cover-up by the university, media, or authorities to control the narrative around his pro-Palestine activism and alleged radical views. As of now, federal authorities have released images and a timeline of the suspect’s movements but have not publicly confirmed Kharbouch’s involvement, though some outlets report he has fled and remains at large with a $50,000 reward offered for information leading to his arrest. This is a summary of his (now deleted) manifesto: In Mustapha Kharbouch’s 2024 manifesto, “I Hear The Voice of My Ancestors Calling: From The Camps to The Campus,” published by the Institute for Palestine Studies, the author reflects on his role in the Brown University Gaza Solidarity Encampment amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. As a third-generation stateless Palestinian refugee raised in Lebanon, Kharbouch draws from his family’s history of displacement during the 1948 Nakba to frame his activism. The piece begins with lyrics from an adapted “Ancestor Song,” symbolizing a call to action and intergenerational resilience. He describes participating in non-violent protests, including an eight-day hunger strike by 19 students, arrests of 61 comrades for demanding university divestment from apartheid and illegal occupation, and organizing encampments with hundreds of participants engaging in rallies, teach-ins, art, film screenings, and chants. Kharbouch explores themes of “radical love” for land and people in Gaza, collective grief over the genocide, and solidarity as a revolutionary practice rooted in Palestinian revolutionary traditions that reject colonialism, carcerality, and imperialism. He critiques passive hope, instead advocating for active, decolonial hope through community-building and bearing witness to atrocities, like the invasion of Rafah. Influenced by queer feminist approaches (citing scholars like Sarah Ihmoud and Robin Kelley), he emphasizes transforming anger and despair into sustainable world-making, while questioning intergenerational betrayal and the cynicism inherited from survival under oppression. Ultimately, the manifesto affirms the encampment’s role in a broader student rebellion, linking campus actions to global Palestinian liberation and calling for continued, unyielding commitment despite challenges. https://twitter.com/EndWokeness/status/2001028141851013528?s=20 https://twitter.com/JamesHartline/status/2001090533746467327?s=20 https://twitter.com/EndWokeness/status/2001089445194235926?s=20 https://twitter.com/ProvidenceRIPD/status/2001345847133643062?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2001345847133643062%7Ctwgr%5E8764cf1453bd57445310069de900ad0f6828d697%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2025%2F12%2Fbreaking-providence-police-release-photos-person-proximity-brown%2F https://twitter.com/nypost/status/2001047137308590081?s=20 https://twitter.com/TheSCIF/status/2000985628029403418?s=20 https://twitter.com/amuse/status/2001347329585012818?s=20 https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/2001000454042607728?s=20 DOGE Trump Suspends ‘Tech Prosperity Deal' With UK Over Censorship and Regulations by ‘Online Safety Bill' Hurting US Tech Companies  Trump has suspended the ‘Tech Prosperity Deal' with the UK over its censorship push. The Telegraph reported: “The White House paused the tech prosperity deal amid concerns the Online Safety Act, which regulates online speech, will stifle American artificial intelligence companies, the Telegraph understands. The law allows the British government to levy large fines on tech giants it deems have facilitated hate speech.” After the rise of artificial intelligence, companies like OpenAI or xAI can face huge fines – harming their growth and giving China an edge in the AI race. “'The perception is that Britain is way out there on attempting to police what is said online, and it's caused real concern', a source with knowledge of the decision to suspend the deal said. ‘Americans went into this deal thinking Britain were going to back off regulating American tech firms but realized it was going to restrict the speech of American chatbots'.” Source: thegatewaypundit.com Geopolitical https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/2001217017001685167?s=20    of our Assets, and many other reasons, including Terrorism, Drug Smuggling, and Human Trafficking, the Venezuelan Regime has been designated a FOREIGN TERRORIST ORGANIZATION. Therefore, today, I am ordering A TOTAL AND COMPLETE BLOCKADE OF ALL SANCTIONED OIL TANKERS going into, and out of, Venezuela. The Illegal Aliens and Criminals that the Maduro Regime has sent into the United States during the weak and inept Biden Administration, are being returned to Venezuela at a rapid pace. America will not allow Criminals, Terrorists, or other Countries, to rob, threaten, or harm our Nation and, likewise, will not allow a Hostile Regime to take our Oil, Land, or any other Assets, all of which must be returned to the United States, IMMEDIATELY. Thank you for your attention to this matter! DONALD J. TRUMP PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA In 1970, as National Security Advisor, Kissinger was briefed on and helped shape US oil import policies toward Venezuela following a visit by Venezuelan President Rafael Caldera. These policies, announced in June 1970, focused on long-term petroleum development and were positively received by Venezuela, but they represented unilateral US adjustments rather than a negotiated deal.  In 1972, Venezuela terminated a longstanding reciprocal trade agreement with the US that included concessional tariff rates on Venezuelan oil imports. Kissinger was informed of this as National Security Advisor, and the US considered maintaining low tariffs to avoid cost increases, but this was a termination process, not a new deal.   Venezuela effectively took control of oil fields and assets from US companies on two major occasions, though the processes involved nationalization and expropriation rather than outright theft without legal frameworks or compensation. These actions shifted operations from private foreign (including US) entities to state control under the Venezuelan government.In the 1970s, Venezuela nationalized its entire oil industry, which had been largely developed and operated by foreign companies since the early 20th century. On January 1, 1976, the government officially took over, creating the state-owned Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA). This affected major US firms like Exxon (formerly Standard Oil), Gulf Oil, and others, which had held concessions. The companies were provided compensation as part of the process, and it was generally seen as an expected transition in global oil politics at the time, without major disruptions to US supply. In 2007, under President Hugo Chávez, Venezuela escalated state control by mandating that foreign oil projects in the Orinoco Belt (a massive heavy oil reserve) convert to joint ventures where PDVSA held at least a 60% stake. Companies like Chevron complied, but ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips refused, leading to the government expropriating their assets. International arbitration tribunals later ruled these actions unlawful, awarding ExxonMobil about $1.6 billion and ConocoPhillips over $8 billion in compensation (though Venezuela has contested and delayed payments). This has been a point of ongoing tension, with US firms pursuing Venezuelan assets globally to enforce the awards. These events did not involve taking oil fields directly from the US government but from American corporations with investments in Venezuela, reflecting broader shifts toward resource nationalism. https://twitter.com/WarClandestine/status/2001087786879795546?s=20 War/Peace Zelensky: If Putin rejects peace plan, US must give us weapons The Ukrainian leader issued the warning as Russia said it would not drop its claims to land it believes to be its own  So Zelensky, NATO EU DS rewrote the plan knowing Russia wouldn’t accept it.  Source: thetimes.com Zelensky is stealing the election before it begins The overstaying Ukrainian leader has made a show of agreeing to hold a vote – but his preconditions make a mockery of it   The often-heard claim that Ukraine cannot hold presidential elections in wartime, by the way, is badly misleading, and a thoroughly politically motivated misrepresentation of the facts: In reality, the Ukrainian constitution only prohibits parliamentary elections in time of war. Elections for the presidency are impeded by ordinary laws which can, of course, easily and legally be changed by the majority which Zelensky controls in parliament. That is merely a question of political will, not legality.  Zelensky and his fixers are planning to shift the whole presidential election online. If they do, falsification in Zelensky's favor is de facto guaranteed or mail in ballots Source: rt.com Hegseth Orders Christmas Bonuses For War Department Top Performers  The War Department is rewarding its highest performers with monetary awards worth 15 to 25% of base pay, The Daily Wire can first report, rewards intended to reflect the “historic successes” of the past 10 months. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth directed all War Department department heads and principal staff assistants to “take immediate action to recognize and reward [the] very best” of the department's civilian workforce with “meaningful monetary awards consistent with the relevant existing civilian awards authorities for each pay system,” according to a memorandum for senior Pentagon leadership first obtained by The Daily Wire. The distribution of bonuses — which could reach up to $25,000 — is also in line with the Trump administration's broader efforts to make the federal government function more like a private-sector business. Source: dailywire.com FBI Agents Thought Clinton’s Uranium One Deal Might Be Criminal – But McCabe, Yates Stonewalled Investigation: Report Remember Uranium One? The massive 2010 sale of US uranium deposits to Russia approved by Hillary Clinton and rubber-stamped by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) – after figures linked to the deal donated to the Clinton Foundation? Turns out rank-and-file FBI investigators thought there was enough smoke to launch a criminal investigation, but internal delays and disagreements within the DOJ and FBI ultimately caused the inquiry to lapse, newly released records reveal.   