Podcasts about venezuelanalysis

In the latest of episode of the Venezuelanalysis podcast Host José Luis Granados Ceja is joined by fellow VA writer Cira Pascual Marquina and Sentido Común's Kurt Hackbarth to discuss what the second Donald Trump presidency has in store for Latin America. We talk about what we can conclude thus far based on these early hectic first weeks, what his mass deportation plans have in store for US regime change efforts and the lessons we can draw from the first time around.

In our yearly review, the editorial team from Venezuelanalysis looks at the state of the economy in Venezuela today, including efforts to build a grassroots alternative, as well as the 2024 presidential election and its aftermath. Plus we take a look at what 2025 might have in store for Venezuela and the Bolivarian Process.

The Venezuelanalysis podcast tackles the proverbial million-dollar question everyone is talking about: is the Trump administration about to do a rerun of the "interim government," this time with Edmundo González in place of Juan Guaidó?Host José Luis Granados Ceja is joined by fellow VA writer and editor Ricardo Vaz to talk about the different scenarios, sanctions and the economic balancing acts the Maduro government is facing.

The latest Venezuelanalysis podcast episode catches up on the latest developments from Venezuela on many fronts.Host José Luis Granados Ceja is joined by fellow VA writer Andreína Chávez Alava to discuss the recent arrests of foreign nationals and weapons seizures, the XVI BRICS Summit, and new corruption allegations in the Venezuelan oil industry.

With the Venezuelan opposition in disarray following its most recent attempts to take power, the ball is now in Washington's court. Where does the US empire go from here?Venezuelanalysis podcast host José Luis Granados Ceja and editor Ricardo Vaz went over the different scenarios in the latest episode. The conversation also covered the plunder of assets like CITGO, the thirst for Venezuelan resources and the global interconnectedness of imperialism.

Within hours of polls closing in Venezuela, the US began to circulate claims that incumbent President Maduro had stolen the election. There was just one problem—these claims emanated from outside the country before election results were even announced. The absence of evidence didn't stop corporate media outlets from running with the story. The accounts of more than 800 international election observers on the ground, however, paint a very different picture. While there is certainly political division within Venezuela, opposition to Maduro and the Bolivarian Revolution does not constitute an overwhelming majority. To understand why, it's crucial to examine the sides of the story left out in the corporate media narrative: the impact of US sanctions, the multiple US-backed coup attempts in Venezuela in the past 20 years, and the political and economic factors driving both support for and opposition to the Bolivarian Revolution.In this exclusive interview, The Real News speaks with three election monitors and journalists who were present on the ground in Venezuela during the election and its aftermath: Manolo de los Santos, Executive Director of The People's Forum; Zoe Alexandra, Editor of People's Dispatch; and journalist Andreína Chavez, a staff writer for Venezuelanalysis. Help us continue producing radically independent news and in-depth analysis by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer.Sign up for our newsletterLike us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterDonate to support this podcast

The debate about immigration and the humanitarian crisis at the US-Mexico border has taken center stage in the 2024 elections. But the terms of that “debate” have been set by Donald Trump and the MAGA right, who are calling for “mass deportation” and continue to demonize and scapegoat immigrants as the root cause of America's economic and political decline. With Democrats adopting much of the right's framing of the “immigration debate” and the “border crisis,” how should the left respond? In the face of the MAGA right's neofascist anti-immigrant campaign, what can working people do—during this election season and beyond—to build a truly multiracial resistance that defends the rights of all?Juan González, co-host of ‪Democracy Now‬!, hosts a timely and critical panel for The Real News on immigration, democracy, and the 2024 elections. Panelists include: José Luis Granados Ceja of Venezuelanalysis and Mexico Solidarity Media; Nana Gyamfi, executive director of the Black Alliance for Just Immigration; and Emily Lee, executive Director of Seed the Vote. This panel is cosponsored by Liberation Road.Read the transcript of this panel here. Pre-Production: Bill Gallegos, Maximillian Alvarez, Kayla RivaraStudio Production: David Hebden, Cameron GranadinoPost-Production: Adam ColeyHelp us continue producing Rattling the Bars by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer.Sign up for our newsletterLike us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterDonate to support this podcast

With the Venezuelan presidential elections fast approaching, Venezuelanalysis members José Luis Granados Ceja and Andreína Chávez sat down for a special podcast episode to discuss a range of topics, from imperialist soft power to corporate media propaganda. 

The brutal US-led sanctions campaign has led grassroots socialist organizations to reinvent themselves and come together to survive the conditions created by the economic blockade. In our latest podcast episode, we go deep into communes and the socialist project in Venezuela, discussing the challenges in building a communal economy, political autonomy and lots more. Host José Luis Granados Ceja is joined by Venezuelanalysis' Cira Pascual Marquina who shares her experiences documenting the efforts of communards to build their productive capacity and end their isolation. We also speak with Juan “Juancho” Lenzo, co-founder of Tatuy Televisión and the Communard Union's communications coordinator, to discuss the genesis of the Communard Union and its role in defending socialism as the strategic horizon of the Bolivarian Revolution.Music: Embandolaos - Los Caimanes NegrosDionis Bahamonde Alan Gonzalez Eli Rondon y Truk - Comuna o Nada

With the US reimposing oil sanctions, we look at the implications and how grassroots socialist movements hold the key to fighting back. On today's episode we talk with Laura Lorenzo about the Pueblo a Pueblo initiative, a grassroots plan for organizing the production, distribution, and consumption of food that directly connects agricultural producers with urban dwellers. Host José Luis Granados Ceja is also joined by Venezuelanalysis editor Ricardo Vaz to discuss the decision by the Biden administration to once again impose an oil blockade on Venezuela.Music: Embandolaos - Los Caimanes NegrosTyburcio - Campesino Amigo

With another year nearly behind us, Venezuelanalysis hosts a special podcast episode where we once again take stock of the Venezuelan political landscape and look at the most important topics from Venezuela. This time around, the VA staff sat down to discuss sanctions relief, the Essequibo dispute, upcoming elections and a lot more.

Beloved Dragonfly Dreamers and Astral Ospreys, I love and appreciate you all! Let's all come together and appreciate each other. Nature loves diversity. Nature seeks diversity. Nature creates diversity. And nature nurtures diversity. If push comes to lava, Nature MAKES diversity. So why not enjoy the ride.  This episode I'm pleased to feature my treasured Venezuelan correspondent: the dynamic, grounded and insightful Ricardo Vaz. Ricardo is a busy bee making the world a better place. He jet sets around the world shining light on economic sanctions, the root causes of migration, and a miraculous reality engine known in Venezuela as the Bolivarian process. Let the isms sit in the back seat for a change and allow your mind to drive. Check out the scenery ~ it's gorgeous. To my beloved Libertarian brothers and sisters: Venezuelans don't pay a lot of taxes. The filthy rich corporations get taxed. Which is only fair.  Free Palestine. Free Israel. Free us all. We Are Not Numbers: https://wearenotnumbers.org/ It's Divine Damn Time. 3 6 9 Support Ricardo, learn about Venezuela, and enjoy beautiful bilingual art, at Venezuelanalysis.com and Utopix.cc.Check out this illuminating text as well: A War Without Bombs: The Social, Political and Economic Impact of Sanctions Against Venezuela aims to provide readers with the tools to understand (and collectively revert) the devastating impact of the blockade on the people of Venezuela. Download link here: https://venezuelanalysis.com/opinion/a-war-without-bombs/Your loyal hermanito, little raven TRACKLIST FOR THIS EPISODEStar Wars - The Imperial March (Fair Use Edit: Slowed & Verbed)Dykotomi - Corvid CrunkElectronic Intifada Podcast feat. Ahmed Alnaouq - Journalist who lost more than 20 members of his family, including 14 children, when Israel bombed his house in Gaza. His family were seeking refuge; they were not militants. Sleep Central - Mexican Lofi Beats to Chill & Study ToPalmasur Lofi Mexicana - Beats Tranqui/EstudiarLos Ángeles De Charly - Un Sueño (Fair Use Edit: Slowed)Cumbias Para El Mundo TV - Una Cumbia Muy Buena y Muy SabrosoKaren y Los Remedios - Presagio (Fair Use Edit: Slowed)IIIPalestineIII - أغاني فلسطينية قديمة رائعة | Palestine SonSupport the showIf you dig the pod, check out the adjacent video & livestream show Barbarian Yak Fest w/ Dr. Sylvie & Deus ex Machinist on Rokfin: https://rokfin.com/BarbarianYakFestFind me on IG: barbarian_noetics Become a Beloved Patron: patreon.com/noetics (unlock bonus content plus win a Dream Interpretation)Direct Donate on PayPal @barbarian.noetics@proton.me or Cash App@ $BarbarianRavenOne time donation: buymeacoffee.com/noetics.Spread the word and tell a friend. Remember to set the BNP on Auto Download after you subscribe. I appreciate you all.Let's Activate the human spirit! FAIR USE DISCLAIMER:Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976 allows for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, education and research."The good things of prosperity are to be wished; but the good things that belong to adversity are to be admired." - Lucius Annaeus Seneca

