Venezuela
US deploys missile destroyer off coast of Venezuela
By Bill Van Auken, 3 October 2020
The military provocation has come amid a wave of new sanctions against both Venezuela and Iran, which is supplying the South American country with vital fuel supplies.
US, Colombia stage war games as Pompeo threatens Venezuela
By Bill Van Auken, 19 September 2020
Pompeo’s Latin American tour is aimed both at escalating aggression against Venezuela and countering China’s influence in the region.
Threat of a US-led military intervention in Venezuela grows as Guaidó’s coalition splits
By Andrea Lobo, 4 September 2020
The danger of a devastating US military intervention has escalated as a result of the domestic political crisis of the Trump administration and growing divisions within the US-backed opposition in Venezuela.
Spain participated in failed 2019 US coup in Venezuela
By Alejandro López, 4 July 2020
New information emerging about the coup exposes Spain’s ruling “left populist” party, Podemos, as a tool of imperialism’s bloody foreign policy in Latin America.
Trump issues new threats as Iranian tankers approach Venezuela
By Bill Van Auken, 22 May 2020
The Trump administration has vowed to take unspecified “measures” to block the shipment of Iranian fuel to Venezuela, raising the threat of state piracy on the high seas.
Washington places Cuba and Venezuela on “terror” list
By Bill Van Auken, 16 May 2020
After fostering an abortive mercenary invasion aimed at overthrowing Venezuela’s government and murdering its president, the US placed Caracas on a list of governments deemed uncooperative in the “war on terrorism.”
Trump’s “Bay of Pigs” in Venezuela
By Bill Van Auken, 7 May 2020
The abortive mercenary invasion is part of a campaign of aggression that involves “maximum pressure” sanctions and the deployment of US warships off Venezuela’s shores.
Washington and its puppet Guaidó implicated in armed attacks on Venezuela
By Bill Van Auken, 5 May 2020
At least two of those captured in the abortive invasion plot have been identified as US citizens.
Amid warnings of famine and unrest in Venezuela, Maduro renews talks with US-backed opposition
By Andrea Lobo, 25 April 2020
The timing of the renewed talks makes it clear that any settlement with US imperialism would be centrally aimed against a challenge from below.
Washington harnesses coronavirus pandemic to promote Venezuela coup
By Bill Van Auken, 1 April 2020
The so-called “Democratic Transition Framework” is a patent attempt to weaponize the global pandemic as a means of installing a puppet regime in Caracas.
Hospitals lack water, power, masks
IMF denies loan to Venezuela as it braces for COVID-19
By Andrea Lobo, 19 March 2020
The loan request is only the latest appeal by the Maduro government for foreign finance and signal to world finance capital that it will defend profit interests.
US slaps sanctions on Russian oil company trading with Venezuela
By Bill Van Auken, 20 February 2020
The unilateral sanctions are aimed at tightening the US blockade of Venezuela’s crisis-ridden economy.
Venezuela’s Maduro offers Trump a “win-win” bargain
By Andrea Lobo, 21 January 2020
In an interview with the Washington Post, the Venezuelan president “suggested that a bonanza could be waiting for U.S. oil companies” if the White House ends sanctions.
Maduro government ousts Guaidó as speaker of the Venezuelan National Assembly
By Andrea Lobo, 7 January 2020
The move to sideline the opposition is largely based on calculations that it can exploit the war crisis in the Middle East and growing popular opposition to the lawlessness of US foreign policy.
Washington uses UN session to unveil new sanctions against Iran and Venezuela
By Bill Van Auken, 26 September 2019
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo made it clear that the target of the latest sanctions was not just Iran, but China, which accounts for half of Iran’s sharply reduced oil exports.
Uruguayan defense minister warns of “military conflict in Venezuela”
By Andrea Lobo, 18 September 2019
In an escalation of the US-led regime-change operation in Venezuela, the Organization of American States has invoked the 1947 Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance.
US escalates regime-change machinations against Venezuela
By Bill Van Auken, 30 August 2019
Having failed to instigate a military coup, the US and its puppet Juan Guaidó are attempting to flesh out a parallel government loyal to Washington.
US commander says navy ready for Venezuela intervention
By Andrea Lobo, 24 August 2019
The threat by the head of the US Southern Command came as both Trump and Maduro confirmed that US and Venezuelan officials have been holding direct talks.
Trump calls for naval blockade of Venezuela
By Bill Van Auken, 20 August 2019
The US president’s demand for a military option reflects growing desperation in Washington over the failure of its regime-change operation.
