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This editorial by Yuriria Iturriaga originally appeared in the March 1, 2026 edition of La Jornada, Mexico’s premier left wing daily newspaper. The views expressed in this article are the authors’* own and do not necessarily reflect those ofMexico Solidarity Mediaor theMexico Solidarity Project.*

A sustainable project for Mexico and Central America would be to return to the Mesoamerican milpa system, a productive and self-sufficient system, as the foundation of their enhanced social and economic reproduction. This system has been thoroughly proven for centuries in the past and will continue to be indefinitely productive in the future, just as it was for millennia before the European invasion. This project and undertaking is feasible from the short term to the very long term. However, we know that this project, while seemingly simple, would have the overwhelming support of the vast majority of Mexican society. Yet, it would fail to generate any enthusiasm among the economically dominant class, whose power lies in those who have profited from the junk food and beverage market— commodities that would plummet if the traditional Mexican diet were to return to the markets.

However, President Claudia Sheinbaum’s social sensitivity, which must be acknowledged, is undeniable: despite her scientific background, she is also remarkably sensitive to the human condition, not just to competitive cognitive output. This fact might allow us to imagine, and even believe, that she could join collective actions initiated from the National Palace, committing us to a radical and virtuous shift to recover the image of the ejido, planted with cornfields, and to the communities that, as their name indicates, dismantle the pyramids of power at any level and demonstrate that they are three times more productive than small farmers and even less so than those who monopolize agricultural activity based on excessive mechanization.

Reviving the productive and self-sufficient Mesoamerican milpa system in Mexico and Central America would be widely supported by Mexican society, but rejected by the economically dominant class. Photo by Marcos Cortez

But, since we cannot join the ranks of those who just watch biting their nails (I hardly have any left) or the haughty laissez-faire types, we will continue to insist on the issue, especially since our last environment (our generation has few years left) has no other task today than to defend us and defend Mexico in the midst of a tangled world politics, whose purpose would be to decrease the number of inhabitants of the planet, leaving only those who would be trained for some purpose planned by the Empire, which is already preparing to expand its territory to other planets.

Because if that weren’t the case, someone tell me, why are these recent wars targeting children and women? Why isn’t the deterioration of the youngest members of society halted and eliminated with drugs when they haven’t already fallen victim to bullets or drone strikes? Well, because potential combatants are being eliminated without risking a drop of American or Zionist blood: instead, they are eliminating one to three entire generations without risk, thus ensuring that the invaders will face fewer opponents in the next two decades, during which—the hunters imagine—they themselves will be responsible for training them for their cause… Or rather: the cause of their masters.

Death to history and memory. Didn’t Herod do the same? There’s plenty of material to weave an apocalyptic present… And what on earth are we, us and everyone else, doing?

• 

  Analysis

  Not By Bread Alone…

  March 1, 2026March 1, 2026

  Returning to the Mesoamerican milpa agricutlural system could revitalize agriculture, while defending Mexicans and Mexico from a tangled, global necro-politics.

• 

  Analysis

  Socialism & Anti-imperialism in Mexico During the 1970s & 1980s

  March 1, 2026March 1, 2026

  Widespread anti-imperialist mobilizations served as a pressure mechanism against the subservient and collaborationist policies of regional governments.

• 

  News Briefs

  Iranian Ambassador Asks Mexico to Condemn US & Israeli’s Illegal Attacks

  February 28, 2026February 28, 2026

  The Ambassador confirmed 106 young children were confirmed murdered after the US & Israel regimes bombed a girl’s school.

The post Not By Bread Alone… appeared first on Mexico Solidarity Media.

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This article by Erick Manuel Pastén Rozo originally appeared in the February 21, 2026 edition of La Silla Rota.

2026 began with a bang, with a show of force by the United States unseen since the second half of the 20th century. The violent invasion of Venezuela, accompanied by the kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro, was followed by threats of invasion against Mexico, Colombia, and Greenland. Added to this was the intensification of the economic (now oil-related) blockade against Cuba. While this start to the year arrived with a bang, let’s remember that last year Trump had already threatened to negatively impact the Honduran economy if the country’s electorate did not vote for his chosen candidate, Nasry Asfura. Or how the former host of “The Apprentice” imposed 50% tariffs on Brazil due to the decision to convict the former coup-plotting president, and Trump’s personal friend, Jair Bolsonaro.

This intensification of US interventionist policies in Latin America is nothing new and stems from what has been called the “Monroe Doctrine.” It is an apparent divine mandate that grants the United States the right to manipulate our policies and economy as it sees fit. What is new, however, is the lack of a coordinated response from the continental left-wing opposition to the onslaught of this new imperialism . The 1970s and 80s, with their broad anti-imperialist mobilizations —organized, coordinated, and led in most cases by socialists and communists —served, at the very least, as a pressure group against the subservient and collaborationist policies of regional governments.

The end of the Cold War and the subsequent dismantling of international solidarity and collaboration networks has left the continent, even in an era so interconnected thanks to social media, isolated in its own struggles.

But what motivated these people, most (though not exclusively) of them young students, workers, and peasants, to try to change the situation on the continent? The answer has already been mentioned: their activism in socialist organizations . It is worth remembering that one of the basic principles of this ideology was what is called “Proletarian Internationalism.” This concept, the foundation of Marxist thought, states that since capitalism is a global system, the working classes must act together, as individual national struggles are actually part of a single, larger struggle.

Socialists, from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, understood that there was little they could actually do to change the material conditions of their countries. It wasn’t until after the formation and consolidation of the Soviet Union that the first global support and solidarity networks began to be created, such as International Red Aid. This organization was formed by the Communist International and its objectives were the material and political support of communist prisons around the world. The preeminence of organizations affiliated with or directly connected to the Soviet government declined once the second half of the 20th century began. However, in their place, new organizations appeared, built from the ground up by the socialist militants themselves in different countries.

Whether in support of the liberation of the Palestinian people, the reconstruction of the governing structure in the People’s Republic of Kampuchea, or an unwavering stance of solidarity with the socialist bloc, communists worldwide —and in our case, in Mexico in particular—took a position on the international stage. It must be said, however, that this support was not without controversy or contradiction. Ultimately, it was a somewhat blind support, guided by a sense of moral and political empathy.

But returning to the topic, of all these cases, perhaps the one that mattered most to them was that of Latin America. Whether in support of refugees and exiles from Central America and the Southern Cone, through the Guatemalan Committee of Patriotic Unity, the Mexican Committee of Solidarity with the Argentine People, or the Permanent Committee of Solidarity with Latin America (COPESAL). Marches, rallies, and the distribution of propaganda, the holding of conferences and the screening of documentaries, as well as the frequent meetings of continental socialist and communist youth , were commonplace, promoted not as an ambiguous and isolated solidarity project, but as part of a complex internationalist political network.