On today's episode, we present to you two new books on Venezuela. The first is “A War Without Bombs: The social, political and economic impact of sanctions against Venezuela” written and published by the Venezuelanalysis team.The book is now available to everyone to download for free on our brand new website. A War Without Bombs aims to provide Venezuelanalysis readers, internationalists, activists, and people committed to social justice with the tools to understand the devastating impact of the blockade on the people of Venezuela.Host José Luis Granados Ceja speaks with Venezuela Analysis' Cira Pascual Marquina about the thinking behind a book on sanctions, its content, and the stories within that detail what working people in Venezuela are doing to build a socialist alternative in a country under siege.We'll also look at Commune or Nothing! Venezuela's Communal Movement and its Socialist Project by Chris Gilbert, professor of political studies at the Universidad Bolivariana de Venezuela. Chris talks to us about the place of communes in Venezuela's socialist project, as well as their place as a site of struggle and resistance against the US economic blockade.Music: Embandolaos - Los Caimanes NegrosIskra - El Imperio mismo

EPISODE: Ecuador's Presidential Election heads to a Second Round in OctoberGUEST: Pilar TroyaPilar is an Ecuadorian feminist anthropologist. Her main areas of interest are social public policies, especially concerning gender equality and the feminist movement. She has served as an advisor to the Ministry of National Planning and as an advisor and Deputy Minister to the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology of Ecuador. She is a researcher at Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research.BACKGROUND:Luisa González, of the Movimiento Revolución Ciudadana party, on Sunday took a lead in the first round of Ecuador's presidential and legislative elections, which have been marred by political assassinations as the Andean nation struggles with a wave of violence that has brought homicide rates, under the Lasso administration, to record levels.Gonzalez is set to face the surprise second-place finisher Daniel Noboa in a run-off election in October, according to the National Electoral Council of Ecuador (CNE), as neither candidate won more than 50% of the ballot.González has promised to enhance public spending and social programs and wants to address the security crisis by fixing the root causes of violence, such as poverty and inequality. A former tourism and labor minister in Correa's government, González has also called for the judiciary to be reinforced to help with prosecutions, analysts say.Daniel Noboa is the son of banana businessman Álvaro Noboa – who himself has run for the presidency at least five times. The 35-year-old was a lawmaker before outgoing President Guillermo Lasso dissolved the legislature and called for early elections.FOLLOW OUR GUEST: TwitterADDITIONAL LINKS:Ecuador's President Dissolves National Assembly Triggering Early ElectionsEcuador: The Lasso Government Post-National StrikeEcuador Erupts Against NeoliberalismTriContinental: Institute for Social ResearchOUR BROADCAST PARTNERS:WTF is Going on in Latin America & the Caribbean is a Popular Resistance broadcast in partnership with: Alliance for Global Justice, Black Alliance for Peace Haiti/Americas Team, CODEPINK, Common Frontiers, Council on Hemispheric Affairs, Friends of Latin America, InterReligious Task Force on Central America, Massachusetts Peace Action, Task Force on the Americas, and Venezuelanalysis

EPISODE:Nicaragua, A History of US Intervention & ResistanceGUEST:  Author, Activist and Labor Attorney, Daniel KovalikBACKGROUND:  The latest book by labor and human rights attorney, Daniel Kovalik, Nicaragua: A History of US Intervention & Resistance (2023, Clarity Press, 292 pages), is a worthy addition to the author's collection of works on countries targeted by U.S. imperialism, such as Venezuela, Russia, and Iran. While giving readers a thoughtful and much fuller picture than one can glean from the corporate media, this volume tells an engaging tale based on personal experience and extensive research.FOLLOW OUR GUEST:FacebookTwitterADDITIONAL LINKS:Nicaragua: A History of U.S. Intervention & ResistanceBook Review: Nicaragua, A History of US Intervention & Resistance, by Daniel KovalikOUR BROADCAST PARTNERS:WTF is Going on in Latin America & the Caribbean is a Popular Resistance broadcast in partnership with Black Alliance for Peace Haiti/Americas Team, CODEPINK, Common Frontiers, Council on Hemispheric Affairs, Friends of Latin America, InterReligious Task Force on Central America, Massachusetts Peace Action, Task Force on the Americas, and Venezuelanalysis 

EPISODE: Mexico: Expanding Democracy and Defending SovereigntyGUEST:  José Luis Granados Ceja, journalist with Venezuelanalysis and The Mexico Solidarity ProjectBACKGROUND:  The international press is again bludgeoning Mexican president Andrés Manuel López Obrador, this time accusing him of attacking the country's democratic institutions. It's a baseless charge intended to undermine a government that refuses total obedience to US hegemony.On February 23, an electoral reform bill received its final approval in the Mexican Senate en route to being signed into lawThe National Electoral Institute (INE) is widely recognized to be riddled with excess expenditure and a top-heavy bureaucracy. The new law simply mandates similar cost-saving measures to those that the administration of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has applied to other governmental departments. It eliminates duplicate functions at the local and district level, and fuses certain higher-level job descriptions. It also reins in eye-catching top salaries.The law also facilitates voting rights for the disabled, those held in pretrial detention, and the millions of migrants living abroad. It provides tougher sanctions for the endemic practice of vote-buying and enshrines in law the inclusion of minorities and members of vulnerable groups on candidate listsFOLLOW OUR GUEST:FacebookInstagramTwitterADDITIONAL LINKS:No, AMLO Is Not Undermining Mexican DemocracyVenezuelanalysisOUR BROADCAST PARTNERS:WTF is Going on in Latin America & the Caribbean is a Popular Resistance broadcast in partnership with Black Alliance for Peace Haiti/Americas Team, CODEPINK, Common Frontiers, Council on Hemispheric Affairs, Friends of Latin America, InterReligious Task Force on Central America, Massachusetts Peace Action and Task Force on the Americas.

EPISODE: Isolationism Ends: Maduro Visits BrazilGUEST: Ricardo Vaz, political analyst and editor at Venezuelanalysis.comBACKGROUND:  Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro traveled to Brazil as part of an official visit to meet with his counterpart Luiz Inácio “Lula” da Silva where the pair discussed regional and international cooperation, including the potential entry of Venezuela into the BRICS bloc.The high-level meeting comes as part of joint efforts to strengthen their bilateral ties following the restoration of diplomatic and economic relations after years of tension under Lula's predecessor Jair Bolsonaro, who embraced Washington regime change plots against Maduro, backing the so-called “interim” government of opposition figure Juan Guaidó.Monday's bilateral meeting also focused on reactivating trade between the two countries, which fell precipitously after Bolsonaro's recognition of Guaidó, severely impacting populations on both sides of the border. The pair also discussed efforts to advance regional integration.FOLLOW OUR GUEST:Ricardo Vaz:  FacebookVenezuelanalysis:FacebookTwitterADDITIONAL LINKS:Venezuela's Maduro Floats BRICS Entry in "Historic" Bilateral Meeting with Lula in BrazilToward a new UNASUR: Pathways for the Reactivation of South America IntegrationOUR BROADCAST PARTNERS:WTF is Going on in Latin America & the Caribbean is a Popular Resistance (Stop the Machine! Create a New World) broadcast in partnership with:  Black Alliance for Peace Haiti/Americas Team; CODEPINK: Women For Peace; Common Frontiers; Council on Hemispheric Affairs; Friends of Latin America; IRTF - The InterReligious Task Force on Central America; Massachusetts Peace Action; and Task Force on the Americas

Following a day-long discussion about U.S. interventionism and efforts to resist imperialism at the Latin America and Caribbean Policy Forum, host José Luis Granados Ceja is joined by Nick Estes from The Red Nation, Claudia De La Cruz from The People's Forum, Teri Mattson of the WTF is Going on in Latin America and the Caribbean podcast, Celina della Croce and Hector Figarella from the Anti-Imperialist Action Committee, as well as Venezuelanalysis' Greg Wilpert, to have a rich discussion about the fight to bury the Monroe Doctrine, ending sanctions on Venezuela, and drawing inspiration from the Bolivarian Revolution. This is a repost from our comrades at Venezuela Analysis. Follow them on Twitter (@venanalysis) and subscribe to their podcast.  Support www.patreon.com/redmediapr

Following a day-long discussion about U.S. interventionism and efforts to resist imperialism at the Latin America and the Caribbean Policy Forum, host José Luis Granados Ceja is joined by Nick Estes from The Red Nation, Claudia De La Cruz from The People's Forum, Teri Mattson of the WTF is Going on in Latin America and the Caribbean podcast, Hector Figarella from the Anti-Imperialist Action Committee, and Celina della Croce from the Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research, as well as Venezuelanalysis' Greg Wilpert, to have a rich discussion about the fight to bury the Monroe Doctrine, ending sanctions on Venezuela, and drawing inspiration from the Bolivarian Revolution.

