(2021-12-16). Headlines for December 16, 2021. democracynow.org Unprecedented December Storms Hit Central U.S. as Biden Tours Kentucky Tornado Damage, U.K. and South Africa Set Coronavirus Records as Omicron Spreads Rapidly, Senate Approves Record $778 Billion Pentagon Budget, Build Back Better Act Stalls in Senate Again as Joe Manchin Rejects Expanded Child Tax Credit, Civil Rights Leaders Demand Senate Democrats Pass Federal Voting Rights Legislation, Democrats Call on Biden to Extend Student Loan Pause, Grant Debt Forgiveness, Syrian Conflict Has Stripped Civilians of Access to Healthcare, Created Humanitarian Disaster, Protesters Demand Mexico Decriminalize Immigration to…
(2021-12-16). Gabriel Boric and the New Left's Old Problem. zcomm.org The Chilean candidate represents a class of Latin American politicians who appear more revolutionary than they really are…
(2021-12-16). The US Is At A Loss In Central America. popularresistance.org In November 2008, while ambassador to Nicaragua, death-squad manager nonpareil John Negroponte's long time torture and terror campaign sidekick, Robert Callahan, remarked to a reporter in Managua, "US foreign policy toward Latin America has not changed in 50 years and is unlikely to do so under President Obama". Just months later, the June 2009 coup in Honduras against President Manuel Zelaya proved him to be right. In fact, the veteran US war crimes insider's comment explained unwittingly why US and allied foreign policy lurches from one mass murdering catastrophe to another. | Callahan and Negroponte, himself a…
(2021-12-16). More Than 100 Firms Across the World Can Make the mRNA Vaccine If Tech Is Shared. truthout.org 
Image Credit: Facebook: Global Justice Now | As the coronavirus variant Omicron spreads across the world at an unprecedented rate, a group of vaccine experts has just released a list of over 100 companies in Africa, Asia and Latin America with the potential to produce mRNA vaccine. They say it is the one of the most viable solutions to fight vaccine inequity around the world and combat the spread of coronavirus variants, including Omicron. We speak to Achal Prabhala, one of the vaccine exper…
(2021-12-16). 20th ALBA-TCP Summit Declaration. orinocotribune.com "17 years defending Latin American and Caribbean integration and peace" | The Heads of State and Government and the Heads of Delegations of the countries of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America — Peoples' Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), meet in Havana, Cuba, on December 14, 2021 to commemorate the 17th Anniversary of the Alliance. In signing this Declaration, we renew our commitment to strengthen this mechanism of political coordination based on the principles of solidarity, social justice, cooperation and economic complementarity, a result of the political will of its founders, the Commanders Fid…
(2021-12-16). As Omicron Spreads, 100+ Firms in Africa, Asia & Latin America Can Make mRNA Vaccine If Tech Shared. democracynow.org 
As the coronavirus variant Omicron spreads across the world at an unprecedented rate, a group of vaccine experts has just released a list of over 100 companies in Africa, Asia and Latin America with the potential to produce mRNA vaccine. They say it is the one of the most viable solutions to fight vaccine inequity around the world and combat the spread of coronavirus variants, including Omicron. We speak to Achal Prabhala, one of the vaccine experts who compiled the list. If mRNA technology could be shared with the listed companies, "we could vaccinate the world in as close to six months from now," says Prabhala.
(2021-12-16). Presentation of the Little Autonomous Community School "Agua de Lluvia" in the Sierra Mazateca of Oaxaca. itsgoingdown.org 
In the Sierra Mazateca of Oaxaca, in the pueblo of Agua de Lluvia, teachers, community members, and youth are building autonomous education through community organization. Dating back to the 2006 social revolt in Oaxaca, and a conflict between the radical section 22 of the CNTE (National Coordinator of Education Workers) and the right wing Section…
(2021-12-16). Profiting from Migration: Peru Requests $304 Million to 'Serve' Venezuelan Migrants. orinocotribune.com 
Through the "business" of migration, the government of Peru now intends to ensure its source of income for the year 2022, under the pretext of needing financing to "help" Venezuelan migrants. Peru intends to obtain the funds through a new program that they announced to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UNHCR. | According to official sources, the Peruvian administration requested $304 million, allegedly to assist some 900,000 Venezuelans in Peruvian territory. In Peru, Venezuelan migrants have faced serious acts of xenophobia, discrimination, mass deportations, and violence against Venezuelans…
(2021-12-16). Illinois Sets National Precedent in Banning Immigration Detention. truthout.org 
A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit against the Illinois Way Forward Act on December 6, 2021, making immigrant detention illegal in the state after the new law takes effect in the new year. The suit was filed by McHenry and Kankakee Counties, which were holding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees at their local jails. Pending any further court action, the counties will need to end their contracts with ICE by the end of this year. | Johannes Favi spent 10 months and two weeks inside the J…
(2021-12-16). Marighella, film on Brazil's urban guerrilla leader screened after two-year delay. wsws.org A target of far-right attacks for centering on Brazil's foremost guerrilla leader in the late 1960s, the movie offers neither clarity on his life and times nor a perspective for those seeking to counter the current threat of dictatorship.