The Uranium One transaction – involving the sale of a Canadian mining company with substantial U.S. uranium assets to Russia's state-owned nuclear firm Rosatom – became a flashpoint during Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign. Critics argued that then-Secretary of State Clinton, a member of CFIUS, helped approve the deal while donors connected to Uranium One made large contributions to the Clinton Foundation.  The newly released documents suggest that the circumstances surrounding Uranium One were never fully investigated, leaving unresolved questions about how a strategic U.S. asset came under Russian control – and whether potential criminal conduct went unexamined due to internal delays and legal disputes. Source: zerohedge.com Health https://twitter.com/GuntherEagleman/status/2001327868979368264?s=20 [DS] Agenda https://twitter.com/Badhombre/status/2001052105155481995?s=20   million stolen through Medicaid fraud by Chavis Willis. – $12.5 million in federal education grants stolen by 1,834 “ghost students.” All of this happened in Minnesota under Tim Walz. Somali fraudsters were involved in almost every case. Ex-Marine planned attack in New Orleans that would ‘recreate’ Waco, officials say Plans to “carry out an attack” in New Orleans were thwarted after an ex-Marine was arrested while on the way to the Louisiana city with guns and body armor in the car, according to court documents obtained Tuesday by The Associated Press. Micah James Legnon, 28, was charged with threats in interstate commerce. Federal authorities said they had been surveilling Legnon due to ties to an extremist anti-capitalist and anti-government group. Four members of the group were arrested Friday in the Mojave Desert, east of Los Angeles, as they were rehearsing a foiled plot to set off bombs in Southern California on New Year's Eve, authorities said.  Legnon believed it was time to “recreate” Waco with an attack in New Orleans, authorities said in court documents. They pointed to a Dec. 4 chat message by Legnon written under the alias “Kateri The Witch” the day after Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrived in New Orleans. Legnon's alias had “she/her” written beside it, but jail records referred to Legnon as male. Source: nbcnews.com https://twitter.com/PeteHegseth/status/2001118961073639492?s=20 President Trump's Plan  https://twitter.com/amuse/status/2001336422150869037?s=20 https://twitter.com/RAZ0RFIST/status/2001111187245736061?s=20 https://twitter.com/KariLakeWarRoom/status/2001117437274509736?s=20 RINO Congressman Who Voted to Impeach President Donald Trump Will Not Seek Re-election  In 2021, RINO Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) was one of the 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach President Donald Trump. Newhouse announced that he will not seek re-election in 2026, leaving Rep. David Valadao (R-CA) as the only one of the group remaining in Congress. https://twitter.com/RepNewhouse/status/2001291310146158666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2001291310146158666%7Ctwgr%5Ee6d32e37b15338ded9a698a990480010a5616470%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2025%2F12%2Frino-congressman-who-voted-impeach-president-donald-trump%2F The fates of the ten Republicans who voted to impeach: 1. Liz Cheney (WY) — Defeated in 2022 primary 2. John Katko (NY) — Retired in 2022 3. Adam Kinzinger (IL) — Retired in 2022 4. Fred Upton (MI) — Retired in 2022 5. Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA) — Defeated in 2022 primary 6. Peter Meijer (MI) — Defeated in 2022 primary 7. Anthony Gonzalez (OH) — Retired in 2022 8. Tom Rice (SC) — Defeated in 2022 primary 9. Dan Newhouse (WA) — Will not seek reelection 10. David Valadao (CA) — Reelected in 2024, currently serving in the 119th Congress Source: thegatewaypundit.com https://twitter.com/FBIDirectorKash/status/2000999942303998185?s=20 https://twitter.com/HansMahncke/status/2001046169279955130?s=20   January 2017 briefing of Trump followed the same playbook, as did Strzok's conversation with General Flynn. The FBI's so-called briefings of Senators Grassley and Johnson also fit the same mold. Each time, they present it as a routine check-in or just a quick conversation. And each time, the real purpose is to box you in, lay traps and put you in prison. https://twitter.com/Cernovich/status/2001087239938564475?s=20  https://twitter.com/BehizyTweets/status/2000996943741501841?s=20 There is no specific time limit mandated by law or congressional rules for the Senate to vote on a bill passed by the House, including one that codifies executive orders (such as the FY2026 NDAA, which reportedly incorporates 15 of President Trump’s executive orders). The Senate can schedule consideration and a vote at any point during the remainder of the current Congress (the 119th Congress ends on January 3, 2027). If the Senate does not act before then, the bill dies and would need to be reintroduced in the next Congress.In practice, for time-sensitive legislation like the NDAA, the Senate typically votes shortly after the House (often within days or weeks) due to bipartisan urgency around defense authorizations, but this is not a requirement. https://twitter.com/PressSec/status/2001031213516304877?s=20 https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi/status/2000991371952357796?s=20   achievements will fail. We are family. We are united. https://twitter.com/EagleEdMartin/status/2001011049106161975?s=20 President Trump Issues Response to Vanity Fair Hit Piece Which Claims Susie Wiles Made a Pointed Remark About Him During an interview with the New York Post, Trump did not take the alleged remark Wiles made about him as an insult. In fact, he admitted to having a “very possessive” personality. “No, she meant that I'm — you see, I don't drink alcohol. So everybody knows that — but I've often said that if I did, I'd have a very good chance of being an alcoholic. I have said that many times about myself, I do. It's a very possessive personality,” Trump told the Post. “I've said that many times about myself. I'm fortunate I'm not a drinker. If I did, I could very well, because I've said that — what's the word? Not possessive — possessive and addictive type personality. Oh, I've said it many times, many times before,” he added. Trump went on to tell the Post that he agrees the Vanity Fair article was a total hit job and Wiles's remarks were taken out of context.  . Source: thegatewaypundit.com  Based on recent reports, the entire Trump administration appears to be standing by White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles following the Vanity Fair article, with no notable dissent.   Specific individuals who have expressed support include: Name Position Donald Trump President JD Vance Vice President Doug Burgum Secretary of the Interior Scott Bessent Secretary of the Treasury Chris Wright Secretary of Energy Lori Chavez-DeRemer Secretary of Labor Linda McMahon Secretary of Education Scott Turner Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Brooke Rollins Secretary of Agriculture Sean Duffy Secretary of Transportation Kelly Loeffler SBA Administrator Lee Zeldin EPA Administrator Russ Vought OMB Director Pam Bondi Attorney General Kash Patel FBI Director Karoline Leavitt White House Press Secretary The [DS] has been trying to divide Trump adminitration from the beginning, they want people questioning everything, they are trying to have people doubt the administration.  how do you show the people that you are not divided.   Trump and team just changed the narrative, they took control, Susie and team most likely set this up, this way the team can tell the world they are united not divided. Information warfare. We are now moving into the next phase of the plan and the DS is panicking, the attacks against MAGA, his administration will continue, physical attacks will continue. The [DS] is fighting for their lives while Trump is dismantling their system and producing evidence on the  treasonous crimes they have committed. I think is letting us know we are moving into the storm, look how he stared this truth post.   (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:13499335648425062,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-7164-1323"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="//cdn2.customads.co/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");

Vladimir Villegas es un reconocido periodista, analista político y columnista venezolano con una trayectoria profesional. Su carrera está marcada por una notable evolución, transitando desde la militancia política activa hasta consolidarse como una de las voces críticas e independientes más respetadas en el periodismo venezolano.Villegas ocupó cargos clave tanto en la esfera legislativa como en el Ejecutivo. Fue Diputado al Congreso de la República (1994-1999) y posteriormente se integró al proceso del gobierno de Hugo Chávez, donde sirvió como Presidente de Venezolana de Televisión (VTV) (2003-2004) y Embajador de Venezuela en Brasil (c. 2002) y México (2005).Con el tiempo, Vladimir Villegas se distanció de la línea oficialista, convirtiéndose en un analista político y periodista de oposición que promueve el debate democrático y la pluralidad. Actualmente, mantiene una destacada presencia en medios con su columna en El Nacional y su trabajo en radio, enfocando su labor en el análisis profundo y el compromiso con la información veraz para fortalecer la democracia.