A preview of the latest bonus episode. Get access to it and hours and hours of bonus content by signing up at the $5 level.   Friend of the podcast Ricardo Vaz is a writer and editor with VenezuelAnalysis.com Subscribe to their  podcast on your podcatcher and donate if you can at https://venezuelanalysis.com/donate    

With the year drawing to a close, the Venezuelanalysis staff recorded a special podcast episode. In this episode we take stock of the Venezuelan political landscape. Host José Luis Granados Ceja is joined by Cira Pascual Marquina, Andreína Chávez and Ricardo Vaz, each chose their "top story" for the year, analyzing different aspects of the Bolivarian Process, from popular power to anti-imperialist resistance. There was also time for a quick look ahead into the coming year and what could be in store for the South American nation, including the ongoing struggle for US sanctions relief and the return of stolen assets.

What's up to my bedazzling barracudas and sparkling scarlet ibises! Welcome back to the BNP everyone and thank you for joining! Shouts to my patrons: you all are the turmeric in my anti-inflammatory smoothie and the rose quartz dust upon my meditation pillow. You are appreciated. We have a banger of an episode this week folks! Returning to the BNP for the 5th time is my treasured Venezuelan correspondent: journalist and artist Ricardo Vaz, reporting live from Caracas.  Ricardo jumps back on the pod to discuss the current state of affairs in Venezuela.  If you read the Project Mockingbird legacy press (hi there NY Times), you would think that the U.S. and Venezuela are patching up their diplomatic differences and Niklas Maduro's government is rarin' to start delivering that yummy Venezuelan crude to the U.S. As Ricardo tells us, this is far from the case.No significant sanctions have in fact been lifted by the U.S., the Biden Regime is still denying that Maduro is even the rightful leader of the country, and Venezuela's economy continues to labor under the scorched earth U.S. led economic blockade. Despite all of this however, Venezuela is pushing on and moving forward with dignity and determination. They are slowly but surely increasing their refining capacity, and now with new leadership in Colombia, they are hopefully going to patch up relations with their neighbor nation to the West.We end the conversation by zooming out and discussing the nature of art, creative expression and life. Oh and how can I forget those zany audio tidbits.  This is the most nuanced coverage of Venezuela you are likely to get in English. Big thank you to Ricardo for hopping on and sharing his on-the-ground insights. Enjoy the conversation!Support Ricardo's work at https://venezuelanalysis.com/.Also, check out the Venezuelanalysis Podcast and the bilingual anti-capitalist art collective Utopix, to which Ricardo is a contributor.   Won't you please rate, review and subscribe to the BNP wherever you listen to podcasts?Help me stay on the air by becoming a beloved patron at www.patreon.com/noetics.  Signing up at any tier gets you a complimentary Orinoco crocodile! Act now: crocs going fast!Or, make a one-time, small donation at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/noetics!Check me out on IG @ barbarian_noetics!Email the pod at: barbarian.noetics@gmail.comUntil next week,be exquisite to one anotherand compassionate towards yourself.One Love,ConanTRACKLIST FOR THIS EPISODE EFEKT Studios - Broadcast News Intro ThemeDykotomi - Corvid Crunk CityScape Sounds - Early Morning Vibes Happy Lo Fi (Mix)J Dilla - Sunbeams (Extended Mix)Chill Lo Fi Hip Hop - Girl Wearing a Hat (Lo Fi Mix)Ikebe Shakedown - Curitiba StrutMeditative Mind - Positive Aura Cleanse (Binaural Beats & Solfeggio Mix)Francisco Kiko Villanueva - Qué bonita es Venezuela (Merengue Venezolano)The Bootleg Boy - Lo Fi Songs for Slow Days (Mix)Tommy McCook - Down on Bond StreetLINKShttps://library.brown.edu/create/modernlatinamerica/chapters/chapter-8-venezuela/primary-documents-with-accompanying-discussion-questions/document-21-address-to-the-united-nations-by-hugo-chavez-2006/Support the show

In this episode, the team at Venezuelanalysis answers questions submitted by readers and followers. From questions about Venezuela's relations with its neighbors to the future of the struggle against US imperialism, it's everything you always wanted to know about Venezuela.

The Great Housing Mission is undoubtedly one of the flagships of the Bolivarian Revolution. The program created by Hugo Chávez in 2011 has provided a reported four million houses for low-income families and looks to reach five million by 2025.In the newest episode of the Venezuelanalysis podcast, we go over the struggle to establish housing as a human right in Venezuela, as opposed to a capitalist commodity, and we put the spotlight on grassroots movements that have pushed the so-called “urban revolution.”Host José Luis Granados Ceja, fellow VA writer Andreína Chávez and Juan Carlos Rodríguez from the Pobladores Movement go over the housing mission and its achievements, as well as the emerging challenges and contradictions in Venezuela's current political context.

A preview of the latest bonus episode. Get access to it and hours and hours of bonus content by signing up at the $5 level.   You can also help keep the show going by donating directly via GoFundMe, Paypal, or Venmo.  Links available at eastpodcast.com Friend of the podcast Ricardo Vaz (@venanalysis) is a writer and editor with VenezuelAnalysis.com. Sign up directly at Patreon.com/east_podcast

Episode 43 of STARK REALITY with Host James Dier aka $mall ¢hange rolls out the red carpet to Venezuela for the exclusive in-depth Stark Reality interview with Caracas-based writer and editor RICARDO VAZ, recorded 2/23/22. Ricardo Vaz works for independent media outlet Venezuelanalysis and he is also a member of Venezuelan collectives Tatuy Tv and Utopix.  Ricardo grew up in Mozambique before going on to study theoretical physics in Portugal and the United States. But his communist ideals and Hugo Chávez eventually saw him move to Venezuela in 2019. Venezuelan Analysis is a key source of info on Venezuela in English (and obviously Spanish too), check them out they're great. We talk about various US f*ckery in Venezuela, the 2002 coup against Maduro, the clown Juan Guaido, Jack Ryan, media coverage and western propaganda, Alex Saab, sanctions, elections in Venezuela, the coup in Bolivia in 2019, Cuba, ex-pats, and traditional Latin American folk and protest music.  For Ricardo's accompanying exclusive Stark Reality playlist, a selection of his music from various countries, check out Episode 44 of Stark Reality on jasoncharles.net or on Stark Reality Playlists wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 44 of STARK REALITY PLAYLISTS with Host James Dier aka $mall ¢hange features the exclusive in-depth Stark Reality interview with Caracas-based writer and editor RICARDO VAZ. A stellar selection of his latin sounds from various countries, this mix features tracks by Carlos Puebla, Victor Jara, Chico Buarque, Victor Heredia, Maria Elena Walsh and much more. For full playlist information check out Stark Reality Episode 44 on jasoncharles.net Podcast Network's Music Channel Ricardo Vaz works for independent media outlet Venezuelanalysis and he is also a member of Venezuelan collectives Tatuy Tv and Utopix. To hear Ricardo’s exclusive in-depth Stark Reality interview, check out Episode 43 of Stark Reality on jasoncharles.net Podcast Network or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ricardo Vaz is a writer and editor with VenezuelAnalysis.com  Subscribe to their new podcast on your podcatcher.  Please consider supporting the show patreon.com/east_podcast

