Venezuelans have seen this movie before, but Maduro should beware. This time, the ending could be different
It happened in Caracas on June 9, 2016, when I was there to cover a series of violent protests that had broken out in Venezuela.
That sunny day, as our CNN team was walking towards the building that houses the National Assembly for interviews, we noticed a group of men heading the same way from the opposite side of the street.
“Hurry up!,” CNN en español’s correspondent in Caracas Osmary Hernández said. “I think the colectivos are up the street.” We all picked up our pace and breathed a sigh of relief when we made it to the building. Colectivos are armed groups that function like a street gang, but are closely affiliated with the socialist government and often do their dirty work.
Moments after we made it inside the building, Julio Borges, an opposition member of the assembly and its former president, arrived in bad shape. He had a bloody nose and said a group of opposition legislators like him had been attacked by colectivos as they were headed to the office of the national electoral authority. The month before, President Nicolás Maduro had declared a “constitutional state of emergency.”
Even before that tumultuous period, it had become abundantly clear that Maduro’s government had absolute control of all three branches of government as well as the the National Electoral Council (CNE).
And, as we had just witnessed, it also controlled the streets of Caracas. Maduro, now 61, is a former bus driver who became a Caracas metro system union leader and rose through the ranks. He is the handpicked successor of the late strongman Hugo Chávez, who ruled Venezuela from 1999 until his death in 2013.
A new wave of violence shook Venezuela once again in 2019. In January of that year, Juan Guaidó, then president of the National Assembly, had proclaimed himself interim president of Venezuela. The then-35-year-old Guaidó argued that he had the constitutional right to the presidency as leader of the assembly because Maduro, who had been sworn in only days before, was an illegitimate president.
Both the opposition and leaders of several countries in the region had called the previous year’s election a sham. Guaidó convinced 50 countries that he had a right to be president, including the United States.
By June 2019, when I returned to Caracas, Guaidó had already attempted a military uprising that almost succeeded on April 30, followed by weeks of violent clashes between protesters and security forces that left dozens dead.
The world started to pay close attention to Venezuela once again in the last few months as the country was getting ready to hold a new presidential election. Would Maduro allow the opposition to run a candidate of its choosing? Would this be a free, fair, and transparent election? Would the colectivos once again be used to intimidate voters as they had done in previous elections?
The first and second questions were answered in January when opposition leader María Corina Machado was barred by Venezuela’s highest court from running for president (or any other elected position) for 15 years over alleged financial irregularities. Machado had won more than 90% of the vote in last October’s opposition primary. She attracted large crowds everywhere she went, even though the government did everything possible to stop her, even persecuting those who rented sound systems to her campaign.
The third question was answered in the last hours of the election itself on Sunday when colectivos showed up at at least one polling center in Caracas and started beating up opposition sympathizers who had been asked by the leadership to keep an eye on ballot boxes in an effort to prevent tampering.
Those of us who have been following Venezuela for decades have seen this movie before: a “sham” election to justify Maduro’s staying in power. Democracy has been gradually weakening in Venezuela over the last 25 years since the charismatic socialist leader Chávez rose to power in 1999.
While Venezuelans and the world awaited results Sunday night, the country’s electoral authority delayed publication, alleging the system had been targeted by hackers operating from North Macedonia without showing any evidence. This was not surprising in a country where all three branches of government are in the hands of government loyalists, hundreds of opposition leaders have been imprisoned, and true democracy hasn’t existed in a generation.
“Is there anything different this time?” That’s the question I asked Michael Shifter, the former president of the Inter-American Dialogue and current professor of Latin American Politics at Georgetown University, who has been following Venezuelan politics for decades.
Shifter said the Maduro victory was a “blatant, massive and egregious fraud,” but the opposition managed to do something it had been unable to do before: uniting behind a single candidate and going to the polls in massive numbers.
“The alternative [to participating in the election] was taking themselves completely out of the political game, saying ‘we refuse to take part in this unfair and unjust election,’ but that would’ve left the opposition in a weaker position in practical and political terms” as it happened in 2018 when the opposition decided to boycott the whole process.