One of the defining events of Proletarian Internationalism in the first half of the 1980s was the unique support that socialists gave to the Salvadoran Revolution and the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front. Mexican socialists and communists saw in their Central American neighbor’s struggle an ideological and strategic beacon to follow. In this sense, the Salvadoran Revolution—or Salvadoran Civil War, depending on who you ask—mobilized the Mexican revolutionary left of the 1980s much as the Cuban Revolution had done decades earlier. Large contingents filled the streets of the country for a little over five years; important events such as the International Meeting of Solidarity with the Salvadoran Revolution took place. The global revolution was just around the corner, but that corner was getting farther and farther away.

The end of the Cold War and the subsequent dismantling of international solidarity and collaboration networks has left the continent, even in an era so interconnected thanks to social media, isolated in its own struggles. While more than three decades have passed since the Soviet Union dissolved, no new regional solidarity organizations have emerged to replace those formed throughout the 20th century. Moreover, in this era where far-right positions are being revived and reinterpreted by several national leaders on the continent, the outlook is rather bleak. However, what we do have in abundance, ultimately, are examples from the recent past of people whose conviction to fight for a better world was more than enough to build contacts, alliances, and relationships with their comrades in other parts of the world. What we cannot lose are our dreams. In the words of singer-songwriter Joan Manuel Serrat: “Without utopia, life would be a rehearsal for death.”

Fidel Castro & Che Guevara in prison in Mexico City, 1956

Erick Manuel Pastén Rozo holds a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Sonora and a Master’s degree in Social Sciences from the Colegio de Sonora. He is a doctoral candidate in Modern and Contemporary History at the Instituto Mora. His main lines of research are the sociability and memory of semi-clandestine left-wing political organizations in Mexico during the 20th century. He has taught various courses, including the Workshop on the History of Guerrilla Warfare in Mexico and the Northwest of the country.

• 

  Analysis

  Not By Bread Alone…

  March 1, 2026March 1, 2026

  Returning to the Mesoamerican milpa agricutlural system could revitalize agriculture, while defending Mexicans and Mexico from a tangled, global necro-politics.

• 

  Analysis

  Socialism & Anti-imperialism in Mexico During the 1970s & 1980s

  March 1, 2026March 1, 2026

  Widespread anti-imperialist mobilizations served as a pressure mechanism against the subservient and collaborationist policies of regional governments.

• 

  News Briefs

  Iranian Ambassador Asks Mexico to Condemn US & Israeli’s Illegal Attacks

  February 28, 2026February 28, 2026

  The Ambassador confirmed 106 young children were confirmed murdered after the US & Israel regimes bombed a girl’s school.

The post Socialism & Anti-imperialism in Mexico During the 1970s & 1980s appeared first on Mexico Solidarity Media.

From Mexico Solidarity Media via This RSS Feed.

The president of the Special Commission for Monitoring the Amnesty Law for Democratic Coexistence, Jorge Arreaza, reported that the Military Justice System of the Bolivarian National Armed Force (FANB) agreed to grant alternative release measures to 31 imprisoned military personnel.

Arreaza specified that, following the application of these procedural benefits on February 27, the formerly imprisoned officials are already out of their detention centers.

Nos satisface anunciar que, con el noble objetivo de contribuir a la paz y el reencuentro nacional, el día de ayer, 27 de febrero, el Sistema de Justicia Militar de la FANB, acordó otorgar medidas alternativas a 31 efectivos militares procesados, que ya se encuentran en libertad. pic.twitter.com/aU2fCxmSbP

— Jorge Arreaza M (@jaarreaza) February 28, 2026

Arreaza highlighted that this decision is part of an institutional effort aimed at strengthening peace and national reconciliation.

He emphasized that the objective of these actions is to contribute to political stability and democratic coexistence, within the framework of the competencies of the special commission that he chairs.

Venezuela’s National Assembly Has Received 1,557 Amnesty Applications

The alternative measures imply that, although the personnel have been released from prison, they remain subject to the conditions and monitoring dictated by the Military Justice System according to each case.

With this step, the National Assembly and the military institutions reaffirm their commitment to boosting mechanisms that promote reconciliation among the various sectors of the nation.

(Últimas Noticias) by Olys Guárate

Translation: Orinoco Tribune

OT/SC/DZ

From Orinoco Tribune – News and opinion pieces about Venezuela and beyond via This RSS Feed.

By Wayne Kublalsingh – Feb 27, 2026

Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar’s understanding of the word “oxymoron” in her February 24 CARICOM address appears to have momentarily slipped. An oxymoron is a statement which appears contradictory, but on closer examination is not. In her speech in St Kitts, she declared, “We cannot advocate for others to live under communism and dictatorship, but we want to live here in our CARICOM region under democracy and capitalism. That’s an oxymoron. It’s a contradiction for ourselves.”

But an oxymoron is not a contradiction. Perhaps the PM really meant contradiction, for she seems to have self-corrected. But if contradictions ought not to be tolerated, why is the speech so contradictory? Here are some contradictions.

The PM inveighed against the “involvement” of CARICOM states in the political campaigns of other states. She claimed that in 2025, her own political party was a victim of election interference. She condemned, “CARICOM governments and their political parties who actively involve themselves into the domestic and political affairs of member states. The sister or brother parties cannot then expect that when we come together that we must hug each other.” Yet, on January 25, 2019, whilst in Opposition, she rose in Parliament to announce, “We’re preparing to join with the Venezuelan people and the free world in recognising Juan Guaidó as the interim president of Venezuela.” This was two days after Trump, in his attempt to overthrow the Venezuelan government, declared that he recognized non-elected Juan Guaidó as leader of Venezuela.

The PM declared, “Despite repeated threats against two fellow CARICOM members from Venezuela, most of the CARICOM stood against the two who were threatened.” CARICOM did not take a stand against Guyana or Trinidad in the 2023 Venezuela/Guyana dispute. Barbados PM Mia Mottley invoked the Zone of Peace doctrine, warning the parties against confrontation. She “played a key role alongside other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders in facilitating high-level dialogue between Guyana and Venezuela to de-escalate tensions over the disputed Essequibo region. In December 2023, Mottley was among the regional leaders who met with President Irfaan Ali of Guyana and President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which led to the signing of the Argyle Declaration.”

Additionally, the Venezuela/Guyana dispute over the oil-rich Essequibo arose in 1899 and is the subject of an ongoing International Court of Justice process. The threat was two-directional. The Bolivarian Government threatened to invade the Essequibo as the Guyanese government began to accommodate US oil corporations, ExxonMobil and partners, in waters off the disputed region. Pre-empting the court process, and populating the region with US corporations, and the possible encampment of CIA and US military was, in Venezuela’s view, untenable.