Se déplacer dans la capitale haïtienne relève du parcours du combattant. Dans les communes de Delmas et Pétion-Ville, la circulation est devenue quasi-impossible, notamment aux heures de pointe. Reportage de notre correspondant Peterson Luxama. L'insécurité dans ces communes pousse les habitants et commerçants à s'installer dans ces zones déjà saturées, ce qui rend la population encore plus dense et paralyse les routes. Résultat : embouteillages monstres, taxis-motos qui se faufilent dans les moindres interstices, piétons contraints de zigzaguer entre les marchandes installées sur les trottoirs… Pour les habitants comme Philogène ou Bedson, aller travailler, se rendre à un rendez-vous ou simplement circuler devient une épreuve quotidienne. Aucune solution claire n'émerge pour l'instant. Les habitants continuent de subir cette congestion chronique, sans indication des autorités sur des mesures pour désengorger la circulation. Pour certains professionnels, la seule alternative est de laisser leur véhicule pour avancer à pied ou à moto. Les habitants qualifient cette situation de catastrophique, elle affecte tous les aspects de la vie quotidienne : travail, études, services et commerces.   Le Canada, victime des taxes américaines sur les petits colis Depuis trois mois, les États-Unis taxent désormais tous les petits colis étrangers, y compris ceux de moins de 800 dollars, mettant fin à une exemption qui permettait jusqu'ici aux petits vendeurs de commercer facilement avec le marché américain. Officiellement, la mesure visait les géants asiatiques du commerce en ligne, mais dans les faits, elle frappe de plein fouet les petites entreprises canadiennes. Des créateurs et artisans, comme Laetitia Durand près de Montréal, voient leurs marges disparaître sous des surtaxes qui peuvent atteindre 35%, ajoutées aux frais élevés des transporteurs. Résultat : des produits qui deviennent hors de prix pour les clients américains, une avalanche de formalités administratives et une chute brutale des commandes. Un dossier signé de notre correspondante à Montréal, Nafi Alibert.     La montée des tensions entre les États-Unis et le Venezuela vue par la presse Pour le quotidien canadien Le Devoir, le responsable principal de cette escalade se trouve clairement à Washington. Le journal rappelle que, ce week-end, le président américain Donald Trump a déclaré que l'espace aérien vénézuélien était désormais «entièrement fermé». Il a aussi reconnu avoir eu un échange téléphonique avec son homologue vénézuélien Nicolás Maduro, sans en préciser le contenu. Toujours selon Le Devoir, les pressions américaines ne s'arrêtent pas là. Le sénateur républicain Markwayne Mullin est allé jusqu'à révéler que les États-Unis auraient proposé au président vénézuélien de quitter le pouvoir. Pour l'instant, Nicolás Maduro n'a donné aucune suite officielle à cette proposition. En revanche, il est réapparu publiquement ce dimanche, pour la première fois depuis plusieurs jours, mettant fin aux rumeurs selon lesquelles il aurait quitté le pays. Selon CNN, le président vénézuélien a participé à une cérémonie publique à Caracas, décorant des producteurs de café et dégustant plusieurs variétés, sous l'œil des caméras des médias officiels. Et alors que Washington le décrit comme le chef d'un «narco-État» et l'associe à un vaste réseau de trafic de drogue, le pouvoir vénézuélien contre-attaque sur le terrain de la communication. D'après El Nacional, le gouvernement de Caracas vient de lancer une série biographique consacrée au président, afin de renforcer son image à l'intérieur. La série s'intitule simplement Nicolás. Elle présente Maduro comme un homme du peuple, un «président-ouvrier», et insiste sur son parcours personnel : de jeune espoir du baseball à militant révolutionnaire, engagé dans les luttes politiques, inspiré par son mentor Hugo Chávez. Journal de la 1ère Lancement, depuis le Centre spatial guyanais, à Kourou, de Vega-C, avec le satellite KOMPSAT-7 au profit de l'Institut coréen de recherche aérospatiale.

This week we talk about Venezuela, casus belli, and drug smuggling.We also discuss oil reserves, Maduro, and Machado.Recommended Book: Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt DinnimanTranscriptVenezuela, which suffered all sorts of political and economic crises under former president Hugo Chávez, has suffered even more of the same, and on a more dramatic scale, under Chávez's successor, Nicolás Maduro.Both Chávez and Maduro have ruled over autocratic regimes, turning ostensibly democratic Venezuelan governments into governments ruled by a single person, and those they like and empower and reward, over time removing anyone from power who might challenge them, and collapsing all checks and balances within the structure of their government.They still hold elections, then, but like in Russia, the voting is just for show, the outcome predetermined, and anyone who gets too popular and who isn't favored by the existing regime is jailed or killed or otherwise neutralized; the votes are then adjusted when necessary to make it look like the regime is still popular, and anyone who challenges that seeming popularity is likewise taken care of.As a result of that state of affairs, an unpopular regime with absolute power running things into the ground over the course of two autocrats' administrations, Venezuela has suffered immense hyperinflation, high levels of crime and widespread disease, ever-increasing mortality rates, and even starvation, as fundamentals like food periodically become scarce. This has led to a swell of emigration out of the country, which has, during the past decade, become the largest ever recorded refugee crisis in the Americas, those who leave mostly flooding into neighboring countries like Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador.As of 2025, it's estimated that nearly 8 million people, more than 20% of Venezuela's entire population as of 2017, has fled the country to get away from the government, its policies, its collapsed economy, and the cultural homogeny that has led to so much crime, conflict, and oppression of those not favored by the people in charge.This has also led to some Venezuelans trying to get into the US, which was part of the justification for a proposed invasion of the country, by the US government, under the first Trump administration in 2017.The idea was that this is a corrupt, weak government that also happens to possess the largest proven oil reserves in the world. Its production of oil has collapsed along with everything else, in part because the government is so ineffectual, and in part because of outside forces, like longstanding sanctions by the US, which makes selling and profiting from said oil on the global market difficult.Apparently, though, Trump also just liked the idea of invading Venezuela through US ally Colombia, saying—according to Trump's National Security advisor at the time, John Bolton—that Venezuela is really part of the US, so it would be “cool” for the US to take it. Trump also later said, in 2023, that when he left office Venezuela was about to collapse, and that he would have taken it over if he had been reelected instead of losing to Joe Biden, and the US would have then kept all the country's oil.So there's long been a seeming desire by Trump to invade Venezuela, partly on vibe grounds, the state being weak and why shouldn't we own it, that kind of thing? But underlying that is the notion of the US being a country that can stomp into weaker countries, take their oil, and then nation-build, similar to what the government seemed to be trying to do when it invaded Iraq in the early 2000s, using 9/11 as a casus belli, an excuse to go to war, with an uninvolved nation that happened to own a bunch of oil resources the US government wanted for itself.What I'd like to talk about today is the seeming resurgence of that narrative, but this time with an, actual tangible reason to believe an invasion of Venezuela might occur sometime soon.—As I mentioned, though previously kind of a success story in South America, bringing people in from all over the continent and the world, Venezuela has substantially weakened under its two recent autocratic leaders, who have rebuilt everything in their image, and made corruption and self-serving the main driver behind their decisions for the direction of the country.A very popular candidate, María Corina Machado, was barred from participating in the country's 2024 election, the country's Supreme Court ruling that a 15-year ban on her holding public office because of her involvement with an alleged plot against Maduro with a previous candidate for office, Juan Guaido; Guiado is now in exile, run out of the country for winning an election against Maduro, which Maduro's government has claimed wasn't legit, but which dozens of governments recognize as having been legitimate, despite Maduro's clinging to power after losing.So Machado is accused of being corrupt by Maduro's corrupt government, and thus isn't allowed to run for office. Another candidate that she wanted to have run in her place was also declared ineligible by Maduro's people, so another sub was found, Edmundo González, and basically every outside election watchdog group says that he won in 2024, and handedly, over Maduro. But the government's official results say that's not the case, that Maduro won, and that has created even more conflict and chaos in the country as it's become clearer and clearer that there's no way to oust the autocrat in control of the government—not through the voting box, at least.This is part of what makes Venezuela an even more appealing target, for the Trump administration, right now, because not only is Maduro incredibly unpopular and running the country into the