“I think the opposition learned that refusing to take part in elections was not helping their cause. They recognized that even when the elections weren’t free and fair, they needed to defeat Maduro on his terms, which they’ve done,” Shifter said.
Venezuela’s CNE declared Maduro the winner Monday saying he had won with 51.2% of the votes, with 80% of the ballots counted. His main rival, opposition candidate Edmundo González, had obtained 44.2% of the votes, according to the body.
Critics like former Bolivian President Jorge Fernando “Tuto” Quiroga, who was one of several former heads of state prevented from flying to Venezuela by its government as they tried to serve as observers, called the Maduro government a “desperate regime; an open, pure and hard tyranny that has chosen to steal the presidency staging a fraudulent coronation.” In an interview with CNN, he said that even the math didn’t add up when Venezuelan electoral authorities declared a winner with 80% of the vote counted.
“When you’re in first grade, you learn that 20 is more than seven,” Quiroga said. “The probability that [opposition presidential candidate] Edmundo [González] could’ve won was low, but still arithmetically possible,” at that point, he said, adding that prior to the election there were credible exit polls showing González was ahead by as much as 40 percent.
Just like 2016 and 2019, violence has returned to Venezuela. At least 11 people died during protests in Venezuela on Monday, according to the non-governmental organization Foro Penal on social media. Venezuelan authorities say more than 700 people were detained in the protests. The Venezuelan opposition political party Voluntad Popular said Tuesday that its leader Freddy Superlano has been kidnapped.
Unlike the 2018 election, Shifter says, this time the opposition “knows they won, and the regime knows they won.” The question now is how long the governing coalition that includes not only the socialists, but the armed forces can hold, Shifter said.
If that coalition becomes “divided and weaker, the armed forces may say ‘this ship is sinking and we don’t want to go down with it,’” Shifter said.
SOURCE: CNN
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The Evolution of Humanity
The story of human evolution is a fascinating journey that spans millions of years, detailing the transformation of early primates into modern humans. This evolutionary path is marked by significant milestones in physical, cognitive, and cultural development.
Early Beginnings
The journey of human evolution begins with our ancient primate ancestors. Around 7 million years ago, the first hominins, the group that includes modern humans and our closest relatives, diverged from the ancestors of chimpanzees and bonobos. These early hominins, such as Sahelanthropus tchadensis, had both ape-like and human-like characteristics.
The Australopithecines
One of the most well-known early hominins is Australopithecus afarensis, exemplified by the famous fossil "Lucy," discovered in Ethiopia. Living around 3.9 to 2.9 million years ago, Australopithecus afarensis walked upright on two legs, a crucial step in human evolution, while still retaining some tree-climbing adaptations.
The Genus Homo
Around 2.4 million years ago, the genus Homo emerged. Homo habilis, known as the "handy man," was one of the earliest members of this genus. Homo habilis is associated with the creation of simple stone tools, marking the beginning of technological innovation.
Homo Erectus and Migration
Homo erectus, appearing around 1.9 million years ago, was a significant step forward in human evolution. This species exhibited larger brain sizes and more advanced tool use. Homo erectus was also the first hominin to migrate out of Africa, spreading to Asia and Europe, showcasing adaptability and survival skills in diverse environments.
Neanderthals and Modern Humans
One of the most famous relatives of modern humans is the Neanderthal (Homo neanderthalensis), who lived in Europe and western Asia. Neanderthals were skilled hunters and toolmakers, and they even created symbolic art and buried their dead. Around 300,000 years ago, Homo sapiens, our own species, emerged in Africa. Homo sapiens exhibited advanced cognitive abilities, leading to sophisticated language, art, and cultural practices.
The Great Leap Forward
Approximately 70,000 years ago, Homo sapiens underwent a "Great Leap Forward," marked by a significant increase in creativity and technological innovation. This period saw the development of complex tools, art, and the beginnings of organized societies.
The Agricultural Revolution
About 10,000 years ago, the Agricultural Revolution transformed human societies. The domestication of plants and animals led to the development of agriculture, allowing humans to settle in one place and form complex civilizations. This period saw the rise of cities, writing systems, and advanced technologies.