Justin Podur and Joe Emersberger join Matt to discuss their excellent new book, Extraordinary Threat: The US Empire, the Media, and Twenty Years of Coup Attempts in Venezuela. Justin is the founder of the Anti Empire Project and Anti Empire project Podcast. He is also the author of America's Wars on Democracy in Rwanda and the DR Congo and The Path of the Unarmed, He is also an associate professor at York University's Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change. Joe is a prolific anti imperialist author, primarily focused on Latin America. His writing can be found at FAIR, Counterpunch, Venezuelanalysis.com,, TeleSUR English and The Canary. Discussed in this Episode: - Justin and Joe's interest in Venezuela - The reality of the "once prosperous Venezuela that existed prior to Chavez. (also covered in Justin and Joe's article in FAIR) - The accomplishments of Chavismo - The myth of fraudulent Venezuela elections - Actually, "whataboutism" is an extremely useful critique of US empire as it engages in projection in 100% of its accusations against other nations - The manner by which the US attempts to destabilize or overthrow governments, and then cynically feigns outrage when targeted nations take any measures to defend their nations from subversion. - The racist, classist and violent character of the Venezuelan opposition - The imperialists' 'cynical weaponization of human rights even when they appear genuinely concerned, IE the New York Times is upset about torture... because it limits the US credibility to bully other nations. - The shameful role that US progressives (AOC, Bernie Sanders) have played in demonizing Venezuela - Hopes for the future of Chavismo and the Latin American left more broadly, Our Work: Read our "In the Context of Empire" blog with corresponding and expanded posts to this content! Find some of Matt's writing at CovertAction Magazine Social Media: Twitter- @JonTheContrary and @Mattylongruns Music produced by Zac McKenna

Shane Stranahan, co-host of Fault Lines, joins us to discuss US foreign policy. A recent study shows that the US and its allies are causing a worldwide decay of democracies through attacks on voting rights, judicial independence, and freedom of the press. According to the report, "36% of all democratic "backsliding" has happened in the U.S. and U.S.-aligned countries, including Turkey, Hungary, and Israel."Jim Kavanagh, writer at thepolemicist.net and CounterPunch, joins us to discuss Julian Assange. Two unannounced inspections at Belmarsh Prison in London revealed that the embattled publisher is living in unbearable conditions. The inspections found that the deplorable conditions are not compatible with an inmate maintaining a reasonable state of mental health and that precautions to prevent self-harm are almost nonexistent.Nick Davies, peace activist and author of "Blood on Our Hands: The American Invasion of Iraq," joins us to discuss the Pentagon budget. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) has said that the US needs to get its priorities straight as he plans for a no vote on the latest military budget. Also, retired US Army Major Danny Sjursen argues that the US empire is pinching pennies for its citizens and opening the financial floodgates for the military-industrial complex.K.J. Noh, peace activist, writer, and teacher, joins us to discuss China. President Xi Jinping has identified 3 basic principles and 4 priorities for the Asian world power. After he met with Biden, the Chinese leader made it clear that the US must turn his words of moderation into action. Scott Ritter, former UN weapon inspector in Iraq, joins us to discuss the likelihood of the US joining in a military engagement to support the Neo-Nazi government of Ukraine and/or the island of Taiwan. Patrick Lawrence argues that the people of the US would not be willing to accept the losses involved in such acts of folly and that the US government is well aware of that reality.John Burris, civil rights attorney, joins us to discuss two major US court cases. The jury continues to deliberate on the Kyle Rittenhouse case, and the European Union is calling on Oklahoma to commute the execution of Julius Jones. A petition for the commutation of Jones's execution has garnered over 6 million signatures.James Carey, editor/co-owner at Geopoliticsalert.com, joins us to discuss Israel. In a move that some observers view as propaganda, Israeli security personnel are drilling for a potential "dirty bomb" attack ostensibly by Hezbollah. Also, Defense Minister Benny Gantz continues to ramp up hawkish rhetoric against Iran as he claims that Israel is ready to go to war with the Islamic Republic.Ricardo Vaz, political analyst and editor at VenezuelAnalysis.com, joins us to discuss Venezuela. The US State Department is again condemning the Venezuelan elections before they occur. Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro lambasted the regime change neocons, stating that “It is shameful how the Department of State intends to interfere in the internal affairs of Venezuela.”

On November 21, Venezuela will hold its 27th election since Chávez came to power, critically this will be the first time since 2015 that Chavismo will face most of the opposition in an electoral contest after the self-styled Group of Four parties finally abandoned their boycott strategy.The third episode of the Venezuelanalysis podcast looks at the upcoming “mega elections” in Venezuela where over 70,000 candidates will vie for 3,082 positions. Apart from deciding regional authorities such as governors and mayors, the election will determine the fate of political gridlock in Venezuela.Host José Luis Granados Ceja talks to fellow VA member Paul Dobson about the issues in this election and the state of Chávez's model of a participatory democracy. We also hear from Venezuelan writer and theorist Reinaldo Iturriza, author of the book “El Chavismo Salvaje” and former Minister of the Communes and of Culture. Iturriza talks to VA about the potential for a reawakening of the Bolivarian grassroots and the return of the radical, US-backed wing of the opposition into the democratic process.Music:Embandolaos - Los Caimanes NegrosUh Ah, Chávez No Se Va

Dan Lazare, investigative journalist and author of "America's Undeclared War," joins us to discuss President Biden and the fallout from the recent elections. US President Joe Biden cited "Trump voters," schools, jobs, and rising fuel prices as reasons for the shocking upset of Virginia democrat Terry Mcauliffe in the reliably blue state. He appeared to imply that the failure of Congress to pass his legislation was a factor, but did not specifically articulate that as a principal reason for the outcome. Bob Schlehuber, host of the Radio Sputnik show "Political Misfits," joins us from the scene for an up-close and personal update to discuss the Ethiopian conflict. Rebel troops in Ethiopia are gathering outside of the capital city of Addis Ababa as the central government calls on citizens to take up arms in defense.Greg Palast, investigative reporter, joins us to discuss Congressional wrangling on Capitol Hill. Democrats are considering killing the filibuster after the GOP blocked a voting rights bill. However, election struggles on Tuesday and the looming possibility of surrendering the upper house to their political rivals in 2022 are giving some members great pause.Wyatt Reed, Sputnik News analyst and producer, joins us to discuss upcoming elections in Nicaragua. The popular government of Daniel Ortega is facing great hardship as the US empire works both above and below the board in a brazen attempt to interfere with their election process. Neoliberal forces in the West, including social media and traditional media outlets, are working hand in glove with the US State Department and the intelligence agencies of the empire.Mark Sleboda, Moscow-based international relations security analyst, joins us to discuss Russia and Eastern Europe. The "former" leader of a Ukrainian neo-Nazi paramilitary group has been appointed to the role of adviser to the commander-in-chief of the armed forces in the far right wing government of Volodymyr Zelensky. Also, troop movements inside the borders of the Russian Federation are being referred to as "concerning" by US media outlets with close ties to the intelligence agencies.Steve Poikonen, national organizer for Action4Assange, joins us to discuss social media. Facebook has decided to ditch its use of facial recognition software on the platform. Also, social media and tech giants seem to be working directly for the US empire's regime change machine as they delete numerous pro-government accounts days before the Nicaraguan elections.Dr. Ken Hammond, professor of East Asian and global history at New Mexico State University and activist with Pivot for Peace, joins us to discuss Asia. South Korea is moving to end the decades-long war with its northern sister nation, but is facing pushback from the US empire. Observers suspect that the loss of an excuse for Pentagon spending could be a factor. Also, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) is introducing a bill that would provide 3 billion dollars in taxpayer dollars per year to the arms industry in exchange for providing weapons to Taiwan.Ricardo Vaz, political analyst and editor at VenezuelAnalysis.com, joins us to discuss Venezuela. In a move that appears to be instigated by the US empire, the International Criminal Court has opened an investigation against the Venezuelan government for crimes against humanity. Ironically, this occurs as the United States causes the deaths of tens of thousands of Venezuelan citizens through the use of illegal sanctions, but faces no similar investigation by the international body.