(2021-12-16). Marighella, film on Brazil's urban guerrilla leader, screened after two-year delay. wsws.org A target of far-right attacks for centering on Brazil's foremost guerrilla leader in the late 1960s, the movie offers neither clarity on his life and times nor a perspective for those seeking to counter the current threat of dictatorship.
(2021-12-16). Chile Is at the Political Crossroads: Social Renewal or Decades of Painful Neoliberal Policy. independentmediainstitute.org "If [Augusto] Pinochet were alive, he would vote for me," said José Antonio Kast in 2017, during the Chilean presidential election when he ran as an independent candidate. This was an especially provocative statement made by him out of the many he has made over the years—he had also said that "Chileans need God," during …
(2021-12-16). "International solidarity once failed the people of Chile. It must not fail today." zcomm.org Parliamentarians and public figures from over 15 countries unite in defense of Chilean democracy ahead of 19 December elections.
(2021-12-16). Colombia and Venezuela: Where is There a Dictatorship? libya360.wordpress.com María Fernanda Barreto Photo: Carlos García Rawlins / Reuters What is democracy in the 21st century? Where is there a true democracy? They say that all comparisons are odious, but at the same time they are inevitable. In the case of Colombia and Venezuela, the comparison between their political systems is constantly made by the…
(2021-12-16). 'Fascists Out of the University': Students at Madrid's Complutense University Reject Leopoldo López. orinocotribune.com The widespread international rejection of fugitive from Venezuelan justice Leopoldo López was evident last Monday, December 13, in Madrid, where students received him at the Complutense University with slogans of "fascists out of the university," prior to López's participation in an event alongside Yunior García, fugitive from Cuba. | "Fascists out of the university!," "López, murderer!", and "out with the Miami coup plotters" were among the slogans written on banners and shouted by students in the political science faculty of Complutense University of Madrid. | Numerous students gathered on the campus to reject…
(2021-12-16). Brasil: Lula ganaría en primera vuelta elecciones según encuesta de la firma IPEC. cubadebate.cu Si las elecciones se realizaran este miércoles, el exmandatario Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva ganaría la presidencia de Brasil, en primera vuelta, con el 56 por ciento de los votos válidos, de acuerdo con una encuesta de la firma IPEC que fue divulgada la víspera. Según los resultados de la encuesta Lula no necesitaría de un balotaje para llegar al Palacio de Planalto en 2022.
(2021-12-16). Why Cuba Does Not Have an Anti-Vaccine Movement. libya360.wordpress.com Marc Vandepitte, Toon Danhieux Increasingly, large sectors of the European population, and in the US to a lesser extent, openly express their distrust towards their government's policies to combat COVID-19. The reaction of the traditional policy is one of panic and is characterized by paternalism and repression: general obligation to vaccinate and restricting freedom of…
(2021-12-16). At least 77 dead and dozens injured after gas tanker explodes in Haiti's second largest city. wsws.org Most of the deaths happened as a result of passers-by rushing to the tanker moments after it tumbled to collect the escaping fuel.
(2021-12-15). UN Report Raises Concern Over Human Rights Crisis In Colombia. telesurenglish.net On Wednesday, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner of Human Rights (OHCHR) published a report demonstrating that the Colombian State must urgently reform its way of handling protests so as to avoid massive human rights violations. | RELATED: | The report entitled "The 2021 National Strike: Lessons for the Exercise of the Right of Peaceful Assembly in Colombia" exhaustively analyzes the behavior of security…
(2021-12-15). Cuba Hosts 20th ALBA-TCP Summit to Promote Regional Unity. orinocotribune.com The 20th Summit of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America-Peoples' Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) was inaugurated this Tuesday in Havana, Cuba, on the occasion of its 17th anniversary, to reaffirm regional unity and solidarity, and reject US interference in regional affairs. | Among other topics to be discussed are the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and the alliance's action program for the coming year. Its objective is to defend the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, approved in Havana in accordance with the 2nd Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbea…
(2021-12-15). UN: Drivers of Humanitarian Aids Trucks Held by Hijackers. telesurenglish.net UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday that drivers of eighteen trucks of humanitarian aid are being hold by military groups in the Amhara region of northern Ethiopia. | UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday that drivers of eighteen trucks of humanitarian aid are being hold by military groups in the Amhara region of northern Ethiopia. Dec. 13, 2021.