Modern Humans
Today, Homo sapiens are the only surviving members of the hominin lineage. Our species has spread across the globe, adapting to various environments and developing diverse cultures. The study of human evolution continues to uncover new insights, helping us understand our origins and the traits that make us uniquely human.
The journey of human evolution is a testament to the resilience, adaptability, and ingenuity of our ancestors. It highlights the incredible transformations that have shaped us into the complex beings we are today.
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A Reflection on the Fragility and Resilience of the Earth
The image presents two identical pictures of the Earth, side by side. The first image is labeled "Earth with you," while the second is titled "Earth without you." At first glance, one might be tempted to dismiss the image as a lighthearted commentary on the vastness of the world compared to the individual. However, beneath this simple comparison lies a profound reflection on the relationship between humanity and the planet.
The Illusion of Permanence
The Earth, as depicted in both images, appears unchanged, suggesting that whether we exist or not, the planet will continue to spin on its axis, indifferent to our presence. This notion can be comforting or unsettling, depending on one's perspective. On the one hand, it reassures us that the world will endure, even in our absence. On the other hand, it highlights the seemingly insignificant impact of a single human life in the grand scheme of things.
Yet, this simplicity can be misleading. While the Earth as a physical entity may continue to exist without us, the quality and character of the planet are profoundly shaped by our actions. The environment, ecosystems, and countless species are inextricably linked to human activity. "Earth without you" might remain visually identical to "Earth with you," but the hidden implications of this absence are monumental.
The Ripple Effect
The image invites us to contemplate the broader consequences of our existence. Every decision we make—be it in our consumption habits, energy use, or interactions with nature—sends ripples through the environment. These ripples can either contribute to the preservation and flourishing of life on Earth or lead to degradation and destruction.
Consider the impact of human-driven climate change, deforestation, pollution, and species extinction. Each of these global issues stems from countless individual actions, all of which, when aggregated, have the power to alter the very fabric of the Earth. The image, though simple, subtly suggests that while the Earth may look the same with or without us, the reality of its ecosystems, climate, and biodiversity is anything but unaffected by human presence.
The Responsibility of Stewardship
The comparison also serves as a reminder of the responsibility we carry as stewards of the planet. The Earth, in its beauty and complexity, is not just a backdrop to our lives but a living system that requires care and respect. Our role is not merely to exist on this planet but to contribute positively to its well-being.
The notion that the Earth might remain unchanged without us can also inspire a deeper sense of responsibility. It is a call to action—a reminder that our time here is finite, but our impact can be enduring. We have the power to shape the future of the planet, to leave it in a better state than we found it, or to contribute to its decline.
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Iranian Hackers Allegedly Leak Trump Campaign’s 271-Page Dossier on JD Vance’s Weaknesses
The Trump campaign has claimed that a massive leak of internal documents, including a detailed 271-page file on Senator J.D. Vance’s (R-OH) potential vulnerabilities, may have been orchestrated by Iranian hackers. While these claims have yet to be confirmed, the leaked information has raised significant concerns within the campaign.
Politico, the outlet that received the leaked communications, reported that the documents were sent by an anonymous source claiming to have obtained them through hacking. The Trump campaign confirmed the authenticity of the communications on Saturday, attributing the leak to foreign entities hostile to the United States. According to campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung, these documents were obtained illegally with the intent to disrupt the 2024 election and create chaos within the American democratic process.
Supporting this claim, a recent report from Microsoft indicated that Iranian hackers had compromised the email account of a high-ranking official within the Trump campaign in June 2024. This hacking incident reportedly coincided with the period when President Trump was in the process of selecting his vice-presidential running mate.
The Microsoft report further detailed that another Iranian group, believed to be connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), attempted a spear phishing attack on a senior official in a presidential campaign. The phishing email, sent from the compromised account of a former senior advisor, contained a malicious link designed to reroute traffic through a domain controlled by the hackers.
