Journalism

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Get Real: Get Digging, Digging, Digging Behind the Headlines

Mexico: Leftist scores landslide victory despite rampant ‘voter suppression’ efforts
Mexico’s left-wing Morena movement stormed the presidency and appear poised to flood both houses of Congress, despite an election marred by violence and allegations of irregularities. First published 3 July, 2018 by Green Left Weekly.

Nicaragua’s Protests Transcend Old Political Divides
For Nicaraguan university student Rosa, it was the sheer brutality of the police crackdown that left her terrified in her own country. First published 10 May, 2018 by Waging NonViolence.

Venezuela’s Socialists Score Landslide Win in Mayoral Elections
Venezuela’s socialists scored an overwhelming victory in mayoral elections Sunday, taking over ninety percent of the country’s municipalities. First published 11 December, 2017 by Venezuelanalysis.

Mexico’s Death Projects: Local Activists Denounce Mining and Dam Boom in Puebla
Environmentalists in central Mexico’s highlands say mining companies are bringing drugs, crime, and ruining indigenous lands. First published by on 5 December, 2017 by Toward Freedom.

Venezuelans Vote in Rival Symbolic Polls
Venezuela’s government and opposition both claimed millions voted in rival symbolic elections Sunday, with at least one death being reported. First published 18 July, 2017.

Mexico’s Leftist Resurgence: Can Andrés Manuel López Obrador Unite the Left and Win the Presidency?
Say what you will about Andrés Manuel López Obrador, a leftist contender for Mexico’s 2018 presidential elections, but he sure knows how to make an entrance. First published on 31 May, 2017.

Venezuelan Revolutionaries Demand ‘Truly Communal State’
Thousands of Venezuelans took to the streets of Caracas this week to rally in support of the country’s commune movement. First published 13 May, 2017 by Venezuelanalysis.

Mexico: Neoliberal attacks ignite gas war
New Year’s Day is usually a moment of peace in the chaos of Mexico City — but not this year. For Mexicans, 2017 began with nationwide protests against the government’s plans to deregulate petrol prices, a move opponents say will hurt everyone from the poor to middle class. First published 14 January, 2017 by Green Left Weekly.

Zapatistas and Indigenous Mexicans Create Parallel Government for Indigenous Autonomy
A coalition of indigenous Mexican communities has announced the creation its own, parallel government with the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN). Dubbed the Indigenous Governing Council (CGI), the parallel government will aim to promote autonomy for indigenous Mexicans. First published on January 10, 2017 by Upside Down World.

Furious at surprise visit, Mexicans show Trump he’s not welcome
Donald Trump’s unexpected meeting Wednesday with Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto — one of Latin America’s least popular presidents — didn’t go down well among Mexicans. First published 1 September, 2016 by Waging NonViolence.

Mexican feminists declare a ‘violet spring’ on nationwide day of action
Tens of thousands of feminists protested across Mexico on Sunday, amid what they say is an epidemic of violence against women. First published 26 April, 2016 by Waging NonViolence.

Did a Major US Union Overrule Members on Palestine Solidarity?: Members of a local Californian branch of United Auto Workers said Friday they were appealing a controversial decision by the larger union to overrule a pro-Palestine resolution backed by rank and file members. First published on 16 January, 2016 by teleSUR English.

Ecuador eyewitness: Elites protest as Correa calls for debate on redistributing wealth
Ecuador’s left-wing President Rafael Correa has called for dialogue with his country’s right-wing opposition amid a wave of protests over proposed reforms aimed at taxing the rich. First published 17 June, 2015 by Green Left Weekly.

Rickrolling the Anti-Halal Brigade in Australia: So, I went down the rabbit hole of Australia’s anti-halal campaign, and things got pretty weird. First published on 23 April, 2015 by teleSUR English.

Fighting Forced Closures of Indigenous Australian Communities: Indigenous Australian community organizer Jodie Bell speaks about the Western Australian government’s threat to shut down remote Indigenous communities. First published on 20 March, 2015 by teleSUR English.