And at what point did Venezuela threaten Trinidad? On October 25, 2025, the National Assembly of Venezuela declared that Persad-Bissessar was persona non grata. This was after she supported the US war build-up against Venezuela, US extrajudicial boat attacks, and ceded TT’s territory for war use. As a war collaborator and co-belligerent, ceding TT land, air and seas for war use, Trinidad had made itself liable in the event of a US attack.

Taking her lead from US authorities, the PM has continually and aggravatingly called President Maduro a “narco-terrorist.” But the main allegation in support of this claim, that he was head of the non-existent Cartel de Los Soles, was dropped by US prosecutors. Despite this, in her speech, the PM called President Maduro “a narco-dictator.”

In condemning the Cuban government, the PM counterpointed “communism and dictatorship” with “democracy and capitalism”: “We want to live here in our CARICOM region under democracy and capitalism.” She added, “To partner with the US is not to undermine the Caribbean region but to defend it.” First, CARICOM has never proposed not partnering with the US on anti-narcotic and security matters (SOFA). Second, she skipped the fact that her partnership with the US precipitated many unlawful atrocities against Venezuela. Third, since 1962, the UN General Assembly has voted overwhelmingly and democratically in favour of the “Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba.” (UN Report). In 2024, the vote was 187 against the embargo, with only the US and Israel voting for it.

Finally, the PM declined to consider that under the aegis of US “democracy” and capitalism, millions of people have been slaughtered or enslaved: the genocide of native peoples, centuries of African slavery, and all manner of warmongering, assassinations and regime-change operations, particularly in North and South East Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean. And that imperialism and democracy constitute a contradiction, cannot co-exist.

CARICOM Urges Collective Action To Support Cuba Amid US Pressure

In September 2025, the People’s Republic of China granted the Persad-Bissessar government TT$94 million for mutually-agreed projects. Since Communism is intolerable, will the PM abort the projects, return the grant, and cease relations with the Communist nation?

Equally intriguing was the PM’s claim that the US military presence has reduced TT’s murder rate by 42%. In other words, in the four months since the US warships entered the Caribbean, “There were 257 less murders in T&T. I can say thanks again to President Trump and thanks again to Secretary Marco Rubio.” Is this figure factual?

The PM denounced CARICOM’s call for a Caribbean/Latin American Zone of Peace. She wilfully forgets that this doctrine constitutes a principle. An anti-imperialist defence. A status to be vied for. Instead, she lauds imperialists Trump and Rubio. The former, to the thrill of her supporters, she will meet on Saturday, February 28. And the latter, she met privately at the CARICOM forum. To discuss what?

Whilst calling for the right to “defend our [TT’s] sovereignty,” Persad-Bissessar has foolhardily converted herself into a Trump puppet—and compromised Caribbean and Latin American sovereignty to imperialism. On February 14, Rubio stood up before Western European leaders in Munich, Germany urging them to join the US to recolonize the planet—to resounding applause from the historical imperialists.

WK/OT

From Orinoco Tribune – News and opinion pieces about Venezuela and beyond via This RSS Feed.

Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodríguez held a meeting with representatives from the energy business sector and officials from the state oil company Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA). This meeting, held on Friday, February 27, at the Simón Bolívar Hall of the headquarters of PDVSA in La Campiña, Caracas, had the objective of strengthening national production as a central pillar of the economic agenda.

The event brought together 223 guests, including representatives from the public sector and national and international corporations. In her remarks, Rodríguez acknowledged the investors who remain committed to the development of the energy sector in Venezuela with a nationalistic spirit.

The acting president praised the continued presence of these economic actors despite the external challenges facing the nation. Her speech emphasized the importance of close collaboration between the government and the business sector to fully revitalize the operational capacity of the oil and gas industry.

“I thank you because you have shown not only maturity, but also profound nationalism, never abandoning Venezuela, always standing with us in the most difficult times,” the acting president said. With these words, she highlighted the commitment of those who chose to maintain their operations in Venezuela amidst a challenging global trade environment.

Demand for respect for international law
The acting president demanded respect for investments made in Venezuela from any source worldwide. She affirmed that the country remains open to foreign capital, provided it adheres to the norms of coexistence between nations.

Sovereignty over natural resources and the legal security of existing contracts were an essential part of her statements.

“We are open to international cooperation, but that cooperation must be conducted with respect for international law,” Rodríguez stated during the meeting. This declaration reaffirms Venezuela’s position on the need to establish trade relations based on mutual recognition and an end to unilateral pressure.

The primary objective remains to transform the nation into a leading producer of crude oil, gas, and petrochemicals. To achieve this goal, Rodríguez emphasized the need for concerted efforts with the working class and the private sector.

She reiterated her unwavering commitment to achieving the definitive lifting of the US sanctions affecting the Venezuelan economy. “It is a battle I will wage with my utmost awareness and with all the strength of my heart,” she added.

Venezuela and China Evaluate Strengthening of Strategic Alliance

Innovation and training for the energy sector
The acting president proposed the immediate creation of the Academic Council for Hydrocarbons. This new body will have the active participation of all public and private universities in Venezuela, seeking to link scientific knowledge and personnel training with real-world production needs.

The initiative has the aim of modernizing extraction and refining processes by leveraging national human talent.

The meeting concluded with a call for national unity among all productive sectors to safeguard economic recovery. PDVSA officials present at the meeting took note of the business leaders’ requests to expedite investment mechanisms. Through this outreach, Venezuela seeks to consolidate a management model that guarantees stable income and sustained GDP growth through its most strategic resource.

(Alba Ciudad)

Translation: Orinoco Tribune

OT/JRE/SC

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Caracas (OrinocoTribune.com)—The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Venezuela issued a statement Saturday condemning and deeply regretting that a “military route” was chosen through attacks against Iran, triggering a dangerous and unpredictable escalation. However, the communiqué surprisingly questioned Iran’s right to self-defense, drawing strong criticisms from the country’s Chavista base.

Venezuelan authorities described the military response by Iran against targets in various countries as “undue and condemnable,” questioning the right to self-defense, despite the fact that the Iranian response targeted US military assets throughout West Asia, not civilian installations.

Orinoco Tribune attempted to find the statement on Foreign Minister Yván Gil’s Instagram, Telegram, and Foreign accounts, but failed to do so as the previously uploaded posts appear to have been deleted. A digital screenshot of the document, however, was posted by Telesur English’s X account.

The ambivalent statement drew heavy criticism from Chavista grassroots, as well as experts and solidarity activists globally. The lack of criticism towards the United States and the Zionist entity as having both initiated the aggression by launching unprovoked military strikes towards Iran in the middle of diplomatic talks, and questioning Iran’s right to self-defense, sparked outrage among Chavistas.