ground, there's also a very popular alternative, in the shape of María Corina Machado, who could conceivably take control of things should Maduro be toppled. So there's a nonzero chance that if someone, like the US military, were to step in and either kill Maduro or run him out of town, they could make a very sweet deal with the incoming Machado government, including a deal that grants access to all that currently underutilized oil wealth.This is theoretical right now, but recent moves by the US government and military suggest it might not remain theoretical for much longer.In mid-November, 2025, the US Navy moved the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to the Caribbean—the USS Gerald R Ford being an aircraft carrier, and the strike group being the array of ships and aircraft that accompany it—it was moved there from the Eastern Mediterranean, where it was moved following the attack on Israel that led to Israel's invasion of the Gaza Strip.This, by itself, doesn't necessarily mean anything; the shifting of aircraft carrier groups is often more symbolic than practical. But the US government has suggested it might us these vessels and aircraft to strike drug manufacturers across South and Central America, and specifically in Venezuela.This is being seen as an escalation of an already fraught moment in the region, because the US has launched a series of strikes against small boats in the area, beginning back in September of 2025.These boats, according to the US government, are drug smuggling vessels, bringing fentanyl, among other drugs, to US shores. So the idea is that the people aboard these boats are criminals who are killing folks in the US by bringing this drug, which is highly addictive and super potent, and thus more likely to kill its users than other opioids, into the country for illegal sale and distribution. So, the claim goes, this is a justified use of force.These strikes have thus far, over the past two months, killed at least 79 people, all alleged by the US government to be drug smugglers, despite some evidence to the contrary, in some cases. The US's allies have not been happy about these strikes, including allies the government usually relies on to help with drug-related detection and interdiction efforts, including regional governments that take action to keep drugs from shuffling around the region and eventually ending up in the US.Many US allies have also called the strikes illegal. The French foreign minister recently said they violate international law, and the EU's foreign policy chief said something similar, indicating that such use of force is only valid in cases of self-defense, and when there's a UN Security council resolution on the matter.Canadian and Dutch governments have been doing what they can to distance themselves from the strikes, without outright criticizing the at times vindictive US government, and some regional allies, like Colombia, have been signaling that they'll be less cooperative with the US when it comes to drug-related issues, saying that they would no longer share intelligence with the US until they stop the strikes, which they've called “extrajudicial executions.”An extrajudicial killing is one that is not lawful; it doesn't have the backing of a judicial proceeding, and thus lacks the authority typically granted by the proper facets of a government. Lacking such authority, killing is illegal. Given said authority, though, a killing can be made legal, at least according to the laws of the government doing the killing.The argument here is that while governments can usually get away with killing people, only authoritarian regimes typically and regularly to use that power to kill folks without going through the proper channels and thus getting the legal authority to do so.In this case, the facts seem to support the accusations of those who are saying these killings aren't legally legitimate: the Trump administration has launched these attacks on these vessels without going through the usual channels, and without declaring Congressionally approved war on anyone in particular. They've instead claimed that drug cartels are terrorists, and have said that anyone they suspect of smuggling drugs, or who they suspect in any way might be involved with the illegal drug making and smuggling industry, can be considered enemy, non-state combatants that they're allowed to kill at will.And as part of that declaration that the US government has the right to kill anyone they like who's involved in drug smuggling, in late-October 2025 it was reported that the US has identified targets on land, as well, some of these targets located within ports and airstrips across Venezuela, including those used by the Venezuelan government, which the Maduro regime allegedly also uses for drug smuggling purposes.This loops us back around to that original possibility that the Trump administration, looking for a casus belli, an excuse to go to war with Venezuela, may be using these strikes and the drug smuggling industry to get social and maybe legal backing for strikes that reach closer and closer to Maduro and the Venezuelan military.If the US were to strike some vital Venezuelan military ports, using drug smuggling as justification, but taking out Venezuelan military infrastructure and/or people in the process, would that be an act of war? Would that trigger a response from Maduro? Could that response then allow the US military to claim self-defense?These questions are up in the air right now, and that confusion could provide the opportunity to move fast and not have to suffer legal consequences until all is said and done, but it could also help shape the outcome of those decisions: ask for forgiveness, not permission, basically, but maybe not even forgiveness, if other aspects of the government come to support the Trump administration's decisions and rule in their favor, after the fact.Some analysts have said they suspect this drumbeat toward war with Venezuela is meant to solve several problems for the Trump administration. It could help them deal with plummeting approval numbers leading into a midterm election in 2026, and it could also give Trump himself cover from the escalating issue of the Epstein files, which, among other things, seem to connect Trump with someone who's become the world's most famous human trafficker and pedophile even more tightly than before.This sort of process may also serve to slowly bolster the perception that the presidency has more powers than it has traditionally wielded, like the ability to unilaterally declare war, even though such powers are supposed to rest with Congress; an extension of other efforts by this administration to reinforce the presidency at the expense of the checks and balances that are meant to keep the US government from becoming an autocracy, like the one in Venezuela.Show Noteshttps://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2024/01/27/venezuela-s-supreme-court-disqualifies-opposition-leader-from-running-for-president_6469941_4.htmlhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/06/venezuela-election-maduro-analysishttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_Venezuelan_presidential_electionhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carrier_Strike_Group_12https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/15/politics/venezuela-trump-military-what-we-knowhttps://www.cnn.com/2025/11/12/americas/venezuela-us-aircraft-carrier-reaction-latam-intlhttps://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/14/us/politics/trump-pressure-venezuela.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2025/11/15/nx-s1-5609888/aircraft-carrier-caribbean-venezuela-military-actionhttps://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/nov/16/us-rogue-state-extrajudicial-killings-venezuelahttps://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/11/15/trump-maduro-venezuela-column-00652369https://www.wsj.com/politics/national-security/justice-department-drug-boat-strike-memo-83711582https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/world/americas/trump-drug-boat-strikes-colombian-fisherman.htmlhttps://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c7810w37vwdohttps://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2025/11/13/colombia-to-suspend-intelligence-sharing-with-us-over-boat-strikes/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_United_States_military_strikes_on_alleged_drug_traffickershttps://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/2025/11/trump-boat-strikes-killings-venezuela/684921/https://www.wsj.com/world/americas/trump-boat-strikes-drug-9bbbeb90?mod=hp_lead_pos11https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extrajudicial_killinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crisis_in_Venezuelahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venezuelan_refugee_crisishttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proposed_United_States_invasion_of_Venezuela This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