Australian Activists Join Manus Island Refugee Hunger Strike: Australian activists joined over 700 detained asylum seekers in a hunger strike Tuesday to protest the government’s abusive refugee policy. First published on 20 January, 2015 by teleSUR English.

Sydney Siege Aftermath: Solidarity or Islamophobia?: While Australia’s right-wing government and corporate media team up to vilify Muslims, ordinary Australians are fighting back with #illridewithyou. First published on 15 December, 2014 by teleSUR English.

US Torture Report Just Tip of the Iceberg, Says Gitmo Lawyer: A lawyer defending a Guantanamo Bay detainee says the full, still classified 6000 page report on CIA torture contains “acts of unspeakable horror.” First published on 10 December, 2014 by teleSUR English.

Aboriginal Deaths in Australian Prisons Due to Jailers’ ‘Indifference’: The suicide of an Aboriginal man in a Western Australian prison has sparked renewed controversy over the decades old issue of Indigenous deaths in custody. To find out more, teleSUR English spoke to the head of the Indigenous Social Justice Association, Ray Jackson. First published on 26 October, 2014 by teleSUR English.

Silencing a People: How Turkey is Depriving Kurds of a Voice: TeleSUR English speaks to Kurdish rights activist Naila Bozo and Kurdish journalist Amed Dicle about the human impact of Turkey’s crackdown on Kurdish freedom of speech. First published 7 October, 2014 by teleSUR English.

Does NATO’s Outgoing Head Have Kurdish Skeletons in His Closet?: In just a few days Anders Fogh Rasmussen will leave NATO’s top civilian job, but questions remain over how he secured the position in the first place, write Ryan Mallett-Outtrim and Chris Spannos. First published 29 September, 2014 by teleSUR English.

When it Comes to Australia’s Mandatory Data Retention, Abbott Has “No Clue”: Almost all electronic communication could be hoovered up by Australian intelligence agencies, under new laws being discussed in Canberra. First published on 22 August, 2014 by teleSUR English.

No End in Sight for Morocco’s Media Blackout in Western Sahara: Activists say Morocco is systematically targeting journalists who speak out against the brutal occupation of Western Sahara. First published on 20 July, 2014 by teleSUR English.

Western Saharans condemn EU-Morocco fisheries deal: Human rights conditions in Moroccan-occupied Western Sahara remain dire according to activists, even though the territory is once again open for business to European fishing companies. First published on 16 January, 2014 by Green Left Weekly.

Venezuelan General Deterrence: New Axis of Evil or Third World Liberation?: Over the last decade general deterrence imperatives have played a major role in shaping Venezuelan foreign policy. First published on 25 December, 2013 by Venezuelanalysis.

The Community and Security Forces in Venezuela: “There is this perception that people who live in barrios are drug addicts or criminals. Of course, in reality it’s not like that.” First published on 14 November, 2013 by Venezuelanalysis.

Speak up, shut down: Jia is scared she may never see her father again. As a known practitioner of the banned Falun Gong religion, her father has been dogged by the local authorities in their small village in southern China for years. First published on 7 August, 2013 by Verse Magazine.

Rethinking Toilet Paper?: As Venezuelans face the most severe shortages of consumer goods in four years, some are rethinking their consumption habits, while others are finding themselves in a messy situation, RYAN MALLETT-OUTTRIM reports. First published on 29 May, 2013 by On The Record.

Western Sahara: The UN remains ‘blind, deaf and dumb’: After 40 years of struggle, in the place known as “Africa’s last colony”, human rights abusers continue to be given a free hand by the international community. First published on 20 May, 2013 by Green Left Weekly.

Eyewitness: Venezuelans vow to continue revolution: At about 5.30pm on March 5, life in Venezuela came to a sudden halt. In a speech broadcast live, Vice President Nicholas Maduro publicly announced that President Hugo Chavez had lost his two year battle with cancer. First published on 7 March, 2013 by Green Left Weekly.