The corporate media coverage of Venezuela has always placed its focus on Chávez and Maduro, what the government did or said. This narrative, and the respective counter-narrative, ignore one key element of the Bolivarian Process: popular power.The second episode of the Venezuelanalysis podcast focuses on grassroots organizations under conditions of duress: a years-long economic crisis and devastating US sanctions.Host José Luis Granados Ceja first talks to fellow VA member Cira Pascual Marquina on how communes, described by Chávez as the “unit cell” for the construction of socialism, have survived, or even thrived, in the current context. We also feature young communard leader Jesús García from the Altos de Lídice Socialist Commune in Caracas. García talks about how a commune works, the contradictions that emerge with the state and how popular organizations are best suited to address people's problems.Music:Embandolaos - Los Caimanes NegrosGino González - Todos nosotros con Chávez

Scott Ritter, former UN weapon inspector in Iraq, joins us to discuss Afghanistan. There are reports of multiple deaths and injuries outside of Kabul airport as suicide bombers seem to have taken advantage of the chaos. Multiple outlets are reporting that US service personnel are among the wounded.Dr. Gigi El-Bayoumi, professor of medicine at George Washington University Hospital and founding director at Rodham Institute at GWU, joins us to discuss covid. The Delta variant has taken a firm grip on the US, as emergency rooms are filling up and numbers are returning to pre-vaccination levels. Also, the Chicago police union is pushing back against a vaccine mandate for city employees.Ted Rall, political cartoonist and syndicated columnist, joins us to discuss Facebook. The powerful social media company has signaled that it is considering the formation of an election commission. The group will potentially include scholars and policy experts who will act as an advisory board on issues related to misinformation and political ads. Facebook currently uses the Atlantic Council, a NATO-funded think-tank, to advise it on similar issues. Outside observers are concerned that the social media company will censor valid reporting that opposes the US State Department's narrative.Miko Peled, author and activist, joins us to discuss Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Benett is in Washington, DC, meeting with high-level officials regarding Iran. The hawkish advocate for military intervention has reportedly said that he is speeding up plans to launch a military strike on the Islamic Republic and pushing for more unconventional attacks on Iranian targets.Ricardo Vaz, political analyst and editor at Venezuelanalysis.com, joins us to discuss Venezuela. The Orinoco Tribune is reporting that "Venezuela has submitted to the Prosecutor's Office of the International Criminal Court (ICC) a new report containing evidence on the damage caused by the illegal sanctions." The report also presents evidence that the US and EU are taking punitive actions to intentionally cause suffering to the Venezuelan people.Gerald Horne, professor of history at the University of Houston, author, historian, and researcher, joins us to discuss the US empire. A new report shows that the US has spent approximately 2.3 trillion dollars on the Afghanistan invasion and occupation. Also, the US empire has over 750 bases scattered across 81 countries, which come at great cost to the citizens of the US and the nations being occupied.Carlos Castaneda, immigration lawyer, joins us to discuss immigration. A recent Supreme Court decision suggests that the Department of Homeland Security made an error when it rescinded a Trump-era immigration policy, but does not clearly articulate the nature of the error. Dr. Jack Rasmus, professor in economics and politics at St. Mary's College in California, joins us to discuss issues related to labor. A significant number of employees are being forced to sign non-competition agreements restricting their ability to maximize their knowledge and skills to the best of their ability for compensation. Also, we discuss Amazon's war on organized labor.

What's up to my tremulous tapaculos and fantabulous flowerpiercers! Welcome back to the BNP y'all! Super yummy episode this week. Thank you for tuning in and supporting!! This ep is Part Two of a fruitful and elucidating chat with Ricardo Vaz, esteemed author, journalist, artist and friend. Shout out to Ricardo for coming back on the pod for the 3rd time and for being so generous with his time and insights. Tune in to hear Ricardo lead the way as we dive into a detailed and nuanced discussion of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), including giving air time to grievances from the Left of the Party, while always centering the extreme strain and constraints being imposed on PSUV by the brutal U.S. sanctions and economic blockade. It really cannot be overstated how awful these punitive measures are. And for what? For the sovereign nation of Venezuela insisting on its own self-determination. Imperial hegemony and hubris is a real bitch. Additionally, we highlight the recent surprise election in Peru of teacher and union leader Pedro Castillo, who narrowly defeated Keiko Fujimori, the daughter of Peru's ex dictator Alberto Fujimori. We chat about other juicy topics as well, but you'll just have to tune in to find out more. Please support Ricardo's excellent work at Venezuelanalysis ( the best English language news source on Venezuela) and at Utopix (https://utopix.cc/),  a "collaborative work community for a counter-hegemonic, anti-capitalist and alternative visual communication." Help keep the BNP on the air by becoming a patron for as little as $1/month (3.3 cents a day) at www.patreon.com/noetics. You receive monthly truckloads of magnum black jaguars when you sign up!* I can haz followers? BNP on IG @conantannerI can haz haikus? Send me one at barbarian.noetics@gmail.com and I'll read it on the air. Thank you for spreading the word and telling a friend about the BNP, and please don't forget to rate, review and subscribe! Until next week everyone, be good to yourselves and to each other. One Love,ConanTRACKLIST FOR THIS EPISODE Intro track by: Dykotomi - Corvid Crunk Atyya - Seeing Truly Juzhin - TopeloBest of Devaloops (Instrumental Hip Hop Mix)Andre Nickatina - Ate Miles from the city of dopeNeblinna - Mixtape Live Vol. 1Fantastic Music - Record Shop Lo Fi MixSashaMarie - Her NeedsMikkoh - Foreward (Mix)LL Cool J - Illegal Search  Dead Prez - Fuck the Law *you don't really get any jaguars, that would be messed up.Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/noetics)

What's up to my obcordate Orinoco crocodiles and amethystine Amazon river dolphins!  ('Obcordate' means heart-shaped (especially in botany with the point of attachment at the narrow end of leaf- I didn't know it either.)Welcome back to the BNP and thank you for hopping in! I appreciate your love and support, mis pequeños oyentes de flores encantadoras. 

This is part two one of a two-part conversation with Cira Pascual Marquina and Chris Gilbert, editors of the book Venezuela, The Present As Struggle: Voices From The Bolivarian Revolution. The book is a collection of interviews with Chavistas, communards, campesinos, and a variety of activists, organizers, intellectuals and workers from the grassroots in Venezuela.  Cira Pascual Marquina is Political Science professor at the Universidad Bolivariana de Venezuela in Caracas and a writer and editor for Venezuelanalysis.com. Chris Gilbert teaches Marxist political economy at the Universidad Bolivariana de Venezuela. His articles have appeared in Rebelión, LaHaine, Monthly Review, and CounterPunch. Gilbert and Pascual Marquina are creators of the Marxist educational program Escuela de Cuadros, broadcast on Venezuelan public television. In part two of our discussion here, we ask Pasqual Marquina and Gilbert why Chavez continues to be such an important figure for the left in Venezuela years after his death. We also talk about tendencies within the left that can tend to denounce or renounce state power. The editors discuss critiques within the book related to clientelism, and their thoughts on role of the party and of direct democracy - and the voices of the people - in a revolutionary process. Please support Venezuelanalysis.com as the best English language source of information coming out of Venezuela. And of course if you appreciate the work we do bringing you interviews like this, please remember to support us on patreon if you are able.  

This is part one of a two-part conversation with Cira Pascual Marquina and Chris Gilbert, editors of the book Venezuela, The Present As Struggle: Voices From The Bolivarian Revolution. This book is a collection of interviews with Chavistas, communards, Campesinos, and a variety of activists, organizers, intellectuals and workers from the grassroots in Venezuela.  The book offers a view of both the impacts of US imperialism and sanctions in Venezuela, but also the voices of the Venezuelan people on the pathway out of the existing crisis and toward socialism.  In this first part of our conversation, Cira and Chris talk about the subjects they interview in their book. We also discuss internationalism, US sanctions, some tendencies within the Bolivarian revolution, and some of the challenges that face rentier economies like Venezuela’s. Gilbert and Pascual Marquina also share insights on the communes and the struggles of campesinos and why the represent the most revolutionary possibilities for the present and future of the Bolivarian process. A couple quick plugs, please support Venezuelanalysis.com as the best English language source of information coming out of Venezuela. And of course if you appreciate the work we do bringing you interviews like this, please remember to support us on patreon if you are able.