It's Tuesday, November 18th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Kevin Swanson Nigerian Muslims abduct 7 people in Borno State, Nigeria Persecution.org reports that seven people have been abducted in Chibok in Borno State, Nigeria, Africa. Boko Haram, the Muslim terrorist group, is suspected of involvement in this kidnapping of mothers and their children, including two daughters of a local pastor and an infant.   One resident described the atmosphere in the area as shock and fear.  She said, “I'm shocked and saddened by the attack. … My heart goes out to the families of the abducted. It's heartbreaking that this is happening weekly in Chibok. The silence is deafening — we must demand action from our leaders and support our troops to bring an end to this senseless violence.” 25 girls kidnapped in Kebbi State, Nigeria And this just in. The Associated Press reports that 25 girls were kidnapped yesterday morning from a high school in Kebbi State, Nigeria. Nigerian military opened fire on police in Benue State, Nigeria Meanwhile, the Nigerian military opened fire on a police patrol in Benue State last week. The patrol was offering protection to villagers from Fulani Muslim terrorists. Just another incident marking the unravelling of the social and political state of the Nigerian nation.  Congress might impose sanctions on Nigeria The United States House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa has scheduled an open hearing this Thursday on the President's recent designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern. If ratified by the Senate, the designation would allow the U.S. to impose sanctions on Nigerian government officials found complicit in religious persecution. German authorities targeting homeschooling and Christian schooling Homeschooling and Christian schooling are under attack in Germany, again. The Dietrich Bonhoeffer International School in Germany is a part-homeschool and part-Christian school hybrid. After three court hearings over the last six years, education authorities are not forcing school closure. Two partner schools have been denied accreditation by German authorities.   Alliance Defending Freedom International is appealing the case to the European Court of Human Rights.  In 1920, Germany introduced public school compulsory attendance, By 1939,  almost all denominational  or confessional schools in the Reich were converted into “community schools” under state control or they were closed. Keep in mind, God is in control. In Isaiah 43:15-17, God says, “I am the Lord, your Holy One, The Creator of Israel, your King.” Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea and a path through the mighty waters, who brings forth the chariot and horse, The army and the power, they shall lie down together, they shall not rise; They are extinguished, they are quenched like a wick.” Marco Rubio to designate Venezuelan cartel as terrorist group Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Sunday that the State Department would designate Cartel de los Soles or Cartel of the Suns as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. It will take place within a week. The cartel is believed to be headed by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his cronies.   The State Department press release promised that the United States would use “all available tools to protect our national security interests and deny funding and resources to narco-terrorists.” Since September, the U.S. military has completed 21 attacks on boats thought to be carrying drugs in the Caribbean seas.  As of Saturday, 83 people aboard ships have been killed, and 22 ships sunk.  State Department called Maduro “one of largest narco-traffickers” Not only has the State Department referred to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro as "one of the largest narco-traffickers in the world,” but also the U.S. government has offered a $50 million reward for information leading to his arrest.  Venezuela's Gross Domestic Product has sunk from $371 billion in 2013, when Madura was elected, to an estimated $107 billion this year.   HIs government is known for having killed thousands of political enemies. In his early years, Maduro was trained as a communist in Cuba, and leads the United Socialist Party of Venezuela. Venezuela, once rich oil-based country, no relies on illegal drugs Venezuela was one of the most prosperous states in South America back in the 1980s and 1990s, that is, until a left-wing politician named Hugo Chávez was elected as President in 1998. Since then, the country has shifted from an oil-based economy to a drug-based economy. Venezuelan oil production has dropped off by 75% since the late 90s. Proverbs 28:16 speaks to this: “Like a roaring lion and a charging bear Is a wicked ruler over poor people. A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor, but he who hates covetousness will prolong his days.” African, Muslim & Eastern countries vs West on trust in governments The Edelman International Survey finds that the people of African, Muslim, and Eastern countries are far more optimistic about the future of their nations than the people in Western countries. Those who live in Kenya, Indonesia, India, China, and Saudi Arabia are very optimistic — over 50% believe the next generation will be better off. By contrast, the population of France, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Australia, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Canada are extremely pessimistic — barely 9-20% could say the same thing. In terms of distrust of governments, the people of Japan, Germany, Spain, Colombia, and South Africa were highly distrustful. But those who live in Saudi Arabia, China, India, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia registered high trust in governments. Hollywood's economic slump And, finally, Hollywood has gone into an economic tailspin — now sporting the worst summer season in 44 years. At $3.67 billion, Tinseltown's summer box office season registered a 43% decrease from the peak year of 2013, adjusted for inflation.  Pagan worldview of How to Train Your Dragon 2025 In case you missed it, How to Train Your Dragon 2025 featured a pagan worldview with ample references to the ancient demonic gods of Odin and Thor, not to mention the witch consulting bones and magic. Jurassic Park Rebirth advocated the evolution of man, environmentalism, and the woke of feminism.   And Superman 2025 got a little political and wokey around the edges, once more setting the worldview of existentialism against the polytheism of the superheroes. Close And that's The Worldview on this Tuesday, November 18th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Get access to The Backroom (80+ exclusive episodes) on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/OneDimeIn this episode of 1Dime Radio, I am joined again by regular guest Benjamin Studebaker, political theorist and PhD from University of Cambridge to break down everything you need to know about Venezuela. In the public episode, Studebaker and I break down the situation in Venezuela, US aggression, and unpack the history of Venezuela as a case study of petrostates and Why Nations Fail while others get rich. We also analyze Trump's regime change ambitions and the risk of war, the rise and unraveling of Chávez and Maduro, the oil curse that wrecked Venezuelan socialism, and why so many post-colonial petrol states get trapped between getting rich and falling apart. Along the way, we break down how nations really become wealthy or fail, debunk popular myths about development and decolonization, and map the structural traps that still ensnare countries in the Global South.In The Backroom exclusive episode on Patreon, we discuss the limits of anti-imperialist politics,  Israel-Palestine, and the tragic legacy of decolonization in Africa, then dive into more niche political theory debates where I introduce Ben to my early ideas about “The Will and the Spirit” and debate the question of political influence and what we can actually DO to change anything. Timestamps:00:00:00  The Backroom Preview: Imperialism and Anti-Imperialism00:06:27  WTF is Happening Between Venezuela and the USA? 00:08:35  Petrol states 101, Dutch Disease, and US Sanctions00:22:48  War Powers and the Imperial Presidency00:30:33  Hugo Chávez, the Bolivarian Revolution, and Maduro00:35:28  Hyperinflation, Corruption, and the Militocracy Trap00:44:02  Libya, and The New Regime-Change Playbook00:49:21  The Guyana border crisis00:55:09  Gulf monarchies, migrant underclasses, and “successful” petrol states00:59:26  Trump's military build-up and scenarios for a Venezuela war01:06:47  Eastern Europe democratization vs Middle East Interventions 01:17:17  Cartels, Mexico, Argentina, and the Latin American security order01:35:07  The Truth about Maduro and Venezuelan democracy01:50:03  Pseudo-activity and limits of anti-imperialist activism 01:54:09  Palestine, anti-imperialism, and what counts as politics (The Backroom Transition)GUEST:Benjamin Studebaker - political theorist, PhD in Politics from the University of Cambridge.• Substack: https://bmstudebaker.substack.com/  • Blog: https://benjaminstudebaker.com  • X/Twitter: https://x.com/BMStudebaker  FOLLOW 1Dime• Substack (Articles and Essays):** https://substack.com/@tonyof1dime  •X/Twitter: https://x.com/1DimeOfficial  • Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/tonyof1dimeigsh=MWNuMjhpMHoxbHBwZg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr  • Check out my main channel videos: https://www.youtube.com/@1Dimee  Outro Music by Karl CaseyLeave a like, drop a comment, and give the show a 5-star rating on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you listen to this.

Venezuelský prezident Hugo Chávez patřil k nejkontroverznějším postavám světové politiky posledních let. Ve své zemi měl tento levicový populista s diktátorskými sklony, ohánějící se odkazem Simona Bolívara, mnoho příznivců. Když zemřel, jeho rakev vyprovázely statisíce Venezuelanů.

Venezuelský prezident Hugo Chávez patřil k nejkontroverznějším postavám světové politiky posledních let. Ve své zemi měl tento levicový populista s diktátorskými sklony, ohánějící se odkazem Simona Bolívara, mnoho příznivců. Když zemřel, jeho rakev vyprovázely statisíce Venezuelanů.Všechny díly podcastu Portréty můžete pohodlně poslouchat v mobilní aplikaci mujRozhlas pro Android a iOS nebo na webu mujRozhlas.cz.