“The reports and images of attacks on civilian facilities within Iranian territory, which led to the innocent civilian casualties of young girls and other underage students at a primary school, caused deep dismay,” the communiqué reads. This is in reference to the joint Israeli-US missile strike on an all-girls school in Minab, Iran, killing more than 100 students.

The document concludes by reiterating “unwavering commitment to peace, peaceful settlement of disputes, and respect for sovereignty and international law,” meanwhile, urging the international community to return to negotiations.

According to analysts, the tone of the statement contradicts the strategic relationship built between Venezuela and Iran since the founding of the Bolivarian Revolution. Some suggest this may hint at Zionist influence within the Venezuelan government following the January 3 US military bombing of Venezuela and kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro. Many Venezuelans, however, made a distinction between Chavismo and the current government, arguing that Chavismo represents a movement larger than the current authorities.

Unofficial translation of the now-deleted Venezuelan statement is published below:

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela condemns and deeply regrets that, in the context of ongoing diplomatic efforts and negotiations, the military route was chosen through attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran, triggering in recent hours a dangerous and unpredictable escalation of events, including undue and condemnable military reprisals by Iran against targets in various countries of the region. This situation, resulting from a disregard for principles of diplomacy, peaceful settlement of disputes, and the Charter of the United Nations, places the region and entire world in a state of enormous instability.

Reports and images of attacks on civilian facilities within Iranian territory, which have resulted in innocent civilian casualties, including girls and other underage students from a primary school in that country, are deeply distressing.

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela reiterates its unwavering commitment to peace, the peaceful resolution of disputes, respect for sovereignty and international law, and makes an urgent appeal to the international community and the States involved to return to the path of negotiation and avoid a further escalation of the confrontation.

Caracas, February 28, 2026.

Alexis Vive Patriotic Force condemns US aggression on Iran
The Alexis Vive Patriotic Force, a consolidated grassroots Chavista organization of the 23 de Enero neighborhood in Caracas, issued a statement on Saturday that reflects better the genuine sentiment of the Chavista people regarding the imperialist-Zionist attack:

The Alexis Vive Patriotic Force denounces and repudiates with absolute firmness the military attack launched on February 28, 2026, by the US and “Israel” against the Islamic Republic of Iran. This brutal attack is not an isolated event, but the latest episode of the permanent offensive of imperialism against peoples who refuse to submit and who have defended their sovereignty against looting and colonialist domination.

During the morning hours of February 28, imperialist-Zionist forces unleashed direct bombings against Tehran and other Iranian regions, deliberately targeting civilian and military objectives in an attempt to break the will of a people who have been a reference of dignity and resistance against imperialism.

Far from representing a threat, Iran has set an example in its defense of sovereignty, international solidarity, and support for the Palestinians as seen by their historical struggle against colonialist Zionism.

This offensive is nothing more than another attempt to impose regime change, undermine Iran’s self-determination, and redraw the political map of West Asia for benefiting strategic interests of Washington and Tel Aviv. This genocidal logic has left millions of victims: Iraq, Libya, Syria, and Palestine are proof of this criminal pattern of imperialist-Zionist aggression.

Iran resists. The Iranian people and their armed forces have risen against open aggression, defending their territory, culture, history, and inalienable right to exist free from foreign intervention. This position stands as an example of anti-imperialist dignity against expansionism that seeks to forcefully impose its dominance.

Stay strong Iran!
Down with Zionism!
Down with imperialism!
For the sovereignty of the peoples!
Homeland or death!
We will prevail!

El Panal Commune, February 27 Communal City, Caracas
February 28, 2026

‘Israel’ Launches Aggression Against Iran ‘In Coordination With US’

Latest developments
Early Saturday morning, Israeli and US forces launched a massive, unprovoked attack against Iran following weeks of Oman-mediated negotiations between the US and Iran in Geneva, Switzerland. The last session of negotiations took place on Thursday, February 26, with mediators reporting “significant progress” towards a nuclear agreement and lifting of some sanctions.

US President Donald Trump issued a 10-day ultimatum on February 19, demanding Iran accept stricter conditions regarding its ballistic missile program. While the Iranian government showed leniency with uranium enrichment, it refused to dismantle its missile defense system.

The attacks, which the US administration described as a mission to destroy Iran’s missile and nuclear industries, struck Tehran, Isfahan, Karaj, and Minab. In Minab, a missile hit the Shajareye Tayabeh girls’ primary school, killing 118 students and injuring dozens more.

In response, Iran activated Operation True Promise 4, launching drones and ballistic missiles against “Israeli” territory and several US military bases in Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Iraq. Palestinian, Iraqi, and Yemeni resistance forces have announced offensive operations in support of the Iranian people. There are reports of Ansarallah’s closure of the Red Sea, and missile launches from Palestinian Resistance locations against US and Zionist interests.

Amid US-Zionist aggression and Iranian retaliation, massive demonstrations are taking place throughout Iran in support of the Iranian government, condemning the unprovoked attacks.

Special for Orinoco Tribune by staff

OT/JRE/SC/SH

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The IRGC announces third, fourth and fifth wave of True Promise 4, targeting US assets and bases in the Gulf after strikes on Haifa, Ramat David, and military-industrial sites.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced in its fourth statement that the fifth wave of True Promise 4 has expanded operations beyond previously declared targets, striking US naval and logistical assets across the region.

The IRGC stated that the Abdullah Al-Mubarak Air Base in Kuwait was targeted with four ballistic missiles. The base was also struck by 12 drones, leading to the destruction of its main infrastructure.

The statement added that the strike on the US base resulted in the killing and injury of a large number of US forces.

The Harir base in Iraq, home to US special forces, was targeted in an attack, and Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia was accurately hit by missiles and drones.

According to the IRGC, an MSP vessel, tasked with transporting ammunition to US ships at Jebel Ali Port, was struck by four drones. The vessel was forced out of service due to extensive damage and successive explosions.

In addition, an MST combat support ship, assigned to refuel US vessels in the Indian Ocean, was struck by Iranian Qadr 380 missiles.

More advanced, precise, and powerful missiles launched
The IRGC announced earlier, in its third statement, that the third and fourth waves of True Promise 4 are being continuously launched, deploying more advanced, precise, and destructive missiles than those used in True Promise 3.

The IRGC warned that subsequent waves would be even more powerful.

According to the statement, the third and fourth waves feature upgraded missile systems with enhanced precision and destructive capability, warning that “the enemies must know that coming waves will be more destructive than previous operations in True Promise 3.”

#WATCH | Footage shows aftermath of Iranian retaliatory strike targeting Tel Aviv.#Iran #IranRetaliates pic.twitter.com/DcA87CwdEx

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) February 28, 2026

Haifa naval base and military yard targetedAmong the targets identified were the Israeli occupation army’s naval base and military naval yard in Haifa, a key strategic coastal location.