Dr. Linwood Tauheed, associate professor of economics at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, joins us to discuss the surge of GameStop stocks. Reddit commentators acted in unison to affect the stock market in a sign that the occupy movement is moving online. Video game retailer GameStop saw a surge in stock value driven by investments from users on the subreddit r/WallStreetBets. The retail company was barely hanging on before online buyers set up a dynamic to drive the prices up and devastate the hedge funds betting on its prices to tumble. Margaret Flowers, pediatrician, health reform activist and co-director at Popular Resistance, joins us to discuss a report on the dramatic undercounting of nursing home deaths in New York State. A breaking investigation by the New York attorney general shows that a random sample of data demonstrates that the number of deaths in nursing homes have been undercounted by as much as 56%. It also found that poor infection control practices and understaffing helped fuel the crisis. James Carey, editor and co-owner of Geopolitics Alert, joins us to discuss F-35 sales to UAE. The Biden administration has halted sales of the new fighters to the United Arab Emirates in what is perceived by some as an effort to cripple their efforts to attack Yemen. Other analysts have suggested it is related to ensuring that Israel maintains air superiority in the Middle East. Dr. Gerald Horne, author, historian, researcher and professor of history at the University of Houston, returns to discuss China. In his CounterPunch article"China: Enemy Du Jour? But Why?" Melvin Goodman argues China is simply a foil for US foreign policy declarations. Dr. Horne discusses the reasons the United States has set its crosshairs on China as the latest boogeyman. Ricardo Vaz, political analyst and editor at Venezuelanalysis.com, returns to talk about Venezuela. The US media has refuted former US President Donald Trump's claims of election interference due to lack of evidence; however, they have repeated US State Department claims of election interference in Venezuela, despite both a lack of evidence to support the allegations and ample evidence to refute them. In an ominous sign, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki recently stated, “The goal of the United States is to support a democratic, peaceful transition in Venezuela through free and fair elections.” Robert Fantina, pro-Palestinian activist, peace and human rights leader, journalist and author of “Essays on Palestine,” returns to discuss Iran. The Middle Eastern nation has indicated it will respond to the actions of the United States - not its words. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Antony Blinken is indicating the US is not in a rush to return to the 2015 nuclear deal, and has implied the US may present requirements that Iran is clearly unwilling to accept. Is the Biden administration working to find a way out of returning to the deal? Dan Lazare, investigative journalist and author of "The Velvet Coup," joins us to discuss Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The newly confirmed official has indicated he intends to corrupt the Iran nuclear deal in a manner that will likely kill it. Also, Blinken has indicated he intends direct and dangerous confrontation with China, and has made concerning statements about expanding NATO and threatening Russian strategic interests in a way that risks military confrontation. Ted Rall, political cartoonist and syndicated columnist, returns to discuss social media censorship. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has indicated a further crackdown on his social media platform. He recently issued a statement in which he argued, “We're currently considering steps we could take to reduce the amount of political content in News Feed,” Zuckerberg wrote, adding, “One of the top pieces of feedback we're hearing from our community right now is that people don't want politics and fighting to take over their experience.” Zuckerberg said the company is planning a number of steps, including keeping civic and political groups out of recommendations and reducing the amount of political content in users' News Feeds.

Caleb Maupin, journalist and political analyst, joins us to talk about the coming crackdown on both social media and social unrest. President Trump has been banned and removed from Twitter and many other social media platforms. Additionally, President-elect Joe Biden has unveiled a commensurate legislative package that he is referring to as a "domestic terrorism" bill. Civil libertarians fear that the bill will be specifically intended to crack down on dissent and protests endangering 1st amendment rights and greenlighting repressive and heavy-handed police tactics.Dr. Jehan "Gigi" El-Bayoumi, professor of medicine and founding director of the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences' Rodman Institute, returns to discuss the latest covid19 news. A recent Johns Hopkins report revealed that Coronavirus deaths hit another record high on Tuesday in the United States with just over 4,300 people dying in one day. Also, President-elect Joe Biden is asking Congress to come up with right around $400 billion to address the Coronavirus pandemic. These funds will be directed towards creating a national vaccination program, expanding testing, and hiring an additional 100,000 community health workers. Dr. Jack Rasmus, professor in the Economics and Politics Departments at St. Mary's College of California, joins us to discuss the economic measures proposed by President-elect Joe Biden's economic team. The legislation would expand a tax credit for children, create a national infrastructure for vaccine distribution, and increase the unemployment bonus from 300 to 400 dollars per week. Dr. Jack also discusses the effect of the 2,000 dollar stimulus checks on the current US economy.Ricardo Vaz - Political analyst and editor at Venezuelanalysis.com and Ofelia Carillo, co-editor at Anticonquista, an anti-imperialist third world media collective created by and for the Latin American and Caribbean diaspora come together to discuss Latin America's response to the DC protests and occupation of the Capitol building. Additionally, they discuss the ramifications of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo naming Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism. Danny Haiphong, author and contributor to Black Agenda Report, teams up with Margaret Kimberley, editor and senior columnist at Black Agenda Report and author of "Prejudential: Black America and the Presidents," joins us to discuss A leaked recording of Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey addressing staff at a virtual meeting in which he reveals what appears to be a hidden agenda to expand the company's censorship policy much further than banning President Donald Trump's account. Also, they discuss the possibility of violence on or near inauguration day and the effect of last week's protests on the ability of the US to project their empire as a beacon of democracy.

Dr. Linwood Tauheed, associate professor of economics at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, joins us to discuss the recently approved coronavirus relief package. Trump reluctantly signed the bill, which he previously called a "disgrace," after identifying massive pork-barrel expenditures and railing against the surprisingly small $600 stimulus checks for American citizens. Will this last bit of economic haggling send Trump out looking like a working-class populist despite his history of neoliberal tax cuts and corporate bailouts?Ted Rall, political cartoonist and syndicated columnist, joins us to talk about the apparent suicide bombing at an ATT building in Nashville, Tennessee. Evidence points to an individual who has a history of railing against 5G technology as a threat to human health. Is this a lone wolf attack, or could there be a terrorist group supporting the project? Also, is this action related to the anomie created by pandemic-related economic desperation, and will it be used to increase online censorship in the name of containing conspiracy theories?Dan Lazare, investigative journalist and author of "The Velvet Coup," joins us to talk about his recent article in which he puts forth a number of unanswered questions about the recent "suspected" Russian hack. Lazare wrote an extensive article on the Strategic Culture website and surprisingly found that it was censored from Facebook. Also, Lazare discusses indications that Russian leaders expect an increase in cold war tactics under the Biden administrationLaith Marouf, broadcaster and journalist based in Beirut, Lebanon, joins us to discuss the Christmas Eve Israeli missile attacks on Syria. Israel again claims that these attacks were related to Iran's allies in Syrian territory. Are these attacks part of a broader plan to apply pressure to the incoming Biden administration or deflect from internal political turmoil as Israel prepares for its third election in two years?Nicolas Davies, peace activist and author of "Blood on Our Hands: The American Invasion and Destruction of Iraq"; and Elisabeth Myers, attorney and former editor-in-chief of Inside Arabia, come together to talk about recent developments in Yemen. A new government was recently sworn in after Saudi Arabia helped negotiate a power-sharing deal. Will the Houthis accept this agreement or reject it as interference by an outside power? Also, large protests are taking place in many parts of Yemen because no women have been included in the country's 24-member Cabinet, a situation that has not arisen for 20 years.Mark Sleboda, Moscow-based international relations and security analyst, returns to discuss the Alexei Navalny saga and new sanctions pending over the Nordstream 2 Project. The claims of poisoning have taken an odd turn, as Navalny and his handlers have dropped the poisoned water bottle story and presented a new case involving poisoned underwear. Also, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov addressed the latest round of US sanctions designed to stop the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project connecting Russia with Germany, calling them a "cowboy-like raid" and attempted hostile takeover.Scott Ritter, former UN weapons inspector in Iraq, returns to discuss the incoming Biden administration's options for the Iran nuclear deal. One hundred and fifty Democrats from the US House of Representatives have signed a letter supporting US President-elect Joe Biden's push to have the country reenter the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. However, the letter notes that returning to the deal will be a starting point to address other regional activities by the Persian nation. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has said that Russia is in agreement with Iranian leadership that a return to the deal must have no preconditions.Latin American Coordinator of Code Pink Teri Mattson joins us to discuss Venezuela's struggle for independence. "The International Observation Committee to Venezuela's National Assembly (AN) elections delivered its final report on Monday," according to Venezuelanalysis. "The CEELA's [Latin American Council of Electoral Experts] participation began two months ago, with its members partaking in the 13 audit processes prior to elections, focusing on aspects such as the electoral registry, data, software and voting notebooks." Also, despite a fractured and dysfunctional opposition coalition, self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido, who is backed by the US, has called for more sanctions and increased suffering for the citizens of his nation.