Son muchos los que están convencidos de que el Gobierno estadounidense ya ha decidido atacar Venezuela. Desconocemos si es cierto, pero si sabemos que en estos momentos hay un despliegue naval en el Caribe que no tiene precedentes desde la crisis de los misiles de 1962. La armada estadounidense ha posicionado 10 buques de guerra, 10.000 efectivos y el portaaviones Gerald Ford, el más grande y moderno del mundo. Según el presidente de EEUU semejante dispositivo se justifica por el papel de Venezuela como centro neurálgico del llamado "Cártel de los Soles", un cártel dedicado al narcotráfico que controla directamente el ejército venezolano. Pero, aparte de la caribeña, hay otras rutas por las que las drogas se abren paso hasta el mercado norteamericano y es sólo en el Caribe donde se ha realizado un despliegue de estas características. Es obvio, por lo tanto, que la Casa Blanca quiere algo más de naturaleza política como derrocar a Nicolás Maduro. Eso posibilitaría interrumpir el suministro de petróleo venezolano a Cuba y con ello debilitar al régimen castrista. La operación recuerda a una propuesta del ex asesor de seguridad nacional John Bolton allá por 2019 que no se llevó a la práctica. Ahora Marco Rubio, secretario de Estado, la ha recuperado y parece que quiere ir hasta el final. Rubio es de origen cubano y tiene una motivación personal para acabar con el régimen castrista, algo que ha perseguido desde sus inicios en política. A diferencia de lo que sucedió hace seis años, Rubio ha conseguido llegar mucho más lejos. El despliegue naval es sólo una parte de la operación en la que participa también la CIA y un regimiento de operaciones especiales, el 160, bien conocido por haber liquidado a Osama bin Laden. El objetivo es, por lo tanto, doble: acabar con Maduro y asfixiar a Díaz-Canel cortando el suministro de crudo venezolano. Desde 1999 Venezuela y Cuba intercambian petróleo por servicios médicos cubanos, pero la cooperación ha disminuido desde 2016 debido a la caída de la producción petrolera venezolana y los problemas económicos que atraviesa el país. Actualmente Cuba recibe unos 32.000 barriles diarios, sólo una tercera parte de lo que recibía en los años dorados de Hugo Chávez. Esto ha reducido la dependencia cubana, que ahora importa petróleo a precio preferente de México y Rusia. De este modo, incluso sin petroleo venezolano, la economía cubana podría resistir. El régimen es experto en administrar la miseria y, aunque las cosas están peor que nunca, el castrismo sigue reteniendo el poder sin apenas oposición en el interior. De hecho la pobreza refuerza el discurso oficial de un bloqueo inclemente por parte de Estados Unidos. Trump, asesorado por Rubio, seguramente evite una intervención directa ya que implicaría el riesgo de que esa intervención derive en una guerra asimétrica al estilo de las de Oriente Medio. En su lugar podrían optar por un golpe interno, operaciones encubiertas o presión militar para forzar la salida de Maduro. Hasta la fecha nada de eso ha funcionado ni en Cuba, ni en Venezuela, dos países en manos de sendas bandas criminales que resistirán lo que haga falta para no perder el negocio. En La ContraRéplica: 0:00 Introducción 3:39 ¿Van también a por Cuba? 30:01 "Contra el pesimismo”… https://amzn.to/4m1RX2R 31:59 OPA de BBVA al Banco Sabadell 38:44 Bajas rusas y ucranianas 42:48 El caso Negreira · Canal de Telegram: https://t.me/lacontracronica · “Contra el pesimismo”… https://amzn.to/4m1RX2R · “Hispanos. Breve historia de los pueblos de habla hispana”… https://amzn.to/428js1G · “La ContraHistoria del comunismo”… https://amzn.to/39QP2KE · “La ContraHistoria de España. Auge, caída y vuelta a empezar de un país en 28 episodios”… https://amzn.to/3kXcZ6i · “Contra la Revolución Francesa”… https://amzn.to/4aF0LpZ · “Lutero, Calvino y Trento, la Reforma que no fue”… https://amzn.to/3shKOlK Apoya La Contra en: · Patreon... https://www.patreon.com/diazvillanueva · iVoox... https://www.ivoox.com/podcast-contracronica_sq_f1267769_1.html · Paypal... https://www.paypal.me/diazvillanueva Sígueme en: · Web... https://diazvillanueva.com · Twitter... https://twitter.com/diazvillanueva · Facebook... https://www.facebook.com/fernandodiazvillanueva1/ · Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/diazvillanueva · Linkedin… https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernando-d%C3%ADaz-villanueva-7303865/ · Flickr... https://www.flickr.com/photos/147276463@N05/?/ · Pinterest... https://www.pinterest.com/fernandodiazvillanueva Encuentra mis libros en: · Amazon... https://www.amazon.es/Fernando-Diaz-Villanueva/e/B00J2ASBXM #FernandoDiazVillanueva #cuba #venezuela Escucha el episodio completo en la app de iVoox, o descubre todo el catálogo de iVoox Originals

Come sempre, la prima parte del programma è dedicata all'attualità. Iniziamo con un importante sviluppo in Medio Oriente. Lunedì, durante un vertice in Egitto, i leader mondiali hanno firmato la prima fase dell'accordo di cessate il fuoco per Gaza, dopo il rilascio degli ostaggi israeliani e dei prigionieri palestinesi. C'è sicuramente motivo di festeggiare, ma gli esperti avvertono che le sfide non sono ancora finite. Proseguiremo, poi, con l'annuncio del Premio Nobel per la Pace. Quest'anno, la vincitrice è María Machado, una delle principali figure dell'opposizione venezuelana ai governi di Hugo Chávez e Nicolás Maduro. Durante il suo discorso di accettazione, Machado ha dedicato il premio, in parte, al Presidente degli Stati Uniti, Donald Trump. Ne parleremo più tardi, e cercheremo di capire se questa dedica sia stata appropriata oppure no. Nella nostra sezione scientifica parleremo del Global Innovation Index, appena pubblicato dall'Organizzazione Mondiale per la Proprietà Intellettuale. Tra le notizie principali, spicca il sorpasso della Cina sulla Germania nella classifica dei dieci Paesi più innovativi al mondo. E concluderemo la prima parte del programma con una conversazione sul Premio Nobel per la Letteratura. A vincerlo quest'anno è stato lo scrittore ungherese László Krasznahorkai.    La seconda parte della puntata è dedicata alla lingua e alla cultura italiana. L'argomento grammaticale di oggi è Introduction to Relative Pronouns: I Pronomi Relativi. Ne troverete numerosi esempi nel dialogo che seguirà, ispirato alla notizia dell'esposizione ad Assisi delle reliquie di San Francesco — un evento unico nella storia, che avrà luogo tra febbraio e marzo del 2026. Nel finale ci soffermeremo sull'espressione idiomatica di oggi: Non sapere che pesci pigliare. Il dialogo in cui la useremo prende spunto dalla recente decisione del celebre resort sciistico di Madonna di Campiglio, nel cuore delle Dolomiti di Brenta, in Trentino, di introdurre un limite al numero di turisti per contenere la folla sulle piste. - Tra le celebrazioni per il cessate il fuoco in Medio Oriente, risuona l'invito alla cautela da parte degli esperti - La leader dell'opposizione venezuelana María Corina Machado riceve il Premio Nobel per la Pace 2025 - La Cina ha sostituito la Germania nella top ten dell'Indice globale dell'innovazione - Lo scrittore ungherese László Krasznahorkai riceve il Premio Nobel per la letteratura - Assisi, le spoglie di San Francesco mostrate al mondo - Madonna di Campiglio mette un limite al turismo invernale

En la primera parte del programa discutiremos sobre la actualidad. Comenzaremos con una noticia importante de Oriente Medio. El lunes, un grupo de líderes mundiales firmaron la primera fase del acuerdo de alto el fuego en Gaza durante una cumbre en Egipto, después de que los rehenes israelíes y los prisioneros palestinos fueran liberados. Hay sin duda motivo para celebrar, pero los expertos advierten que quedan importantes problemas por resolver. Continuaremos con el anuncio del Premio Nobel de la Paz. Este año, la ganadora es María Machado, una destacada líder de la oposición venezolana a los Gobiernos de Hugo Chávez y Nicolás Maduro. Aunque aceptó el premio, Machado dedicó el honor en parte al presidente Donald Trump. Discutiremos si esta dedicatoria fue apropiada. En el segmento de ciencia, hablaremos del Índice Mundial de Innovación que acaba de publicar la Organización Mundial de la Propiedad Intelectual. Uno de los principales titulares del informe es que China ha sustituído a Alemania en la lista de los diez países más innovadores. Y concluiremos la primera parte del programa comentando el Premio Nobel de Literatura. Este año, el premio le ha sido concedido al escritor húngaro László Krasznahorkai. El resto del episodio de hoy lo dedicaremos a la lengua y la cultura españolas. La primera conversación incluirá ejemplos del tema de gramática de la semana, Expressions with Por and Para. En esta conversación hablaremos de las costumbres de los españoles. Aunque cada zona tenga sus costumbres propias, hay rasgos comunes entre todos nosotros,y a ojos de otros europeos pueden parecer curiosas o incluso raras. Y, en nuestra última conversación, aprenderemos a usar una nueva expresión española, ¡Y un jamón! La usaremos para hablar de protestas ciudadanas ocurridas dentro de los últimos cien años. Veremos las causas que las han provocado, las consecuencias que estas han tenido y cómo han repercutido en la Historia de España. Entre celebraciones del alto el fuego en Oriente Medio, los expertos advierten que quedan importantes problemas por resolver Le conceden a la líder opositora venezolana María Corina Machado el Premio Nobel de la Paz 2025 China ha sustituido a Alemania en la lista de los 10 países más innovadores del mundo Le conceden el Premio Nobel de Literatura al escritor húngaro László Krasznahorkai Costumbres de los españoles Protestas ciudadanas