Venezuelan military court jails union official as working-class opposition grows
By Andrea Lobo, 17 August 2019
The indictment of Rubén González is part of an attempt to criminalize growing social opposition among workers and the impoverished masses.
Washington orders international embargo on Venezuela, threatens invasion
By Andrea Lobo, 7 August 2019
US envoy Elliott Abrams declared: “If you told George Bush Sr. in 1988 that he would invade Panama, he would have called it madness. But two or three years later, it happened.”
Venezuelan refugees face desperate conditions in Colombia
By Julian James, 29 May 2019
The greatest influx of refugees has been to Colombia, where an estimated 1.1 million Venezuelans survive on the margins of society.
The assault on the Venezuelan embassy
By Bill Van Auken, 18 May 2019
The violent police seizure of the Venezuelan embassy in Washington expressed in microcosm the criminality of US imperialism the world over.
US security forces storm Venezuelan embassy in Washington, D.C.
By Nick Barrickman, 17 May 2019
The raid of the embassy is of a piece with the reckless and illegal actions taken by the Trump administration in an effort to force a regime change in Venezuela.
Protesters occupying Venezuela embassy in Washington DC speak out
By our reporters, 16 May 2019
For over a month, protesters opposed to the illegal US regime change operation in Venezuela have defended the embassy from being taken over by pro-Guaidó forces.
Venezuela tensions mount after arrest of coup leader
By Bill Van Auken, 10 May 2019
Washington continues to threaten military intervention in the oil-rich South American country.
The defense of Venezuela and the struggle for socialism in Latin America
By Bill Van Auken, 10 May 2019
We are publishing here the text of the speech to the 2019 International May Day Online Rally delivered by Bill Van Auken.
The social crisis and the global eruption of US imperialism
By Bill Van Auken, 9 May 2019
Washington’s brazen and reckless military threats and provocations on a world scale are driven by deep-going social and political crises within the US itself.
Canada’s Liberal government abets US-sponsored coup attempt in Venezuela
By Roger Jordan, 8 May 2019
Last week Canada proclaimed its support for Guaidó’s coup attempt and stepped up its efforts to bring to power a far-right, pro-imperialist regime in Caracas.
In wake of Venezuela coup fiasco, US military threats mount
By Bill Van Auken, 7 May 2019
Both Secretary of State Pompeo and US puppet Juan Guaidó say that “military options” are under consideration.
In wake of Venezuela coup fiasco, US military threats mount
By Bill Van Auken, 7 May 2019
Both Secretary of State Pompeo and US puppet Juan Guaidó say that “military options” are under consideration.
German government backs attempted right-wing coup in Venezuela
By Johannes Stern, 3 May 2019
In a joint press release with the far-right Brazilian government, the German Foreign Ministry gave its unconditional backing to the criminal attempted coup in Venezuela.
Media lies in service of war for regime change in Venezuela
By Bill Van Auken, 3 May 2019
As top Trump administration officials make increasingly explicit military threats, the corporate media acts as a propaganda service for imperialist intervention.
US escalates threat of military intervention in Venezuela
By Bill Van Auken, 2 May 2019
After Tuesday’s abortive coup attempt by Washington’s puppet Juan Guaidó, the Trump administration has issued even more explicit military threats.
Guaidó launches abortive military coup in Venezuela
By Bill Van Auken, 1 May 2019
By late Tuesday, there was little indication that Guaidó’s call had provoked any significant uprising within Venezuela’s military.
Pentagon ordered to draft military plans to counter Russia and China in Venezuela
By Bill Van Auken, 17 April 2019
The report of active planning for US military intervention followed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s provocative visit to the Venezuelan-Colombian border on Sunday.
New York Times laments stalled Venezuelan coup
By Bill Van Auken, 5 April 2019
The Times has a filthy record of supporting US wars for regime change and right-wing coups across the planet.
Tensions rise between US, Russia and China over Venezuelan coup
By Bill Van Auken, 28 March 2019
The arrival of a relative handful of Russian military personnel this week triggered a flurry of denunciations from Trump administration officials.
Canada ever more deeply implicated in US-engineered coup attempt in Venezuela
By Laurent Lafrance, 14 March 2019
Like its US partner, Canadian imperialism covets Venezuela’s vast oil resources and is determined to prevent Russia, China, and other “strategic rivals” from expanding their influence in the Americas.
US withdraws embassy personnel, calling presence a “constraint” on US actions in Venezuela
By Bill Van Auken, 13 March 2019
With the regime change operation centered on the right-wing puppet Juan Guaidó stalling, the threat of US military intervention mounts.