Venezuela raises aid for occupied Western Sahara: Severe water shortages in the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic may become less frequent due to a Venezuelan government initiative to provide training to Sahrawi technicians. First published on 26 February, 2013 by Green Left Weekly.

Police caught spying on Adelaide activists: Last month a South Australian Police (SAPOL) officer asked me to monitor the activities of political activists in Adelaide. First published on 8 February, 2013 by Green Left Weekly.

Adelaide marches for queer pride: The Adelaide Pride march snaked its way through the Adelaide CBD on November 10, bringing traffic to a standstill with blasting music, dancing and some wild outfits. First published on 13 November, 2012 by Green Left Weekly.

The Seacret Controversy: What’s the secret behind Seacret’s Dead Sea cosmetics? First published on 16 October, 2012 by Verse Magazine.

New UniLife constitution excludes members: Its website says UniLife is the University of South Australia’s (UniSA) “democratic organisation run by students”. But new changes to UniLife’s rules mean student members are no longer entitled to know what their representatives do. First published on 15 September, 2012 by Green Left Weekly.

Friends of Palestine to mark 100 weeks of protest: This month, the Australian Friends of Palestine Association (AFOPA) will mark 100 weeks of protest against the sale of cosmetics containing minerals extracted from the Dead Sea — in Palestinian territory under Israeli military occupation — by Seacret. First published on 2 August, 2012 by Green Left Weekly.

Israeli activists say why they campaign to free Palestine: If your home was going to be demolished in 15 minutes, what would you save? First published on 11 August, 2012 by Green Left Weekly.

Western Saharan activist: ‘We will be free, but we need help’: Western Saharan human rights campaigner Malak Amidane is touring Australia in May to raise awareness of the brutal occupation of her homeland. First published on 8 May, 2012 by Green Left Weekly.

Occupiers picket Murdoch’s Adelaide Advertiser: Activists delivered an early birthday present for Rupert Murdoch to The Advertiser building in Adelaide on March 9. First published on 13 March, 2012 by Green Left Weekly.

Western Sahara: ‘No one will give us our freedom’: After two decades of political deadlock, Africa’s oldest refugee population is losing faith in UN mandated peace negotiations. First published on 11 March, 2012 by Green Left Weekly.

‘The real Morocco is not happy’: The self-immolation of five activists in January briefly brought international attention to growing unrest in Morocco, evidenced by the mass demonstrations that began a year ago. First published on 12 February, 2012 by Green Left Weekly.

Western Sahara: Fresh brutality from occupying force: Activists in Laayoune face a day-to-day struggle with local authorities. The city is touted by the Moroccan government as a regional development hub, but from the ground looks more like an infantry barracks. First published on 5 February, 2012 by Green Left Weekly.

Let’s Be Frank…

Why NAFTA 2.0 bodes ill for Mexico’s AMLO
Mexico’s next president, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO for short) is still three months away from taking office, but some of his campaign trail promises already seem distant, writes Ryan Mallett-Outtrim from Puebla. First published 31 August by Green Left Weekly.

Leftist Candidate López Obrador Will Likely be Mexico’s Next President: What Will It Mean for the US?
Mexico’s white-knuckled presidential race has effectively ended a month before elections have even been held, and for the first time in generations a leftist candidate has won – at least according to the polls. First published 12 June, 2018 by Toward Freedom.

Mexico: With left ahead in the polls, what could an AMLO presidency look like?
Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador could become Mexico’s first progressive president in generations, but what would such a presidency actually look like? It is not an easy question to answer, though his time as leader of Mexico’s largest city could offer some insights. First published 22 February, 2018 by Green Left Weekly.

Why Mexico’s presidential race is terrifying investors
The slow-burn fire sale of Mexico’s public assets could be about to end – or at least, that’s what has market analysts worried. First published 8 February, 2018 by Green Left Weekly.