The IRGC also listed Ramat David Air Base and the Ministry of War in HaKirya among its targets. Ramat David Airbase is one of the most strategically significant air force installations in northern occupied Palestine. Located southeast of Haifa in the Jezreel Valley, it serves as a critical forward operating base for air operations along the northern front.

Leader of Iran, Sayyed Ali Khamenei, Martyred in US-Israeli Aggression

Military-industrial sites in Bet Shemesh and AshdodThe statement further identified the military-industrial settlement of Bet Shemesh and a military-industrial facility in Ashdod as targets.

Ashdod is home to port infrastructure used for military logistics, industrial zones that include companies linked to defense manufacturing and maintenance, and facilities connected to major Israeli defense firms such as Israel Aerospace Industries, Elbit Systems, and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.

Moreover, Ashdod is strategically important because it hosts one of the largest ports in occupied Palestine and includes industrial areas linked to weapons production, electronics, and naval-related defense activity.

Destruction across Tel Aviv

In turn, Israeli media reported significant damage in Tel Aviv as a result of the latest salvo of Iranian missiles.

Multiple Iranian missiles directly struck Tel Aviv, leaving significant destruction. pic.twitter.com/Ttpy0v8Iix

— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) February 28, 2026

Israeli media noted the destruction of a building and a direct hit on an Israeli target in Tel Aviv.

(Al Mayadeen)

From Orinoco Tribune – News and opinion pieces about Venezuela and beyond via This RSS Feed.

The leader of the Islamic Revolution and the Islamic Republic of Iran, Sayyed Ali Khamenei, has been martyred in the US-Israeli aggression on Iran.

Iranian state television reported that Supreme Leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei was martyred at his workplace at the Leadership House, where he fell while performing his duties in his office during the joint US-Israeli attacks in the early hours of Saturday, February 28.

According to Iranian state television, Sayyed Khamenei’s martyrdom at his workplace once again refuted claims by “outlets linked to the Israeli regime and regional reactionary currents that the leader was in a secure and undisclosed location,” affirming that he remained present on the frontlines of responsibility among his people.

Aged 86 at the time of his martyrdom, Sayyed Ali Khamenei has guided the Islamic Republic of Iran from the early days of the post-revolutionary era through decades of struggle and transformation. After taking part in the 1979 Revolution that overthrew the oppressive, US-backed Pahlavi monarchy, he served as president throughout much of the 1980s before being appointed as the Leader of Iran in 1989 following the death of Sayyed Ruhollah Khomeini.

In that position, he became the highest authority in Iran’s political and religious system, shaping domestic policy, overseeing national institutions, and directing Iran’s strategic orientation for nearly four decades.

During his leadership, he maintained Iran’s sovereignty in the face of international pressure, steered the country through regional conflicts, and fostered alliances with movements and governments across the Middle East and the world.

His tenure also oversaw significant developments in Iran’s nuclear program and the expansion of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps as a central element of national defense and regional influence, making him one of the most significant figures in contemporary Iranian and regional history.

Iranian institutions mourn Sayyed Ali Khamenei
The Iranian Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) expressed its deepest condolences, describing Sayyed Ali Khamenei as a towering religious scholar and “leader of the martyrs of the Islamic Revolution.” The organization hailed him as a uniquely virtuous and courageous figure, whose martyrdom at the hands of “malicious terrorists and oppressors” underscores the righteousness of his leadership and the value of his lifelong service.

The IRGC affirmed that Sayyed Khamenei’s martyrdom “would not halt his path, but rather strengthen the Iranian people’s determination to continue his legacy,” and vowed that “the IRGC, armed forces, and Basij would carry forward his mission in defense of the nation.”

The Supreme National Security Council of Iran said Khamenei’s martyrdom would be a catalyst for a “great uprising against global tyrants.”

The Iranian government announced 40 days of national mourning for the martyrdom of the leader.

The Iranian Presidency stated that until his final moments, Sayyed Khamenei guided the Islamic nation in confronting forces of disbelief and tyranny, and called him a symbol of selfless service, resistance, and hope for the oppressed and the free.

The Iranian Presidency affirmed that the leader’s murder would not go unanswered and that his sacred blood would inspire continued struggle against injustice, emphasizing that Iran, relying on divine support, would navigate this crisis united and with pride.

US-Israeli aggression against Iran
The United States and “Israel” launched a “joint military operation” on Febbruary 28 targeting Iran in the middle of nuclear talks, in what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed was a necessary action to eliminate what he called an “existential threat.”

Netanyahu said that the US-Israeli operation against Iran aims to reshape the region’s strategic landscape, as coordinated strikes and retaliatory attacks pushed tensions sharply higher.

The announcement followed reports of coordinated attacks in multiple Iranian cities, marking a significant escalation. Netanyahu said that the operation is intended to alter strategic realities in the region and directly challenge Iran’s leadership.

He reiterated that the joint US-Israeli action would create the conditions for the Iranian people “to take their fate into their own hands,” adding that “Iran must not be allowed to arm itself with nuclear weapons.”

The cities of Tehran, Qom, Tabriz, and Khorramshahr were struck by multiple missiles on Saturday, leading to the murder of at least 200 Iranians, including children. Iranian and regional airspace closures were implemented shortly afterward, disrupting civilian and commercial flights.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office in Hormozgan province, southern Iran, confirmed that 108 children were martyred in an Israeli strike targeting Minab Elementary School for Girls. Another 90 students were injured at the Shajareh Tayyebeh School in the same city.

In Fars province, also in southern Iran, the Zionist entity killed 20 women volleyball players in a strike on a sports hall in the city of Lamerd.

The Iranian Red Crescent places the overall death toll from the US-Israeli offensive at more than 200 killed and 747 wounded since the attacks began Saturday morning.

‘Israel’ Launches Aggression Against Iran ‘In Coordination With US’

Iran launches retaliatory strikes
In response, Iran has invoked Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, affirming its legitimate right to self-defense.

In a statement, the Iranian Foreign Ministry characterized the airstrikes as a violation of Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. The ministry reiterated that Iran would use all its capabilities to deter aggression and confront its enemies.

Shortly after the US-Zionist strikes began, Iranian authorities announced retaliatory measures, with dozens of ballistic missiles launched toward “Israel.” Impacts were reported in Tel Aviv and other areas across the occupied Palestinian territories.

Nournews confirmed the launch, reporting that multiple missiles were fired, with targets including Haifa and areas in northern occupied Palestine.

The Israeli military reported that it had detected a barrage of missiles launched from Iran. Israeli media outlets also reported the detection of missile launches directed at Tel Aviv.

In parallel, Iranian state television announced that Tehran was preparing what it described as a “crushing” retaliation against the Zionist entity, asserting that attacks on Iranian sovereignty would not go unanswered.