Report reveals that armed troops were mobilized to force through US aid provocation on Venezuelan border
By Bill Van Auken, 7 March 2019
The threats of armed provocations and direct US military intervention continue to mount as Trump renews an Obama-era “national emergency” decree targeting Venezuela.
Guaidó returns to Venezuela for next stage of US regime-change operation
By Bill Van Auken, 5 March 2019
The US-backed “interim president” staged a five-nation tour of Latin America, shepherded by the CIA, to drum up support for the coup in Venezuela.
German Left Party congress backs imperialist campaign against Venezuela
By Johannes Stern, 5 March 2019
The Left Party’s European election congress last month sent a clear message: the bourgeoisie can rely on the Left Party’s support for war and attacks on the working class.
Pence threatens war in Venezuela at Colombia summit: “There is no turning back”
By Eric London, 26 February 2019
“All options are on the table,” Pence said in a speech that combined threats of war with denunciations of socialism.
Sanders throws his support behind US propaganda campaign over Venezuela
By Genevieve Leigh, 26 February 2019
Vermont senator and Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders has tweeted his support for the staged “humanitarian aid” provocation in Venezuela.
US imperialism stages provocation on Venezuela’s borders
By Eric London, 25 February 2019
The threat of a disaster of world historic proportions looms as the US moves toward war in Venezuela.
Amid US provocation at Venezuelan border
Brazilian media promotes generals against Bolsonaro
By Miguel Andrade, 25 February 2019
The media is promoting the military’s supposed “independence” from the US-aligned policies of Bolsonaro.
Trump declares global war on socialism
By Bill Van Auken, 19 February 2019
The presentation of Trump’s presidency as a global—and domestic—crusade against socialism resurrected the kind of language that characterized not only McCarthyism, but the rise of fascism in the first half of the 20th century.
Washington escalates military threats as Venezuela regime change falters
By Bill Van Auken, 14 February 2019
The focus of the attempt to oust the Venezuelan government is a cynical charade over the delivery of USAID relief supplies across the country’s borders.
Brazil’s Workers Party praises imperialist officials and Brazilian military involved in Venezuela regime change operation
By Miguel Andrade, 9 February 2019
As it feigns opposition to regime change in Venezuela, the PT has sent representatives to meet EU leaders who have been at the forefront of the siege of the country.
US commander says Pentagon prepared to intervene to defend Venezuela embassy
By Bill Van Auken, 8 February 2019
Testifying before the Senate Thursday, SOUTHCOM chief Admiral Faller linked the Venezuelan coup to the “great power” conflict with China and Russia.
Canada mobilizes support for US coup in Venezuela
By Keith Jones, 8 February 2019
Canada is front and center in Washington’s drive to install a virulent right-wing regime that will throw open the country to unbridled imperialist exploitation.
Washington issues ultimatum to Venezuela over “humanitarian aid” ploy
By Bill Van Auken, 7 February 2019
Behind the cynical pretense of concern over Venezuela’s social crisis, the Pentagon and CIA are setting the stage for an armed confrontation on the country’s border.
Paris steps up calls for coup in Venezuela
By Alex Lantier, 6 February 2019
Amid growing repression of “yellow vest” protests, it is critical for workers in France and across Europe to oppose attempts to impose a far-right regime in Venezuela.
Hands off Venezuela!
By Bill Van Auken, 5 February 2019
With the aid of European and Canadian imperialism and the right-wing governments of Latin America, Washington is preparing to either invade Venezuela or plunge it into civil war.
US issues new threats of war for oil against Venezuela
By Eric London, 4 February 2019
A military intervention in Venezuela—population 30 million—could kill hundreds of thousands or even millions of people and transform Latin America into an imperialist slaughterhouse.
Spanish Socialist Party government backs US-led coup in Venezuela
By Alejandro López, 4 February 2019
The Venezuelan coup is exposing the PSOE government and its pro-imperialist ally, the pseudo-left Podemos party.
European Parliament backs US-led coup in Venezuela
By Alex Lantier and Alejandro Lopez, 2 February 2019
The European powers’ support for a brazen US coup in Latin America underscores that they are no less ruthless in their assertion of their predatory imperialist interests.
US escalates threats against Venezuela
By Bill Van Auken, 1 February 2019
US officials have made no secret that control over Venezuelan oil, and its denial to Russia and China, are the driving force of the coup.
Venezuela’s oil and the geopolitics of the US-backed coup
By Gabriel Black, 31 January 2019
Venezuela’s massive reserves are seen by the United States and its allies as a vital chess piece in the war drive against China.
Germany and EU support US-engineered coup in Venezuela
By Peter Schwarz, 30 January 2019
Berlin and Brussels are backing the Venezuelan coup because they are pursuing their own imperialist interests in Latin America.