While there is no evidence of fraud, an opposition boycott and declining government support drove abstention in Venezuela's legislative elections to record levels, says Ricardo Vaz of Venezuelanalysis.com

Ricardo Vaz, analyst and editor at Venezuelanalysis.com, and our own Garland Nixon, co-host of Radio Sputnik's The Critical Hour, join us to discuss the election in Venezuela. Who is recognizing the results, and who isn’t? The UK issued a statement saying it recognizes the National Assembly elected in 2015 and recognizes Guaidó as interim president of Venezuela. Brazil has called the elections illegitimate, Colombia doesn’t recognize them, and the US on Monday morning called them a sham.Dr. Kenneth Surin, professor emeritus of literature and professor of religion and critical theory at Duke University, joins us to discuss the big news this weekend in France, where thousands of people across the country have protested against a proposed security bill that would make it more difficult to film police officers. In total, nearly 100 rallies were planned nationwide on Saturday. "Media freedom and human rights groups have led protests for weeks to have the government scrap or revise a bill that would restrict the filming of police, saying it would make it harder to prosecute cases of abuse," AFP reported over the weekend.Jim Goodman, president of the National Family Farm Coalition, joins us to discuss plans to ban live animal exports for slaughter being unveiled in the UK. The practice could be banned by the end of 2021. In the UK, the legislation results from a combination of Brexit issues and animal welfare campaigning - an attempt to end the practice a few years ago was squashed because it was found to violate the EU’s free trade rules, for example. Now, the government seems like it’s taking the opportunity to put another positive spin on Brexit by moving to lead on animal welfare issues, in its own words.David Schultz, Distinguished University Professor of Political Science and Legal Studies at Hamline University and author of "Presidential Swing States: Why Only Ten Matter," joins us to discuss his latest piece, "The Problem with Governing by Presidential Executive Order." We'll also cover education in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. "A study being released this week by McKinsey & Co. estimates that the shift to remote school in the spring set white students back by one to three months in math, while students of color lost three to five months," the Washington Post reported Sunday. "As the coronavirus pandemic persists through this academic year, McKinsey said, losses will escalate."

What's up to my Lemurian Libertadoras and Juice Cleansing Jaguars! Welcome back to the BNP y'all! It's a hazy morning here in S. Phx but the BNP is coming through clear and direct for your listening pleasure. And this is an episode I've been looking forward to for a minute, the return of Ricardo Vaz to Barbarian Noetics! Ricardo Vaz is a journalist, artist, researcher and translator. Ricardo writes for Venezuelanalysis.com (the best english language media nexus for real news about Venezuela). He has also been published in Mintpress news, Counterpunch, Monthly Review, Truthout and Investig'Action.Ricardo is also a contributor at Utopix, a collaborative artistic community for post-Capitalist media and communication. which you should all immediately check out bc its hella rad, at www.utopix.cc/content. Ricardo calls in to the BNP direct from Venezuela to discuss the upcoming Venezuelan elections in December, and to chat about the recent landslide MAS victory in Bolivia. We also discuss the ramifications of a Joe Biden administration on Latin America and much more. This is an episode not to be missed, enjoy! Thank you for spreading the word and telling a friend about the BNP! Please don't forget to rate, review and subscribe to the BNP wherever you listen to podcasts. And you can become a lifeline to and a patron of the project at www.patreon.com/noetics. Check me out on Instagram @conantannerWrite the show: barbarian.noetics@gmail.comUntil next time everyone,Be good to yourselvesand to each other. One Love, ConanCheck out:https://venezuelanalysis.com/(THE best English language source for decolonized Bolivarian-centric news about Venezuela.)and www.utopix.cc/content (Super dope post-Capitalist artistic collective that Ricardo contributes to.) andthe Chávez theoretical reference literature that Ricardo mentioned was Istvan Meszaros and his book "Beyond Capital"TRACK LIST FOR THIS EPISODE Dykotomi- Corvid CrunkTowerz- Until Tomorrow (Chilled Cow Mix)Arany Zoltan - El Tigrito Bishop Nehru - Up Up and Away feat. Lion BabeSebastian Kamae X Aylior - Zero (Chilled Cow Mix)Rammstein - AmerikaLion Babe - Still In Love feat. JunglepussyCurtis Mayfield - Power to the PeopleSupport the show (http://www.patreon.com/noetics)

Jim Kavanagh, Writer at The Polemicist and CounterPunch, joins us to discuss the lawsuits that the president's campaign filed. On Thursday, judges in Georgia and Michigan dismissed two of the suits. Daniel Lazare, investigative journalist and author of "The Velvet Coup," discusses recent statements from Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. On Wednesday, Rouhani said in a televised Iranian Cabinet meeting that his country is prepared for a complicated relationship with the US regardless of who wins the presidential election. He also said the US should respect Iran and return to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action nuclear deal. "We want to be respected, not subject to sanctions," Rouhani said, according to Al-Monitor. "No matter who wins the US election … what we want is for the US to return to law … to return to international and multilateral accords."Laith Marouf, broadcaster and journalist based in Beirut, Lebanon, joins us to discuss a potential Biden administration's goals for Syria. "According to a report from Asharq Al-Awsat, a senior Biden advisor met with a group of Syrians to go over what a Biden administration's Syria policy would look like," Antiwar.com reported Tuesday. "The advisor said Biden would keep a US military presence in northeast Syria to counter Russia and keep reconstruction funds from the country unless 'meaningful' political reform occurs."Shane Stranahan, co-host of Radio Sputnik's Fault Lines, discusses the legalization of marijuana in several US states and other changes in drug laws. "Voters in various states across the country approved a series of statewide ballot proposals on Election Day legalizing the use and distribution of marijuana for either medical or adult-use purposes," The Hill reported Wednesday. Also, the Associated Press reported that samed day, "In a first in the nation, Oregon has rejected charging drug users with criminal offenses, with voters passing a ballot measure that decriminalizes possession of heroin, methamphetamine, LSD, oxycodone, and other hard drugs."Ray McGovern, Former CIA analyst and co-founder of Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity, joins us to discuss US online censorship. "Anonymous officials told The Washington Post that the US undertook a cyber operation within the last two weeks against Iran," Antiwar.com reported Tuesday. "US Cyber Command Chief Gen. Paul Nakasone issued a statement late Tuesday night that said the US took action against 'adversaries' to prevent election interference," the outlet noted.Mark Sleboda, Moscow-based international relations and security analyst, joins us to discuss the latest in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Russian President Vladimir Putin met with religious leaders Wednesday and said that Moscow is doing everything it can to bring the conflict to an end.Danny Sjursen, retired US Army Major and author of "Patriotic Dissent: America in the Age of Endless War," joins us to discuss Latin America resisting the US. "Iran's foreign minister began his trip to Latin America in Venezuela, where he arrived on Wednesday to promote a strategic alliance," Telesur reported Tuesday. In addition to Venezuela, the trip includes stops in Cuba and Bolivia. Meanwhile, over at Venezuelanalysis.com, "Steve Ellner argues that average Venezuelans understand that US sanctions hurt them and should be resisted."Ajamu Baraka, former US vice-presidential candidate for the Green Party, joins us to discuss Kenn Orphan's Thursday article at CounterPunch about the root of the current problems in America. Orphan argues that "Donald Trump was never the real problem. He was and is the rancid product of a centuries-long experiment in racist colonial settler imperialism, first born on the continent, then later exported to the entire world."