Additionally, Iranian missiles strikes targeted US military bases across several Gulf Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar. Agence France-Presse reported loud blasts in Riyadh as Iran carried out retaliatory strikes on US bases across the Gulf. 14 US military bases across West Asia have been targeted by Iran so far, a military source announced on Saturday.

(Al-Mayadeen English) with Orinoco Tribune content

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This article by Arturo Sánchez Jiménez originally appeared in the February 28, 2026 edition of La Jornada, Mexico’s premier left wing daily newspaper.

Recalling Mexico’s tradition of respect for international law, multilateralism, and the defense of the self-determination of peoples, the ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, stated this Saturday that his government expects Mexico to condemn the bombings launched against his country by the United States and Israel.

In a press conference held at his official residence, the diplomat maintained that the attack constitutes “an act of aggression” that, he said, must be condemned in accordance with the principles of the Mexican Constitution and international law. “Mexico’s foreign policy is based on multilateralism, the defense of international law, and respect for the independence of nations. Under these principles, this aggressive attack must be condemned,” he stated.

Pasandideh recalled that Iran and Mexico have maintained friendly relations since 1902 and emphasized that his country “loves Mexico and the Mexican nation very much.” He noted that, in his eight months in Mexico, he has witnessed the Mexican people’s appreciation for sovereignty. “We hope that, given this historical perspective, the Mexican government will condemn this situation,” he insisted.

The ambassador confirmed that the Iranian Supreme Leader is alive and refuted US President Donald Trump’s claims of his death. “An official announcement was made half an hour ago: the Supreme Leader is well, safe, and managing the response to these attacks,” he stated. He added that statements to the contrary “are unsubstantiated claims.”

Regarding the victims, he indicated that so far 106 female students have been confirmed dead after the bomb struck a girls’ school with nearly 200 students. He added that preliminary information indicates around 200 deaths in 24 regions of Iran and 747 injuries. “They are civilians, ordinary people,” he maintained, rejecting the notion that the bombings were directed exclusively at military targets.

Pasandideh maintained that Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful and has been monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency, which, he said, has issued 15 reports to that effect. He asserted that the accusations against him are “an excuse” and that his country has provided “numerous guarantees” and even offered to limit uranium enrichment.

“Iran has over 5,000 years of history and independence. It is a nation that has endured and knows how to defend itself,” he emphasized. He maintained that his country does not seek war, but will not accept aggression.

He added that the embassy will continue to disseminate updates on the situation through its social media channels.

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  Iranian Ambassador Asks Mexico to Condemn US & Israeli’s Illegal Attacks

  February 28, 2026February 28, 2026

  The Ambassador confirmed 106 young children were confirmed murdered after the US & Israel regimes bombed a girl’s school.

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  Analysis

  Concessions, Concessions, Concessions

  February 27, 2026February 27, 2026

  The yet-to-be-disclosed 200 mining concessions voluntarily returned to the Mexican state represent less than 1% of the 22,000 currently active, while questions remain about the government’s new strategy.

The post Iranian Ambassador Asks Mexico to Condemn US & Israeli’s Illegal Attacks appeared first on Mexico Solidarity Media.

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By Manolo De Los Santos  –  Feb 26, 2026

Since the triumph of the Revolution, Cuban authorities have documented approximately 5,780 separate terrorist acts directed against their country.

On the morning of February 25, 2026, Cuban authorities thwarted yet another terrorist attack one mile off the country’s northern coast. When it was over, four men lay dead, six more were wounded and in Cuban custody, and a high-speed boat registered in Florida (FL7726SH) sat disabled, its deck littered with assault rifles, handguns, Molotov cocktails, and bulletproof vests.

The attack has brought to the fore a discussion of the long and often forgotten history of terrorist attacks that Cuba has faced in the 66 years since its revolution and what actors, state and otherwise, have been behind them.

The attackEarly on February 25, an unidentified and unannounced speed boat entered Cuban waters. When the Cuban Coast Guard approached it to identify the vessel, the boat’s crew opened fire without warning. The assailants, armed with assault rifles and Molotov cocktails, wounded the Cuban patrol commander before the guards returned fire in self-defense.

Reports from Miami-based journalists have confirmed that this was not a journey to rescue Cuban migrants as some are attempting to say but, in fact, an organized, armed expedition to engage in violent actions on Cuban soil.

On shore, Cuban authorities arrested Duniel Hernández Santos, an operative who had recently arrived from the United States to welcome the infiltration team.

The US government has not yet made an official comment condemning the attack on Cuba’s sovereignty and Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that the US will conduct its own independent investigation.

The events of February 25, 2026, however, represent far more than an isolated incident of maritime violence. Terrorist attacks against Cuba, in many historic cases directly sponsored by the United States, have been a central component of the sustained campaign waged by Washington against the Cuban people for more than six decades. Such attacks and others like it are the logical outcome and intended consequences of the Trump administration’s escalation of a state of war and a fuel blockade deliberately crafted to make the Cuban people suffer, destabilize a sovereign nation, and undermine its government.

The geography of this ongoing conflict is particularly telling, as the state of Florida has for decades functioned as a launching pad for paramilitary groups that have operated with varying degrees of official tolerance from US authorities. According to the preliminary investigation by Cuba’s Ministry of the Interior, many of the individuals involved in the attack, such as Amijail Sánchez González and Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez, were already known to authorities for their involvement in illegal and terrorist activities. This suggests another troubling reality: the United States continues to allow its territory to be used as a staging ground for planning and executing armed attacks against a neighboring country.

This violence at sea represents the paramilitary manifestation of a broader campaign of economic warfare and terror waged through more sophisticated means by the US naval armada in the Caribbean, yet both approaches share the identical objective of bringing about the collapse of the Cuban state through sustained pressure and destabilization.

CARICOM Urges Collective Action To Support Cuba Amid US Pressure

The war on CubaSince the triumph of the Cuban Revolution in 1959, Cuban authorities have documented approximately 5,780 separate terrorist acts directed against their country. These statistics represent far more than mere numbers on a page. These attacks cut short the lives of 3,478 and left thousands more with permanent disabilities. The methods employed throughout this long history have certainly varied according to the circumstances and capabilities available at different periods, but the underlying cruelty has remained remarkably consistent across the decades.

Among the most devastating tactics employed was biological warfare, exemplified by the 1981 dengue fever epidemic that claimed the lives of 101 children, primarily infants and young children. The sabotage campaigns orchestrated against the island were equally destructive, with declassified documents revealing that during a single six-month period in the 1960s, the CIA successfully smuggled approximately 75 tons of explosives onto the island with the specific purpose of destroying factories, plantations, transportation infrastructure, and other facilities essential to the nation’s economic survival and development.