(2021-12-15). Latin American and Caribbean states ratify unity against imperialism and other stories. peoplesdispatch.org Today we look at the final agreement signed at the 20th Summit of ALBA-TCP in Cuba, rising casualties after a major fuel tank explosion in Haiti, and more…
(2021-12-15). Honduras' Left-Wing Breakthrough. orinocotribune.com By Francisco Dominguez — Dec 10, 2021 | Since a US-backed coup toppled Mel Zelaya in 2009, Honduras has faced a clampdown on democracy and serious human rights abuses. But the election of socialist Xiomara Castro is a chance to break the cycle. | What appeared impossible has been achieved: the people of Honduras have broken the perpetuation, through electoral fraud and thuggish violence, of a brutal, illegal, illegitimate, and criminal regime.By means of sheer resistance, resilience, mobilisation, and organisation, they have managed to defeat Juan Orlando Hernandez's narco-dictatorship at the ballot box. Xio…
(2021-12-15). ALBA-TCP member countries commit to strengthen regional integration efforts. peoplesdispatch.org During the XX summit of the ALBA-TCP, leaders of the member countries reiterated their confidence in the regional integration organization, and ratified their commitment to continue strengthening cooperation, solidarity, independence and sovereignty of the Latin American and the Caribbean region…
(2021-12-15). China plays a crucial role supporting progress and sovereignty in Latin America. mronline.org 
In the last two decades, economic links between Latin America and the People's Republic of China have been expanding at a dizzying rate.
(2021-12-15). Declaration of the XX ALBA-TCP Summit in Commemoration of its XVII Anniversary. libya360.wordpress.com Final Declaration of the XX ALBA-TCP Summit Highlights Efforts Towards Real Latin American and Caribbean Integration Yoselina Guevara The XX ALBA-TCP Summit, held in Havana, Cuba, ended yesterday, December 14, with a declaration comprising 44 points. In the final document, it was once again stated that the Alliance is an international organization in which one…
(2021-12-15). Venezuela prepares for spike in COVID cases as Omicron spreads across Latin America. america.cgtn.com 
With the COVID-19 Omicron variant spreading across Latin America, Venezuela is doing what it can to protect the country.
(2021-12-15). Migrants face possible detention if they're caught without paperwork. america.cgtn.com 
Migrating through Mexico without a humanitarian visa is no longer permitted, and travelers found doing so end up in migration jail.
(2021-12-15). What India can take away from Mexico's Feminist Foreign Policy. moderndiplomacy.eu A foreign policy with a political framework focused on the security and safety of the marginalised community can be defined as a Feminist Foreign Policy. It rethinks the traditional approach of foreign policy that only focuses on military, violence and domination. A new thought of security from the perspective of the vulnerable is introduced in …
(2021-12-15). Castillo Sends Bill To Reduce Poor Families' Electricity Bills. telesurenglish.net On Tuesday, Peru's President Pedro Castillo sent a bill to modify the Electric Social Compensation Fund (FOSE) so as to ensure that the most vulnerable families have a discount of up to 15 percent on their monthly electricity bills. | RELATED: | Currently, high-income users subsidize Peruvian families that consume less than 100 kWh per month. Castillo proposes that this cross subsidy also be extended to citizens…
(2021-12-15). UNGA President Says Vaccinating World New Year's Top Priority. telesurenglish.net On Tuesday, Abdulla Shahid, president of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), said that his first goal for the New Year is to vaccinate the world and achieve vaccine equity. | RELATED: | "My top priority is going to be on vaccine. That is why I am convening this high-level meeting on Jan. 13. That is why I want to make my New Year resolution on vaccine," the UNGA president told reporters while responding to the question regarding his top pr…
(2021-12-15). Pfizer Confirms High Efficacy Of COVID-19 Antiviral Pill. telesurenglish.net On Tuesday, Pfizer said final results show that its novel COVID-19 oral antiviral tablets could reduce risk of hospitalization or death by close to 90 percent for high-risk patients. | RELATED: | The results, based on an analysis of over 2,000 patients in a phase 2/3 trial, were consistent with the interim analysis announced in November 2021. The risk of hospitalization or death was reduced by 89 percent compared to…
(2021-12-15). Havana Biennial: Inside Cuba's fine arts expo. america.cgtn.com 
The Havana Biennial, a fine arts exhibit held in the Cuban capital since 1984, is underway again as local and foreign artists display their works in galleries and public spaces.