Cuba in the age of Obama and Trump
What’s the fate of Cuba in the age of Trump? It is not an easy question to unravel, but Canadian author and journalist Arnold August provides some answers in his latest book, Cuba-US Relations: Obama and Beyond. First published 18 January, 2018 by Green Left Weekly.

Harvard Economist Suggests Fixing Venezuela’s ‘Humanitarian Crisis’ by Just Bombing Everyone
Apparently the best way to fix an economic downturn is by replacing it with a full-blown humanitarian catastrophe. First published 5 January, 2018 by Venezuelanalysis.

Has Venezuela Really Banned Opposition Parties from Elections?
Short answer: no. First published 22 December, 2017 by Venezuelanalysis.

Even Discussing Venezuela’s Crypto-Currency is A Waste of Time
VA’s Ryan Mallett-Outtrim argues that Venezuela’s new “Petro” cryptocurrency will either never get off the ground, or slowly fade into obscurity. First published 8 December, 2017 by Venezuelanalysis.

Trump’s gift to Mexico: A left-wing president?
Much has been made of US President Donald Trump’s potential impact on Mexico, but one critical story has been largely ignored in the Western media. First published 17 March, 2017.

Latin American Political Leaders Brace Themselves as Trump Inches Closer to the White House
Donald Trump could be the first US president in decades to alienate both sides of Latin America’s political divide. First published on December 14, 2016 by Toward Freedom.

Is Venezuela Really Dictatorship?
International media’s indictments of Venezuela as a dictatorship ignore basic facts, says Ryan Mallet-Outtrim. First published 26 October, 2016 by Venezuelanalysis.

Housing in Venezuela Could Be About to Get Bad, Really Bad: The MUD’s proposed housing reform could be a disaster. First published on 15 January, 2016 by teleSUR English.

The Bell Tolls for Spain’s Two Party Era: Spaniards have delivered a punishing blow to their nation’s establishment political parties, while the left has made major gains.

Argentina’s Elections Should Be a Wake up Call for Venezuela: The defeat of Argentina’s left in Sunday’s presidential election should send a clear message to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro: go hard, or go home.

How Europe Created Its Own Refugee Crisis: The Mediterranean’s worst migrant boat disaster in decades has spurred a flurry of controversy over how to best handle the influx of displaced people trying to reach Europe. First published on 21 April, 2015 by teleSUR English.

Amnesty International Whitewashes Venezuelan Opposition Abuses: Amnesty International’s latest report on Venezuela calls for justice for the dozens of people killed during the unrest that shook the country a year ago, while using sleight of hand to deflect attention away from those responsible. First published on 27 March, 2015 by teleSUR English.

Venezuela’s Bolivar Needs Bold Action: Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro made a point of downplaying his foreign exchange reforms last Wednesday, and good thing he did. The reforms are bound to do little to curb Venezuela’s economic problems, despite the fact that genuine changes to the exchange system are urgently needed. First published on 28 January, 2015 by venezuelanalysis.com.

CIA Torture Report: Where Are the Children?: Even though children are suspected to be among the CIA’s victims, torture may actually work – just not in the way you think it does. First published on 9 December, 2014 by teleSUR English.

Muslims Face New Wave of Islamophobia Across Western World: While Western leaders crank up the terrorism fear machine, Islamophobia is again on the rise. First published 23 September, 2014 by teleSUR English.

VENEZUELA’S ‘CANNIBALS’: POLITICAL RIOTS ONCE AGAIN ACHIEVE NOTHING IN VENEZUELA: On the ground amid Venezuela’s right-wing violence. First published 8 September, 2014 by the SA Globalist.

Eight Ways Venezuela’s Violent Opposition Is Hopelessly Hypocritical: Venezuela’s opposition is sending a few mixed messages about violence and freedom. First published on 20 March, 2014 by Venezuelanalysis.

Venezuela’s Right is Protesting Against Justice, Not Repression: The extreme right-wing has a history of violence. First published on 27 February, 2014 by Correo del Orinoco International Edition.