From 9 to 10:30 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, Pence and Harris face off in the vice-presidential debate at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. What are the challenges that face both candidates, and what's at stake for each of them?Kyrgyzstan's "electoral agency annulled the results of Sunday's disputed parliamentary elections and the president offered to mediate," the New York Times reported Tuesday. "But it remained unclear who was in control." What's going here, and why now? "The conservative-dominated US Supreme Court late Monday largely revived a South Carolina law requiring that absentee ballots contain a witness signature, a Republican-passed mandate that could increase voters' exposure to the coronavirus," Common Dreams reported Tuesday. How could this affect the forthcoming elections?"Craig Murray, the former British ambassador to Uzbekistan and longtime confidant of Julian Assange, has been fastidiously reporting on the Australian publisher's extradition hearing to the United States. Yet few people have been reading it," Alan MacLeod wrote in a Monday piece for MintPress News. "This, according to Murray, is because of a deliberate decision by online media giants to downplay or suppress discussion of the case." "China, Russia and two dozen other countries called on the United States and Western nations to end the use of unilateral sanctions, which they said make it harder to deal with COVID-19," AFP reported Monday. "In a statement read by Chinese envoy Zhang Jun at the United Nations, they accused the US of violating human rights, systematic racial discrimination and hindering development in countries it places economic sanctions on." Has the moral high ground shifted?"Iran and Venezuela are two of President Donald Trump's most frequent foreign-policy targets, and increasing US pressure has only brought the two closer," Business Insider reported Sunday. "Their ties are again on display ahead of the presidential election, as US actions directed at Iran raise concerns Trump could seek a confrontation for political benefit." What are we to make of this? There's a great piece in Responsible Statecraft by William Smith making the assertion that "empire is destroying the American republic." Smith opens by writing, "Many American hawks fail to grasp one of the most axiomatic rules of history: when a republic becomes an empire, it is no longer a republic." What are the highlights?"The United States is arguably the most secure country on Earth, with friendly nations to the north and south and great oceans isolating it from its claimed biggest rivals, China and Russia," read a South China Morning Post editorial published on September 20. "But superpower status demands shows of strength and that has driven military budget increases that if approved, will push spending for fiscal 2021 to US$740 billion, more than one-third of the global total." Is this show of military strength really necessary?Guests:Daniel Lazare - Investigative journalist and author of "The Velvet Coup"Mark Sleboda - Moscow-based international relations and security analystGreg Palast - Investigative reporterDaniel Lazare - Investigative journalist and author of "America's Undeclared War"Dr. Margaret Flowers - Pediatrician, health reform activist and co-director at Popular ResistanceJim Jatras - Retired US diplomat and GOP Senate foreign policy adviserRichard Lachmann - Professor at the State University of New York at Albany and author of "First Class Passengers on a Sinking Ship: Elite Politics and the Decline Great Powers"Leo Flores - Latin America coordinator for Code PinkRicardo Vaz - Political analyst and editor at Venezuelanalysis.com

Ricardo Vaz, analyst and editor of Venezuelanalysis.com, joins us to discuss a British appeals court that ruled in favor of the Venezuelan government of Nicolas Maduro, and said the legal fight over the future of $1 billion in gold stored in the vaults of the Bank of England should be reconsidered. The judges Monday reversed a lower court ruling that the U.K. had unequivocally recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president. What does the ruling mean for Maduro?Kumi Smith, assistant professor in the Division of Epidemiology and Community Health at the University of Minnesota, joins us to discuss what new CDC guidance means for the treatment of covid patients in hospital settings and for people going about their lives, trying to avoid getting sick? Yesterday, two weeks after the Centers for Disease Control published and then took down COVID-19 guidance that described the virus as “airborne,” and issued something similar. The notable change is that the CDC now says “Some infections can be spread by exposure to viruses in small droplets and particles that can linger in the air for minutes to hours. These viruses may be able to infect people who are further than 6 feet away from the person who is infected or after that person has left the space.” The CDC says these transmissions occur in enclosed spaces where ventilation is poor, and often where the infected person has been breathing heavily, and it still says the most important vector of transmission is through respiratory droplets and close contact with an infected person. Jamal "DJ One Luv" Muhammad, host of the Love Lounge radio show, joins us to discuss several top stories. We begin with police trying to repress activists. The snatching of protest leaders in Denver, political assassinations over the years, targeting and following of those who speak out, and state repression of protestors. Then we'll look at the fight for reparations. The nation’s capital would be the latest jurisdiction to seriously explore providing reparations to the descendants of enslaved people under legislation proposed by a member of the D.C. Council. The bill to establish a task force to study reparations comes after District residents demanded racial justice and equity during protests over the summer after the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Announced Monday by Council member Kenyan R. McDuffie (D-Ward 5), the legislation would instruct the nine-member task force to scrutinize the economic impact of slavery as well as racist policies that continued after it was abolished to recommend a plan for economic atonement to help African Americans in the District.

"Writing in CNN, 2020 Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden outlined his administration's plan for Iran," Antiwar.com reported Monday. "In a piece titled, 'There's a smarter way to be tough on Iran,' Biden said he would work with Iran to restore the 2015 nuclear deal." What else was in the plan?So, Politico reported Sunday that Iran was weighing a plot to kill the US ambassador to South Africa in retaliation for the January assassination of Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani in Iraq. "After a dubiously sourced report from Politico claimed Iran is considering assassinating the US ambassador to South Africa, an intelligence source told the South African newspaper Daily Maverick that the plot was 'not likely to be real,'' Antiwar.com reported Monday. What are we to make of this uncorroborated story? The Venezuelan government "claimed Monday that it had dismantled a covert operation to blow up power plants and oil facilities to destabilize the socialist state, saying it had detained eight plotters including an American traveling with heavy arms, explosives, surveillance footage and cash," the Washington Post reported Monday. What are we to make of this?"The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled Monday that the Green Party presidential ticket is ineligible to appear on the state ballot," the Washington Post reported Monday. "The decision comes after the Wisconsin Elections Commission declined on August 20 to put presidential contender Howie Hawkins and his Green Party running mate, Angela Walker, on the November 3 ballot because their signature petitions featured two different addresses for Walker.""The Trump administration is betting it can get millions of coronavirus shots to the Americans who need them most using a new, unproven data system that threatens to bypass state trackers that have long been mainstays in public immunization programs," Politico reported Sunday. How significant of an issue is this? "As he looked toward convening this year's General Assembly, Secretary General António Guterres emphasized the long view" of the United Nations, the New York Times reported Tuesday. "The values embedded in the UN Charter, he said, have prevented 'the scourge of a Third World War many had feared.' ... While it is the leading provider of humanitarian aid, and UN peacekeepers operate in more than a dozen unstable areas, the United Nations has been unable to bring an end to the protracted wars in Syria, Yemen or Libya. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is nearly as old as the United Nations itself.""A federal appeals court on Monday upheld the Trump administration's effort to end humanitarian protections for hundreds of thousands of immigrants, paving the way for possible mass deportations of people who have lived in the country for years," Common Dreams reported Monday."When President Donald Trump hosts the signing of a diplomatic agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, the White House ceremony will also serve as tacit recognition of Trump's embrace of arms sales as a cornerstone of his foreign policy," the New York Times reported Tuesday. What are we to make of this?Guests:James Carey - Editor and co-owner of Geopolitics AlertScott Ritter - Former UN weapons inspector in Iraq Ricardo Vaz - Political analyst and editor at Venezuelanalysis.comAjamu Baraka - Former US vice-presidential candidate for the Green PartyDr. Yolandra Hancock - Physician Elisabeth Myers - Lawyer, former editor-in-chief of Inside Arabia and democracy lead for Democrats AbroadCarlos Castaneda - Immigration lawyerOscar Chacón - Co-founder and executive director of Alianza Americas, a Chicago-based national network of Latin American immigrant‐led and immigrant serving organizations in the USRobert Fantina - Journalist and Palestine activist

Ricardo Vaz, an editor and writer for , joins Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola to talk about censorship his media organization is dealing with on Twitter. For nearly two weeks, Twitter locked out Ricardo and other Venezuelanalysis staffers from their account, which they use to distribute reporting and analysis of the latest political developments in Venezuela. (Their access was restored on September 6.) Anyone who went to @venanalysis, the organization's Twitter page, saw the following: "Caution: This account is temporarily restricted. You’re seeing this warning because there has been some unusual activity from this account. Do you still want to view it?" What is unusual is that Venezuelanalysis consistently publishes content that challenges the United States government's policy of regime change in Venezuela. During the latter part of the episode, Ricardo discusses the impact of COVID-19 on Venezuela and how U.S. sanctions have worsened the Venezuelan government's ability to deal with the pandemic. He shares some of his thoughts on what would (and would not change) if Democratic nominee Joe Biden becomes President. Ricardo comments on where Venezuelanalysis fits in the media landscape and highlights some of the history of the website, which has a lot to do with why they are now a target of censorship on social media platforms.

In this segment of By Any Means Necessary, hosts Sean Blackmon and Jacquie Luqman are joined by Ricardo Vaz, political analyst and editor of Venezuelanalysis.com, to talk about revelations from elected Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's wide-ranging televised interview with Culture Minister Ernesto Villegas this weekend, the recent escalation in economic attacks against Venezuela by the Trump administration, and how imperialist aggression by the US government has led to increasing cooperation between the South American country and Iran.