(2021-12-15). Venezuela Challenges Illegal Blockade: New OPEC Data Published. orinocotribune.com While President Nicolás Maduro assures that 2022 will be the year for the definitive recovery of Venezuela, reports from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) point in the same direction, showing an increase in oil production despite the illegal US and European economic blockade. | In this way, it is evident how the South American nation has challenged the illegal coercive measures imposed by the United States government and its European lackeys, an economic attack that initially led to a 99% drop in Venezuela's foreign revenue, completely disrupting Venezuela's economy. | This was highlighted…
(2021-12-15). Chile's Future at Stake: Runoff Election Pits Leftist Student Leader Against Far-Right Pinochet Defender. democracynow.org 
In Chile, voters this weekend will determine a close runoff election between far-right candidate José Antonio Kast and leftist Gabriel Boric, a former student leader. If Boric, who holds a narrow lead, wins the race, he would become Chile's youngest and most progressive president in years. Meanwhile, Kast's win would make him "an authoritarian taking power with anti-immigrant, anti-abortion, nationalistic and very hateful rhetoric in relation to everything that is progressive," says Chilean American author Ariel Dorfman.
(2021-12-15). Only One Chávez and Only One Salvador. libya360.wordpress.com Sergio Rodríguez Gelfenstein From Venezuela to Chile, from Caldera to Boric The current situation in Chile seems to me more and more strikingly similar to that of the early 90's in Venezuela. At that time, here -just as in Chile today- 30 years of post-dictatorship were being experienced. Both countries -at the time- were presented…
(2021-12-15). Colombia: Constituent Assembly. libya360.wordpress.com Alberto Pinzón Sánchez The geopolitics and necessity of a constituent process in Colombia. The "Mesa Internacionalista de Alternatiba" has encouraged me, as part of its process of reflection and exchange of concrete experiences on constituent processes in Abya Yala, to send them a text to address this need in Colombia. A need that is shared…
(2021-12-15). Venezuela Pushes for Stronger ALBA Economy at XX Summit. venezuelanalysis.com The regional organization also unveiled a Counter-Intervention Observatory to monitor US meddling.
(2021-12-15). Maduro Urges ALBA-TCP to Focus Its Efforts on a Common Economic Agenda. orinocotribune.com The President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, urged the heads of state and other representatives present at the Twentieth Ordinary Summit of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America — Peoples' Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) to exert greater efforts to establish a common economic development agenda for all the member countries of the regional body. | During his speech this Tuesday, December 14, at the ALBA-TCP Summit in Havana, Cuba, President Maduro stated, "From Venezuela we would like all of us to exert greater efforts to articulate a comprehensive economic, commercial, financial and monetary developm…
(2021-12-15). Venezuela Receives more than 1.5 Million Sputnik Light Doses from Russia. orinocotribune.com 
On Monday, December 13, Venezuela received another shipment of Sputnik Light vaccine doses from the Russian Federation, which will be used in the Venezuelan government's mass vaccination program against COVID-19. | The new batch consists of more than 1.5 million Sputnik Light doses, which will be used as booster jabs for the elderly population in Venezuela. | The Deputy Minister of Resources, Technology and Regulation, which is under the Ministry of Health, Gerardo Briceño, received the shipment at the Maiquetía international airport. While at the airport, he informed that the supply coming in from Russia will re…
(2021-12-15). Nuevo hallazgo podría explicar por qué la ómicron puede transmitirse con mayor rapidez que variantes anteriores. cubadebate.cu La variante ómicron de la covid-19 contagia y se multiplica 70 veces más rápido en los bronquios humanos que la delta y que el virus original del SARS-CoV-2, comunicó este miércoles un equipo de investigación dirigido por científicos de la Universidad de Hong Kong (China).
(2021-12-15). The XX ALBA-TCP Summit: As Real as the Democracy it Defends. libya360.wordpress.com Declaration of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba The virtual Summit convened by the government of the United States on December 9 and 10 last, with pre-recorded speeches by the guests and a totally manipulated agenda, was a demagogical exercise which rendered zero benefits for the international community and failed to make any proposal…