The Pros and Cons of Venezuela’s Currency Controls: Venezuela’s currency controls including its fixed exchange rate are among the most controversial of Chavez-era policies. First published on 31 January, 2014 by Venezuelanalysis.

The Economist Gets Economical with the Truth on Venezuela’s Municipal Elections: A good writer can say a lot with a few words, and indeed the latest article by The Economist on Venezuela’s recent municipal elections manages to say plenty about the value of facts at the neoliberal ideologue’s favourite rag. First published on 15 December, 2013 by Venezuelanalysis.

The Backpacker’s Guide to Kleptomania: “It was crazy, we’re talking hundreds of dollars worth of stuff. In their backpacks, under their shirts, underwear,” said the security guard. The more he spoke, the more he seemed to enjoy telling the story. First published on 22 November, 2013 by Verse Magazine.

Scarcity and Starvation? Venezuelan Food FAQs: With all the media hype about Venezuela’s food shortages this year, I decided to collate a few frequently asked questions about the food situation here, and set out to answer them. First published on 5 October, 2013 by Venezuelanalysis.

Letting Go of April: It’s Time For Capriles to End His Gap Year: In the immediate aftermath of the 14 April presidential elections, opposition leader Henrique Capriles appeared to be heading a serious challenge to the new Maduro government. Now, less than six months later the opposition movement has lost much of the momentum it once enjoyed. First published on 23 August, 2013 by Venezuelanalysis.

Why there are no Aussie Pavons: political youth engagement in Australia and Venezuela: How many 23-year-old Australians would travel from one side of the country to the other to attend the funeral of any recent political figures? I don’t know anyone who would endure days with barely any food or rest just to farewell a prime minister. First published on 19 August, 2013 by Unilife Magazine.

Venezuela’s Maduro and His Motivations to Take in Snowden: The Wall Street Journal Misses the Mark: In the wake of President Nicolas Maduro’s offer of asylum to Edward Snowden, there has been a renewed wave of criticism of the Venezuelan government. There has been some good commentary, and plenty of the usual misinformation. First published on 12 July, 2013 by Venezuelanalysis.

The “Loss” of Globovision Might not Herald the Apocalypse: The day after the sale of Globovision was confirmed, Venezuelans awoke to new world devoid of any brave voices to question their Orwellian regime. First published on 15 May, 2013 by Venezuelanalysis.

Venezuela eyewitness: Maduro’s uncomfortable victory: The room erupted into cheers when the election results were announced. First published on 16 April, 2013 by Green Left Weekly.

Venezuela: WikiLeaks shows US use ‘NGOs’ to cover intervention: In the week leading up to Venezuela’s April 14 presidential elections, whistle-blowing website WikiLeaks published a classified cable indicating that US-based aid organisations were working to overthrow the government and defend US corporate interests in the Andean country. First published 15 April, 2013 by Green Left Weekly.

Venezuela: Washington’s doublespeak hides true agenda: Washington has simultaneously called for cooperation from Venezuela and worked to undermine the oil-rich nation’s interim government. First published on 25 March, 2013 by Green Left Weekly.

Guatemala: The people await true justice: Former Guatemalan dictator Efrain Rios Montt will finally face prosecution for his crimes. First published on 18 March, 2013 by Green Left Weekly.

Sanctions on Cavim highlight US hypocrisy: Despite being one of the world’s largest suppliers of arms to repressive regimes, the United States has imposed sanctions on a Venezuelan arms manufacturer for allegedly trading with Iran, Syria or North Korea. First published on 1 March, 2013 by Correo del Orinoco International Edition.

I Spy A Spy: ‘This must all seem a bit surreal to you,’ the police officer said. Surreal wasn’t exactly what I was thinking. Seeing my first cluster bomb was surreal. Having half a dozen AK-47s pointed at my head (last year, in Algeria), was pretty surreal. But being asked to monitor law abiding citizens? Ridiculous seemed more appropriate. First published on 18 February, 2013 by Verse Magazine.