Wie immer ist der erste Teil des Programms aktuellen Ereignissen gewidmet. Wir beginnen mit einer wichtigen Entwicklung im Nahen Osten. Am Montag unterzeichneten internationale Spitzenpolitiker während eines Gipfeltreffens in Ägypten die erste Phase des Waffenstillstandsabkommens für den Gazastreifen, nachdem israelische Geiseln und palästinensische Gefangene freigelassen worden waren. Es gibt definitiv Grund zum Feiern, aber Experten warnen auch vor bevorstehenden Problemen. Anschließend sprechen wir über die Bekanntgabe des Friedensnobelpreises. Die diesjährige Preisträgerin ist María Corina Machado, eine prominente Führerin der venezolanischen Opposition gegen die Regierungen von Hugo Chávez und Nicolás Maduro. Bei der Entgegennahme der Auszeichnung widmete Machado den Preis zum Teil US-Präsident Donald Trump. Wir werden darüber diskutieren, ob diese Widmung angemessen war. In unserem Segment zu Wissenschaft und Technologie sprechen wir über den Global Innovation Index, der gerade von der Weltorganisation für geistiges Eigentum veröffentlicht wurde. Eine der wichtigsten Schlagzeilen des Berichts ist, dass China Deutschland in der Top-Ten-Liste der Innovationsführer abgelöst hat. Und wir beenden den ersten Teil unseres Programms mit einer Diskussion über den Literaturnobelpreis. In diesem Jahr ging der Preis an den ungarischen Schriftsteller László Krasznahorkai. Der Rest des Programms ist der deutschen Sprache und Kultur gewidmet. Die heutige Grammatiklektion konzentriert sich auf 2-Way Prepositions. Wir sprechen über Expats, Menschen, die ihr Land verlassen haben, um in Deutschland zu leben. Einige von ihnen haben Deutsch gelernt. Anderen fällt dies schwer, da sie – insbesondere in großen Städten – wenig Gelegenheit haben, ihr Deutsch zu üben, da Gespräche oft auf Englisch stattfinden. Die Redewendung dieser Woche ist Einen Stein im Brett haben. Wolf Biermann ist eine der Persönlichkeiten, die bei uns einen Stein im Brett haben. Er kämpfte für eine bessere, freiere und menschlichere DDR und sagte sich später ganz vom Kommunismus los. Waffenstillstand im Nahen Osten – Experten warnen jedoch vor Herausforderungen Friedensnobelpreis 2025 für die venezolanische Oppositionsführerin María Corina Machado China löst Deutschland in den Top Ten des Global Innovation Index ab Literaturnobelpreis für den ungarischen Schriftsteller László Krasznahorkai Expats in Deutschland Wolf Bierma

Honestly with Bari Weiss ✓ Claim : Read the notes at at podcastnotes.org. Don't forget to subscribe for free to our newsletter, the top 10 ideas of the week, every Monday --------- Congratulations are not usually in order for someone who has been forced into hiding, someone whose children are scattered across continents for their safety, someone whose supporters are sitting in prison cells for the crime of believing in democracy.  But our guest today, María Corina Machado, just won the Nobel Peace Prize—joining the ranks of Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., and the Dalai Lama, to name a few.  On Friday, the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded their 2025 Peace Price to the Venezuelan opposition leader for her tireless work “promoting democratic rights,” describing her as “a woman who keeps the flame of democracy burning amid a growing darkness.” She is Venezuela's first-ever Nobel Peace Prize winner.  Machado's story, as Jonathan Jakubowicz wrote in The Free Press, “is a political thriller come to life. A 58-year old industrial engineer and former member of parliament, she spent two decades as the most relentless opponent of Hugo Chávez and his successor, Nicolás Maduro.” That thriller came to a head on July 28, 2024, when Edmundo González, Machado's stand-in candidate, swept Venezuela's elections with over 90 percent of the vote. But Maduro, Venezuela's longtime dictator, claimed victory anyway and seized power. Since then, Machado has been living in hiding, her location undisclosed even to most of her allies, as the regime has arrested hundreds of political prisoners and issued a warrant for her arrest.  Machado has been nicknamed Venezuela's “Iron Lady,” the same moniker given to Margaret Thatcher, who happens to be her personal hero. She represents what may be the most significant challenge to authoritarian socialism in Latin America, and we couldn't be more thrilled to have her here today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Wednesday, October 15th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Turkey has expelled 350 foreign Christians Alliance Defending Freedom International reports that officials in Turkey are labeling Christians as national security threats.   Since 2020, the country has expelled about 350 foreign Christians under the guise of “national security.” Many of these believers lived and ministered in the country for decades. Officials are not only keeping foreign Christians out, they are also suppressing churches inside the country. For example, Turkey restricts Bible education and continues to deny legal status to Protestant seminaries. Madagascar Parliament impeaches President after Gen Z protests Youth-led protests have contributed to the unseating of another government—this time in Madagascar, an island country located 250 miles off the coast of Southeast Africa in the Indian Ocean Since September 25, Gen Z  groups have led antigovernment protests. They were protesting over water and power outages as well as poverty and government corruption.  The country's parliament voted Tuesday to impeach President Andry Rajoelina. He has been in power since  2009. The Madagascar Army immediately seized control of the African island nation, promising to create a transitional government.  The Gen Z-Madagascar movement was inspired by youth-led protesters in Kenya last year and in Nepal this year. America boosts Argentinian economy The United States finalized a $20 billion currency swap with Argentina last Thursday. The U.S. move aims at providing economic stability to Argentina as well as keeping China's influence out of the South American country.  Argentinian President Javier Milei thanked the United States. In a post on X. he wrote, “Together, as the closest of allies, we will make a hemisphere of economic freedom and prosperity.” Nobel Peace Prize recipient dedicates prize to President Trump The Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2025 to Maria Corina Machado last Friday.  The 58-year-old activist is known for leading the Venezuelan opposition to the governments of Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro. Machado responded to the award on X, saying the recognition was a boost to her work. She also wrote, “I dedicate this prize to the suffering people of Venezuela and to President Trump for his decisive support of our cause!” U.S. President Donald Trump has been nominated for the peace prize multiple times for his peace deals, especially in the Middle East. To be clear, the deadline for the Nobel Peace Prize handed out in October was January 31, just 11 days after Trump took office. Jesus reminds us of ultimate peace in John 14:27. He said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Trump lays off 4,000 federal employees The Trump administration is laying off over 4,000 federal employees as the government shutdown continues. LifeSiteNews reports the layoffs include people working on Democrat programs like “family planning” and “LGBTQ health” issues. President Trump told a cabinet meeting that he would use the shutdown to cut Democrat programs. Listen. TRUMP: “Despite all of the damage that it's caused, the shutdown has been pretty damaging, not yet, because it's early, but it gets a little bit worse as it goes along. And we'll be making cuts that will be permanent. And we're only going to cut Democrat programs.” 58% of Americans say Bible transformed their lives The American Bible Society released the latest chapter of its State of the Bible USA 2025 report.  The study found that 36% of U.S. adults believe the Bible is totally accurate in all the principles it presents. And 58% say the Bible has transformed their lives.  Meanwhile, 24% of Americans say the Bible is just another book of teachings written by people that contains stories and advice. A majority of those also say the Bible was written to control or manipulate people. But Psalm 18:30 says, “As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.” Monster pumpkin weighs 2,346 pounds And finally, a California engineer won a pumpkin-growing contest held on Monday in Half Moon Bay, south of San Francisco.  Brandon Dawson's monster pumpkin weighed in at a whopping 2,346 pounds, over 300 pounds ahead of the next contestant. He is now the champion of the 2025 Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off. Dawson told the Associated Press his kids loved the process. DAWSON: “Oh, it's very much a family affair, especially as the kids -- my kids are four and two, and especially my four-year-old, especially now can really pay attention to the growing process. I think both of them might have interest in doing it in their future. “We like to spend time out in the patch and watch the thing grow when it's picking up 50 to 70 pounds a day. You can really see it growing day over day.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Wednesday, October 15th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X  or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  I' m Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Dalla salita al potere di Hugo Chávez, e successivamente di Nicolás Maduro, il Venezuela si è progressivamente isolato sul piano internazionale. Oggi, il calo del prezzo del petrolio e la dipartita delle imprese straniere per l'alto tasso di corruzione hanno portato il Paese sull'orlo del baratro. Ma c'è chi progetta una svolta radicale. Ne parliamo con il capitano Javier Nieto Quintero, ex ufficiale della guardia nazionale venezuelana e noto esponente anti madurista.Torniamo poi a Gaza, per capire chi si occuperà di mantenere sicurezza e stabilità in questa delicata fase di transizione. Ne parliamo con l'ambasciatore Stefano Stefanini, senior advisor di ISPI e con Paola Caridi, giornalista, autice di "Il gelso di Gerusalemme" (Feltrinelli).