Trump administration imposes sanctions on Venezuelan oil industry
By Alexander Fangmann, 29 January 2019
The sanctions, which amount to an act of war, were imposed in order to bolster support for a coup among Venezuelan military officers.
AP report exposes US role in right-wing coup in Venezuela
By Eric London, 28 January 2019
The escalating conflict raises the prospect of a US-instigated civil war with devastating consequences for Venezuela and Latin America.
Wave of xenophobic violence against Venezuelans living in Ecuador
By Cesar Uco, 28 January 2019
The mob attacks in Ecuador’s northern region, bordering Colombia, came as the country’s government joined Washington in support of the coup attempt in Venezuela.
US coup bid pushes Venezuela closer to invasion or civil war
By Bill Van Auken, 26 January 2019
Washington is keeping its embassy in Caracas open in defiance of the Venezuelan government, using diplomatic personnel as bait for a potential military confrontation.
Washington escalates coup provocations in Venezuela
By Bill Van Auken, 25 January 2019
Secretary of State Pompeo is to speak to the UN Security Council Saturday on Venezuela, a patent propaganda gesture aimed at preparing intervention.
Canada’s "diversity" imperialism
By Keith Jones, 25 January 2019
Justin Trudeau, presiding over what has been hailed as the most diverse cabinet in Canadian history, has signed on to Washington’s coup plot against Venezuela.
Washington engineers right-wing coup in Venezuela
By Bill Van Auken, 24 January 2019
The backing by governments in Latin America and internationally for the US-orchestrated coup attempt are part of a global drive toward the right and dictatorship.
Amid mounting coup threats in Venezuela, Maduro begs Trump for dialog
By Bill Van Auken, 22 January 2019
Venezuelan security and intelligence agents suppressed an abortive rebellion by a National Guard unit early Monday morning, provoking protests.
Venezuela’s Maduro sworn in for second term amid rising social unrest and threats of intervention
By Bill Van Auken, 11 January 2019
Washington, the EU and the so-called Lima Group of right-wing Latin American governments have called Maduro’s second term “illegitimate,” inviting regime change.
US-Russia tensions mount over warplanes in Venezuela
By Bill Van Auken, 12 December 2018
The flight of the Russian warplanes to Caracas follows the provocative US Air Force overflight of Ukraine the previous week.
Washington imposes new sanctions against Venezuela and Cuba
By Bill Van Auken, 3 November 2018
Bolton’s speech on the Trump administration’s policy toward Latin America amounted to a demand for regime change in Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua.
Refugees fleeing crisis in Venezuela confront poverty in Peru
By our reporters, 24 September 2018
It is estimated that since 2014 nearly 2.5 million Venezuelans have fled their country to escape a collapsing economy.
US officials met with Venezuelan military to discuss coup plot
By Alexander Fangmann, 10 September 2018
Washington’s involvement in yet another Latin American coup plot makes plain the hypocrisy of the claims of Russian “meddling” by sections of the American bourgeoisie and media.
Anti-Venezuelan pogrom in northern Brazil highlights official promotion of the country’s far-right
By Miguel Andrade, 28 August 2018
At least 1,200 Venezuelans were chased to the border, after dozens of Brazilians torched a camp where Army soldiers were screening migrants.
Venezuela’s Maduro government imposes capitalist shock therapy
By Bill Van Auken, 22 August 2018
Aimed at staving off an economic collapse, the plan places the full burden of the crisis on the backs of the Venezuelan working class.
Facebook censors Telesur and Venezuela Analysis
By Andrea Lobo, 17 August 2018
As the Trump administration escalates its onslaught against Venezuela, technology corporations are stepping up censorship of sites critical of US policy.
Venezuelan President Maduro charges right-wing opposition backed by Colombia with supposed assassination attempt
By Alexander Fangmann, 6 August 2018
Following explosions which occurred at a military parade in the Venezuelan capital, the government claims it has arrested some of those responsible, vowing “ruthless punishment” and “no forgiveness.”
Strike movement develops in Venezuela as social conditions deteriorate
By Andrea Lobo, 21 July 2018
The opposition-controlled parties and trade unions are struggling to contain growing strikes and protests demanding massive wage increases.
Trump pressed aides, Latin American leaders on US invasion of Venezuela
By Bill Van Auken, 5 July 2018
The report from a senior US official on Trump’s statements points to the threat of Washington unleashing a new war in Latin America.
Vice-President Pence threatens immigrants, Assange, and Venezuela during Latin America tour
By Andrea Lobo, 2 July 2018
Facing a popular outcry against inhumane treatment of immigrants, Pence pressed for policies that will only exacerbate the desperate conditions pushing thousands to flee north.