Perhaps most horrific of all was the 1976 bombing of Cubana Flight 455, which resulted in the deaths of all 73 people aboard, including the teenage members of Cuba’s fencing team, and stands as one of the earliest acts of aviation terrorism ever perpetrated in the Western Hemisphere. The masterminds behind this atrocity, Luis Posada Carriles and Orlando Bosch, subsequently lived out their remaining years freely in Miami, with their unbothered existence sending a clear and unmistakable message from the US government that individuals who direct terrorist violence against Cuba will find safe haven and protection within Florida’s borders.

The armed incursions conducted by groups such as Alpha 66 and others based in the United States constitute the overt and violent edge of a US government policy whose foundations were explicitly laid out in the infamous 1960 Mallory memorandum. That document candidly called for bringing about hunger, desperation, violence, and ultimately the overthrow of the Cuban government through systematically denying the nation access to money and essential supplies. The US economic blockade, maintained for decades with increasing severity and through financial strangulation, has resulted in scarcity of food, essential medicines, and fuel necessary for basic functioning. The designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, most recently reaffirmed in 2025 by Trump, has prevented the country from engaging in normal financial transactions and international trade that are essential for any nation’s survival and development. The support, whether direct or through implicit tolerance, of paramilitary groups contributes to physical destabilization that results in continued loss of life and destruction of infrastructure vital to the Cuban people’s ability to survive.

There exists a profound and bitter irony in the US government’s 2025 decision to once again designate Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism. Throughout the entire sixty-six-year period during which Washington has applied this and other labels to Cuba, it has actually been Cuba that has consistently been the victim of a sustained terror campaign organized, funded, and systematically ignored by successive American administrations.

The violent confrontation off the coast of Cuba on February 25, 2026 was not an accident or a coincidence, but the direct and foreseeable consequence of the refusal of US officials to accept the reality of Cuban sovereignty and the right of the Cuban people to determine their own destiny without external interference or manipulation. In responding to this terrorist attack, Cuba acts in full accordance with international law, specifically Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which guarantees “the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense if an armed attack occurs against a member state.”

Ultimately, Marco Rubio and the US government must answer ​​why a group of terrorists residing in the United States conspired to orchestrate acts of terror against the Cuban people, utilizing weapons purchased in the United States and operating a boat departing from a Florida port. As long as Washington continues to treat Florida as a permissible base for operations aimed at regime change in Havana, and as long as it continues to weaponize its financial system to economically strangle the island, this cycle of violence will inevitably continue, claiming lives and perpetuating the suffering of the Cuban people.

As the Trump administration presses forward with the sixty-six-year war against Cuba, inducing famine through a cruel fuel blockade and permitting terrorist attacks from its soil, the Cuban people refuse to break. They continue to weather the storm, standing tall against an empire that has failed, for over six decades, to bend them to its will.

(Peoples Dispatch)

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By Caitlin Johnstone  –  Feb 24, 2026

In a post-Iraq invasion world, these sorts of reports deserve nothing but a scoff and a dismissal.

Reading by Tim Foley:

They’re not even trying anymore.

US middle east envoy Steve Witkoff told Fox News on Saturday that Iran is “probably a week away” from having the materials necessary to make a nuclear bomb — a line that Iran hawks have been falsely repeating for over three decades.

It’s such a transparently bogus claim that even The Jerusalem Post dunked on Witkoff for making it, quipping that “The US envoy left out that Iran currently has no access to its material, no machines to enrich it, and no weapons program to use it for any operational purpose.”

This is the guy supposedly assigned by the White House to the task of establishing peace in the middle east, churning out the most fuzzbrained justifications for war with Iran you could possibly imagine.

The New York Post has an article going viral right now with the flamboyantly propagandistic headline “Iranian forces hack out wombs of female protesters to hide horrific sexual abuse,” which would sound absurd at a glance even you didn’t know anything about atrocity propaganda. Like they said “Let’s mutilate these women’s reproductive organs so that nobody thinks we horrifically abused them!” How does that even make sense?

The article is of course based on no evidence whatsoever, citing nothing but a NewsNation report full of anonymously sourced assertions. The central claim of the New York Post headline is attributed solely to “An Iranian refugee who spoke to NewsNation under a condition of anonymity.”

Can the US Use This Ethnic Conflict To Break Iran From Within?

In a post-Iraq invasion world, these sorts of reports deserve nothing but a scoff and a dismissal. After all the lies we’ve been told about every US war of aggression over the years, any claims made about a government that Washington wants to topple need to be flatly rejected unless they are backed by rock-solid, independently verifiable proof. That proof never arrives. US wars are always justified by lies, psyops, and misinformation.

But these aren’t the usual caliber of lies. We normally get better-quality war propaganda than this. This slop is designed to appeal to the dumbest people in the dumbest parts of the United States, and to people who already want to go to war with Iran.

Consent for the Iraq invasion was manufactured by many months of high-energy media saturation designed to harness the power of post-9/11 hysteria about the possibility of foreign attacks on American soil. This is just a few propaganda rags and government officials farting into a microphone and calling us idiots.

And yet the war machinery is rolling out anyway. They’re preparing to unleash a horrific war of immense consequence which Americans overwhelmingly oppose, and they don’t even have the decency to tell believable lies about it.

It can’t say good things about the future that they’re not even pretending to care what the American people want anymore. The US empire is getting more and more bold about exposing its true tyrannical nature, feeling less and less need to manufacture consent before engaging in mass military slaughter.

I guess we can still have hope that this will help open some eyes to the dire need for revolution in the heart of the empire.

(Caitlin Johnstone)

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By William Serafino  –  Feb 25, 2026

Far from the image of total control, coherent, linear, and practically seamless action that an intense, visibly coordinated propaganda effort is trying to portray for Donald Trump’s management of the relationship with the Venezuelan government led by Delcy Rodríguez, the post-military intervention bilateral scenario is proving to be much more complex and intricate for the US president than is often stated.

In this context, the ocean of difference with which the pronouncements of Trump and Rodríguez are usually evaluated serves as empirical evidence of an attempt to delineate the approach to a critical and unprecedented juncture in favor of US interests, with the aim of imposing narratives instead of analyzing realities.

Thus, while whatever the US president says is taken as an undeniable fact, the explanations offered by the acting president of Venezuela regarding this atypical moment are relativized and minimized. The aim is to extend the White House’s narrative control over the situation as much as possible two months after the fateful military aggression.

The instrumental logic of praise
Although Trump’s continuous praise of Rodríguez has prompted various interpretations, almost no one doubts its use as an openly instrumental resource with multiple objectives. Among these, to portray the Venezuelan government as a docile and subordinate entity, introducing tension and fabricated suspicions within the country’s political high command.