Congratulations are not usually in order for someone who has been forced into hiding, someone whose children are scattered across continents for their safety, someone whose supporters are sitting in prison cells for the crime of believing in democracy.  But our guest today, María Corina Machado, just won the Nobel Peace Prize—joining the ranks of Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., and the Dalai Lama, to name a few.  On Friday, the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded their 2025 Peace Price to the Venezuelan opposition leader for her tireless work “promoting democratic rights,” describing her as “a woman who keeps the flame of democracy burning amid a growing darkness.” She is Venezuela's first-ever Nobel Peace Prize winner.  Machado's story, as Jonathan Jakubowicz wrote in The Free Press, “is a political thriller come to life. A 58-year old industrial engineer and former member of parliament, she spent two decades as the most relentless opponent of Hugo Chávez and his successor, Nicolás Maduro.” That thriller came to a head on July 28, 2024, when Edmundo González, Machado's stand-in candidate, swept Venezuela's elections with over 90 percent of the vote. But Maduro, Venezuela's longtime dictator, claimed victory anyway and seized power. Since then, Machado has been living in hiding, her location undisclosed even to most of her allies, as the regime has arrested hundreds of political prisoners and issued a warrant for her arrest.  Machado has been nicknamed Venezuela's “Iron Lady,” the same moniker given to Margaret Thatcher, who happens to be her personal hero. She represents what may be the most significant challenge to authoritarian socialism in Latin America, and we couldn't be more thrilled to have her here today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

¡Vótame en los Premios iVoox 2025! El comité Nobel noruego acaba de otorgar el Premio Nobel de la Paz a la opositora venezolana María Corina Machado en reconocimiento por su lucha de muchos años para devolver la democracia en Venezuela y combatir la dictadura de Nicolás Maduro. Machado, una caraqueña de 58 años, es una figura muy conocida en su país y goza de un amplio apoyo, pero el chavismo no puede con ella. Su trayectoria política comenzó hace quince años como diputada, pero antes había presidido ya una ONG, Súmate, dedicada a exigir transparencia electoral, algo muy necesario en un régimen como el chavista que manipula las elecciones de forma rutinaria. Uno de sus primeros logros fue en 2004 cuando consiguió las firmas necesarias para celebrar un referéndum revocatorio contra Hugo Chávez, que, aunque se perdió, mostró un apoyo significativo a la oposición. Como diputada de 2011 a 2014, se significó por su confrontación directa con el régimen y eso le hizo ganar cierta notoriedad internacional. A diferencia de otros opositores que tratan de negociar e incluso encontrar acomodo dentro del chavismo, Machado mantiene una postura firme de oposición a la dictadura. Machado hace una enmienda a la totalidad del régimen chavista, un sistema político que ha convertido Venezuela en una brutal dictadura. La erosión de las libertades y el Estado de derecho comenzó en los primeros años de Chávez, se fue consolidando después y, con la llegada de Maduro, terminaron quitándose definitivamente la careta. El resultado es una crisis múltiple: económica, política y social que ha empujado a más de 8 millones de venezolanos al exilio, un éxodo sin precedentes en tiempos de paz. Este colapso contrasta con la época en la que Venezuela era un país al que acudían inmigrantes de todo el mundo. El Nobel a Machado es, en definitiva, un golpe al régimen de Maduro y a sus aliados de extrema izquierda, que ven en ella una amenaza por su popularidad y resistencia. El año pasado no pudo presentarse a las elecciones porque Maduro ordenó su inhabilitación, prestó apoyo entonces a Edmundo González, cuya victoria fue certificada por observadores independientes, lo que no fue obstáculo para que Maduro perpetrase un grosero fraude electoral. Tras ello González se tuvo que marchar a España y Machado pasó a la clandestinidad, desde donde lidera la oposición, pero sin salir de Venezuela. El premio llega en un momento de presión internacional contra el régimen chavista. EEUU ha emprendido una operación naval en el Caribe para luchar contra el narcotráfico vinculado al régimen. Su Gobierno también ofrece una elevada recompensa de 50 millones de dólares por la captura de Maduro. Aunque una invasión parece improbable, la tensión se ha incrementado en los dos últimos meses. El Nobel va en esa dirección. Visibiliza la lucha de Machado y complica cualquier acción del régimen contra ella ya que eso tendría un gran impacto internacional. Con o sin premio, María Corina Machado representa una esperanza para la transición democrática en un país donde el chavismo, hoy reducido a una simple maquinaria de represión y saqueo, ha aplastado a la sociedad civil. Su mensaje, que cala entre las clases populares, es que los problemas de Venezuela no son errores puntuales de la revolución, sino consecuencia directa de esa revolución. Su valentía y elocuencia la posicionan como persona a tener en cuenta para cuando en Venezuela vuelva a amanecer tras la larga noche del chavismo. En La ContraRéplica: 0:00 Introducción 3:55 Maria Corina y la larga noche del chavismo 33:30 Axa - Axa.es 35:08 El señalamiento en redes 41:20 Influencers con título 45:02 El himno de Pemán “Este episodio cuenta con la colaboración de AXA”. · Canal de Telegram: https://t.me/lacontracronica · “Contra el pesimismo”… https://amzn.to/4m1RX2R · “Hispanos. Breve historia de los pueblos de habla hispana”… https://amzn.to/428js1G · “La ContraHistoria del comunismo”… https://amzn.to/39QP2KE · “La ContraHistoria de España. Auge, caída y vuelta a empezar de un país en 28 episodios”… https://amzn.to/3kXcZ6i · “Contra la Revolución Francesa”… https://amzn.to/4aF0LpZ · “Lutero, Calvino y Trento, la Reforma que no fue”… https://amzn.to/3shKOlK Apoya La Contra en: · Patreon... https://www.patreon.com/diazvillanueva · iVoox... https://www.ivoox.com/podcast-contracronica_sq_f1267769_1.html · Paypal... https://www.paypal.me/diazvillanueva Sígueme en: · Web... https://diazvillanueva.com · Twitter... https://twitter.com/diazvillanueva · Facebook... https://www.facebook.com/fernandodiazvillanueva1/ · Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/diazvillanueva · Linkedin… https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernando-d%C3%ADaz-villanueva-7303865/ · Flickr... https://www.flickr.com/photos/147276463@N05/?/ · Pinterest... https://www.pinterest.com/fernandodiazvillanueva Encuentra mis libros en: · Amazon... https://www.amazon.es/Fernando-Diaz-Villanueva/e/B00J2ASBXM #FernandoDiazVillanueva #venezuela #mariacorina Escucha el episodio completo en la app de iVoox, o descubre todo el catálogo de iVoox Originals

¿Qué pasa cuando te quitas todos los títulos? ¿Cuando ya no eres tu profesión, tu nacionalidad, tus logros ni tus personajes? Hoy en En Defensa Propia tengo una conversación tan honesta como transformadora con el actor Andrés Parra, quien se ha atrevido a hacer algo que muchos no logran: despertar. En este episodio hablamos sin filtros de la depresión, del ego, del éxito que no salva, y de ese momento en la vida en que todo se desmorona para que algo nuevo nazca. Andrés Parra, conocido mundialmente por sus impactantes interpretaciones de Pablo Escobar y Hugo Chávez, nos abre su alma para contarnos cómo, detrás del éxito y la fama, había un hombre que ya no se hallaba, que estaba perdido, que tocó fondo. Nos cuenta cómo grabar con Messi y separarse de su pareja al mismo tiempo lo llevó a un quiebre total, a un proceso profundo de transformación interior. Y cómo fue precisamente ese dolor el que lo llevó a la meditación, el silencio, la terapia, y las medicinas ancestrales como el yopo. Esta conversación es sobre cómo convertir el sufrimiento en sabiduría, cómo abrazar nuestras sombras sin identificarnos con ellas, y cómo podemos aprender a vivir felizmente deprimidos, como dice él mismo. Porque no se trata de eliminar las emociones difíciles, sino de entender que no somos lo que sentimos. Andrés también nos habla del proceso de crear su show espiritual, un espectáculo único donde mezcla la profundidad con el humor vulgar y basto, demostrando que se puede hablar de espiritualidad sin túnicas, sin solemnidades, sin pretensiones. Solo con verdad. Y con risa. Reflexionamos sobre la trampa del prestigio, del personaje que construimos para ser queridos, y sobre la importancia de recordar que todos somos una luz, antes de que el sistema nos etiquetara y nos llenara de capas. Hablamos de cómo volver al silencio, al corazón, al presente, es lo que verdaderamente puede transformarnos. Si alguna vez te has sentido perdido, agotado de fingir, o si estás en esa etapa donde nada te llena, este episodio es para ti. Porque Andrés Parra no solo comparte su historia, sino que nos da pistas, herramientas y recordatorios para volver a casa. Tickets Puras Cosas Maravillosas