Politico revealed that it began receiving emails on July 22 from an AOL account under the alias “Robert.” These emails included internal communications from the Trump campaign, with one email containing the extensive 271-page dossier on J.D. Vance titled “POTENTIAL VULNERABILITIES.” When questioned about the source of the documents, “Robert” advised Politico not to investigate further, suggesting that such inquiries could legally jeopardize the publication of the information.
This incident is not the first time Trump has been targeted by hackers. In 2020, his social media account was compromised when a hacker guessed his password, “maga2020!” Moreover, Trump has allegedly been the target of an Iranian assassination plot, leading to charges against a Pakistani man with ties to the Islamic Republic by the Department of Justice.
#Election2024 #CyberSecurity #Hacking #IranianHackers #TrumpCampaign #JDVance #PoliticalLeaks #ForeignInterference #CyberThreats #USPolitics
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Our technology has evolved drastically over the past few years.
Our technology has evolved drastically over the past few years. These are the results.
Looking forward to future results of the James Webb Telescope.
#space #tech
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Harris Gets Progressives’ Stamp of Approval for Tim Walz VP Pick
Progressive support of Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Tim Walz is not a surprise, considering the alternative is former President Donald Trump and Sen. JD Vance. But there are still issues progressives hope to push Harris left on.
Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday picked Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate – a decision that not only capitalizes on his proven ability to appeal to swing voters but one that also helps her avoid a possible fissure in the Democratic Party’s support.
Walz was a safe choice for several reasons – not the least of which was that he’s well-liked by progressives whose backing she needs to ensure her base is unified and motivated.
Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont called Walz a “great asset” to Harris’ campaign.
“He is a former public school teacher, football coach and strong union supporter,” Sanders posted on social media. “As governor, he delivered for working families in MN. As VP, he will deliver for the working families of the U.S.”
Progressives point to Walz’s track record, campaigning for governor on a “One Minnesota” platform that emphasized union organizing, a $15-per-hour minimum wage and assistance for school children and college students.
“Governors Tim Walz and Andy Beshear are persuasive advocates for core Democratic values and will energize voters across America without marginalizing any of the communities that we must engage in order to win the electoral college,” the progressives, who included California Democratic Party Progressive Caucus Chair Emeritus Amar Shergill, wrote.
The group’s main desire was that Harris not pick Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro as her running mate.
“Governor Shapiro, although a valued member of the Democratic coalition, has made too many controversial policy decisions on issues such as school choice and the environment to be the consensus voice our nation needs right now,” they wrote.
Others expressed worries about Shapiro’s strong support for Israel and the possibility that his stance could alienate progressive voters who are concerned about the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Harris already garnered the support of leading progressives like Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York before her vice president decision. Still, going with Shapiro would have risked creating a crack in what had otherwise been overwhelming support from the Democratic Party since she announced she was running for president.
Progressive support of Harris is not a surprise, considering the alternative would be former President Donald Trump. And while Trump and his surrogates are eager to characterize Harris as so liberal as to be out of touch with mainstream America, there are certain issues on which progressives hope to push Harris further left.
Sanders recently said that Harris should run on a progressive economic agenda that includes expanding Social Security benefits by making the wealthy pay the same tax rate as the working class, expanding Medicare, cutting the cost of prescription drugs and hiking taxes on rich and multinational corporations.
“Indeed, it is the formula that could give Harris the sort of victory that sweeps in a Democratic Senate and House and allows her to govern in the best tradition of Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal and Joe Biden’s Build Back Better program,” Sanders wrote in an opinion for The Guardian.
Notably, Harris has moved to the center on a couple of issues she ran on during her 2020 presidential bid, including reversing her stance on a fracking ban.
Though the focus for now is on Harris winning the election, expect progressives to ramp up the pressure on certain issues – including abortion access and climate change – if she does become president.
For example, restoring protections promised under Roe v. Wade won’t be enough for certain reproductive rights groups, who will likely push for abortion protections to go further under a potential Harris administration. And climate advocates, while happy with Harris and Walz on the ticket, will probably want to see progress on slashing fossil fuel production.
#GlobalNews #WorldEvents #InternationalHeadlines
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