Palestinians lose in Israeli poll: The Israeli right-wing may not have lived up to expectations, but the real losers of Israel’s national elections on January 22 were the Palestinian people. First published on 29 January, 2013 by Green Left Weekly.

Palestine campaign needs Greens support: With the escalation of the war on Gaza in the past week, now is the time for the Greens to urgently reconsider backing the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign (BDS). First published on 19 November, 2012 by Green Left Weekly.

Venezuelan vs US Elections: A Democratic Example: If the mainstream Western media is to be believed, the world witnessed a shining example of true democracy in action in the United States on November 6. First published on 11 November, 2012 by Green Left Weekly.

On the Road, Off-Road

Shoot First? Reflections on a Tibetan Sky Burial: As soon as the monks dumped the limp corpse onto the grass, my first instinct was to start shooting. I raised the camera to my eye and snapped a few photos. The sound of the icy mountain winds easily swallowed the petite noise of my camera clicking away. Then I saw the rogyapa, or “bone breaker” start making his way over to the naked body with a knife in hand and an axe over his broad shoulder. First published on 14 September, 2013 by Verse Magazine.

Hunting for an ATM in Algiers: “You should get out of the country,” the embassy official was almost begging me now. Calmly, he explained that I just needed to stay where I was. First published on 22 June, 2013 by Verse Magazine.

The First Thing I Learned in a Refugee Camp: The first thing I learned in a refugee camp: There is no queue. First published on 21 May, 2013.

Orientalist Fantasies in Colombia: I don’t know what’s best for Colombia. I don’t know how to end the civil war, quell the country’s cocaine addiction, alleviate poverty or overcome its gaping social fractures. I also don’t think the Obama Administration and the US Army know how to solve these problems. And it’s blatantly clear that the current Santos Administration doesn’t know either. First published on 29 April, 2013 by Verse Magazine.

Venezuela’s Post-Election Uncertainty: “The government will fall!” masked youth chanted as they hurled stones and Molotov cocktails at government supporters. Firt published on 17 April, 2013 by Verse Magazine.

Red Venezuela: For a man occasionally mistaken for Chavez’s bodyguard during his time as vice president, Maduro now commands a level of affection from Venezuelans that would have been almost unthinkable six months ago. First published on 8 April, 2013 by Verse Magazine.

863 flavours and counting: Chicken and rice flavoured ice-cream? That’s just the start of OTR’s adventure in a Venezuelan ice-cream parlour boasting the most flavours in the world. First published on 27 March, 2013 by On The Record.

Wait…Venezuela isn’t an Orwellian nightmare?: Conversations about Venezuela and obscure cult classics often have depressingly similar outcomes. Whether we’re talking about this South American state of 28.9 million, Peeping Tom, Detour or Pink Flamingos, the discussion is always the same. The few people who know what you’re talking about are either excited beyond belief or utterly disgusted. First published 3 March, 2013 by Verse Magazine.

Morocco’s Hash Haven: “Err…those aren’t the normal cookies,” mentioned a friend. I immediately stopped stuffing my face. He was right. These weren’t the usual buttery baked treat grannies made in the marketplace. “There may be a little…erm, hashish in the cookies,” my caftan clad comrade whispered. First published on 28 August, 2012 by Verse Magazine.

En Español

La capitulación de Corbyn sobre Siria: ¿Un momento de reflexión?: La votación sobre Siria debe servir como un recordatorio aleccionador de que Jeremy Corbyn es un hombre, en un Partido de guerra e imperialismo, en una nación construida sobre guerra e imperialismo. Traducción por teleSUR, 4-12-2015

WikiLeaks revela cómo EE UU utiliza las ONG como instrumento de intervención: Los telegramas transmitidos por el exembajador de EE.UU. en Venezuela William Brownfield, filtrados por WikiLeaks, muestran el papel de respaldo de dicho embajador a grupos de la oposición opuestos al gobierno de Venezuela. Traducción por S. Seguí para Rebelión, 27-04-2013.