Venezuela’s Maduro re-elected with record low turnout
By Alexander Fangmann, 22 May 2018
Amid the deepening economic crisis, there has been mass disaffection with the government in the working class.
Venezuela warns against US military intervention as domestic crisis deepens
By Bill Van Auken, 16 February 2018
Both Colombia and Brazil have increased military deployments on Venezuela’s borders as US officials continue to signal support for a coup against the Maduro government.
Washington threatens to escalate sanctions in wake of Venezuelan regional elections
By Andrea Lobo, 18 October 2017
In response to the defeat of the US-backed right-wing opposition, Washington is preparing to push Venezuela over the brink of default.
50 years since the murder of Che Guevara
Including a republication of Castroism and the Politics of Petty-Bourgeois Nationalism
By Bill Van Auken, 14 October 2017
Half a century after the murder in Bolivia of the guerrilla leader, the anniversary has been exploited by various tendencies to lend a left cover to their reactionary politics and mask their own betrayals.
Venezuela nears default after US imposes sanctions on economy
By Andrea Lobo, 1 September 2017
Amid its worst economic crisis, the new sanctions have pushed Venezuela to the brink of default, which threatens to sink the country’s workers and poor to new depths of misery.
Vice President Pence visits Latin America amid deepening Venezuelan crisis
By Andrea Lobo, 22 August 2017
Pence compared Trump’s “vision” to that of Theodore Roosevelt, making clear that Washington intends to reassert US hegemony in the region.
Trump invokes “military option” against Venezuela
By Bill Van Auken, 14 August 2017
Trump's latest threat was pitched not only to his extreme right-wing base, but also to those within Venezuela’s right-wing opposition committed to US-backed regime change.
Venezuelan military claims suppression of attempted coup
By Bill Van Auken, 7 August 2017
The reported crushing of a rebellion by some two dozen armed men came a day after Venezuela’s new national constituent assembly fired the country’s attorney general.
Washington’s sanctions against Venezuela and the dead-end of Chavismo
By Eric London, 2 August 2017
Nearly 20 years after the election of Chavez, Venezuela remains one the most unequal countries in the world, with poverty the predominant fact of life for the working class.
Trump imposes sanctions on Maduro after Venezuelan constituent assembly elections
By Andrea Lobo, 1 August 2017
The sanctions mark a significant escalation of US imperialist involvement in the Venezuelan crisis and Latin American internal politics.
Election of constituent assembly in Venezuela takes place amid intensified violence and US threats
By Andrea Lobo, 31 July 2017
The conflict between the rival sections of the ruling class is reaching a breaking point.
Lessons from the Pink Tide period
Jacobin defends bourgeois rule and US imperialism in Latin America
By Eric London, 27 July 2017
Jacobin magazine’s spring edition, titled By Taking Power, addresses “both the accomplishments and the shortcomings” of Latin America’s Pink Tide.
Clash between Venezuelan government and opposition raises threat of civil war
By Andrea Lobo, 26 July 2017
The Maduro government has arrested three opposition leaders after their appointment as members of a “parallel” Supreme Court by the opposition-controlled Parliament.
Trump threatens redoubled economic sanctions against Venezuela
By Alexander Fangmann, 19 July 2017
Following a symbolic referendum against the constituent assembly, Washington and the right-wing opposition are ratcheting up pressure on the Maduro government.
Venezuelan government moves against dissenting chavistas
By Alexander Fangmann, 4 July 2017
Hours before the Supreme Court stripped the dissenting attorney general of her powers, a helicopter piloted by a police officer mounted a suspicious attack on the court.
Growing fissures in Maduro government as Venezuelan protests continue
By Bill Van Auken, 16 June 2017
The emergence of dissidents in the Maduro government is part of a bid to fashion a new national unity government with the aim of heading off a revolt from below.
Venezuelan death toll continues to rise as Maduro government pushes for constituent assembly
By Alexander Fangmann, 1 June 2017
Around 60 people have died in clashes, as the chavistas seek to retain power through a reconciliation with sections of the right-wing opposition.
Death toll rises to 37 amid continuing clashes in Venezuela
By Bill Van Auken, 6 May 2017
The Maduro government has turned to intensified repression and the convening of a constituent assembly in its bid to hold on to power in the face of deepening crisis.
May Day 2017
The fight for socialist internationalism in Latin America
By Bill Van Auken, 5 May 2017
The overall impact of Castroism, and, even more decisively, that of the revisionist tendencies which promoted it, was to hold back the socialist revolution.
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