However, this declarative calculation does not end there, as Trump is also strongly conditioned by significant perturbance in the US political scenario after January 3. A few days after the bombs of Operation Absolute Resolve fell on Caracas and other cities, 70 Democratic Congressmembers questioned the US president for dismissing “the pro-democratic leadership of the legitimate elected president, Edmundo González, and the opposition leader, Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado.”

The Democratic Party’s selective alignment with Machado has forced Trump to trench himself in. In a context where he is on the defensive, losing consecutive battles in the tariff and immigration fields, with the Supreme Court ruling against his global trade war agenda and ICE withdrawing from Minnesota, all while Republican voting intentions continue to fall worryingly ahead of this year’s midterms, Trump cannot afford to give in and show weakness to the Democratic Party.

In this situation, Trump’s praise for Rodríguez is his way of domestically defending his risky military adventure and the projected economic-energy benefits that are yet to materialize.

In Trump’s own party, the situation is not optimal. Although many legislators are careful not to challenge him publicly, Republican representatives and senators are concerned that this praise will strengthen Venezuela’s acting president politically and economically. Due to this, they are questioning the lack of clarity regarding how oil sales are conducted.

Particularly, the “Crazy Cubans” of Florida sense the electoral cost of Trump’s praise of Rodríguez. If this behavioral trend continues, the Latino vote could continue to drift away from the Republican Party in a context where the relationship between that sector and the party suffers extreme tension due to ICE’s punitive approach and the worsening economic situation.

This fear is grounded in reality. In November 2025, in Miami-Dade, a microcosm of Florida’s complex demographic diversity, Democratic candidate Eileen Higgins won the mayoralty after nearly three decades of exclusive Republican dominance. She achieved it with a 20-point margin in the same county where Trump won the 2024 presidential elections with 55% of the votes.

These internal dynamics not only shed light on the underlying, internal reasons for Trump’s instrumentally friendly tone but also underscore the strategic dilemma he faces: not yielding to the Democrats fosters nervousness and distrust within his own camp, with potential electoral dangers in a place like Florida. Due to its district configuration and objective weight within the Republican universe, Florida will be crucial for absorbing and stabilizing losses in blue states during the midterms. The peninsula is the last frontier that could protect Trumpism from a predicted historic defeat.

Oil and gasoline
According to a recent article by the Venezuelan outlet Banca y Negocios, which reported current data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), “Venezuelan oil exports to the United States experienced a sharp decline during the second week of February, totaling 49,000 barrels per day, a 68% drop compared to the previous period.”

The report highlights that, “with this level of exports by Venezuela, it falls to ninth place among the crude oil suppliers to the United States in the second week of February.” In the first six weeks of 2026, it had exported “107,300 bpd, a figure that is 60% below what was recorded in the same period of 2025, when a license granted to Chevron was in effect. The characteristics of the license were changed in July of last year.”

Amid the growing threats of a new US attack on Iran, international oil prices have settled at $66 for WTI and above $70 for Brent, rates that are well above the $50 threshold that Trump projected as a strategic interest following the aggression against Venezuela.

According to Bloomberg energy analyst Javier Blas, Washington is irresponsibly underestimating a probable Iranian response to a broad-scale US military campaign in the crucial Strait of Hormuz. Cutting this key trade artery for the global crude market would precipitously raise prices, with destructive consequences for the overheated US economy.

Venezuela: ‘For Now’ (Por Ahora)

In the US, the price of gasoline has begun to rise by several cents. This rise undermines what, until a few weeks ago, was a highly publicized achievement by Trump: keeping the price below $3.

A comprehensive reading of this data expands the passages of Trump’s labyrinth into the energy sphere. Not only is the promise of a colossal investment boom by US companies not materializing, but the coercive architecture of commercial arbitration established through specific OFAC licenses has not increased Venezuelan crude oil imports to the US, thus not providing a tailwind to keep US domestic fuel prices in check.

It is becoming evident that the oligopolistic and bureaucratic strategy of US commercial control over Venezuelan oil sales has made it impossible for Venezuelan oil to be properly integrated into global supply chains. This is hindering contractual dynamics, generating regulatory costs, and increasing volatility in terms of prices and profitability.

The big problem for Trump is that he seems to be moving further away from the triple objective that justified his violent military aggression (low global prices, greater supply, cheap gasoline), translating into growing pressure to begin lifting the punitive sanctions against Venezuela. This action, while helping to resolve current operational hurdles, would have detractors on both the Democratic and Republican sides, leaving him between a rock and a hard place. The defeat would not only be institutional (dismantling of sanctions) but also political (recognition of the Venezuelan government).

Andrés Oppenheimer, a perennial aspirant guru of the global right, added a new layer of complexity to the Trump scenario in a recent article. He explained: “The concern that the post-Maduro dictatorship will cling to power has grown in recent days when it was revealed that the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, the largest in the United States Navy, left the shores of Venezuela for Iran. The aircraft carrier was the trump card of the naval blockade on Venezuelan oil, which forced the regime to concede to some of Washington’s demands. Without such a massive military presence off the coast of Venezuela, will Trump’s threats of military action remain credible? They will probably be much less so.”

What Oppenheimer detected is not an individual’s concern but a cry where confusion, skepticism, and fear converge in sectors fully committed to regime change. They are beginning to see that Caracas might be managing the moment more intelligently than the White House, which is now facing the labyrinth of a country that has made adapting to complex situations a style of political exercise.

(Diario Red)

Translation: Orinoco Tribune

OT/SC/SF

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Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil met Chinese Ambassador Lan Hu to review the progress of bilateral relations and high-level cooperation between the two countries.

At the meeting on Friday, February 27, at the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry headquarters, the two diplomats reaffirmed the strength of the All-Weather Strategic Partnership that governs political and economic exchanges between Caracas and Beijing.

The conversation also addressed the diplomacy and friendship that characterizes the two countries and their willingness to continue working on mutually beneficial projects.

Venezuela’s Automotive Market Surges as New Car Sales Grow 120% in 2025, China Leads the Trend

Venezuela and China have maintained diplomatic relations since 1974. With the arrival of the Bolivarian Revolution, the ties between the two nations solidified as bonds of brotherhood and solidarity.

In 2023, the two countries signed 31 comprehensive cooperation agreements to strengthen their strategic alliance and facilitate joint development in economic, technological, and social areas, highlighting the solidity of bilateral relations.

(Últimas Noticias)

Translation: Orinoco Tribune

OT/SC/SF

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The integration bloc warns prolonged crisis could affect regional migration and security.

On Tuesday, leaders of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) called for collective action to support Cuba amid the crisis it faces due to the U.S. oil blockade.

“We must address the situation in Cuba with clarity and courage. Cuba is our Caribbean neighbor. Its doctors and teachers have served throughout our region. We must be clear that a prolonged crisis in Cuba will affect migration, security, and economic stability across the Caribbean region,” said Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated.

His remarks came during CARICOM’s annual conference in Saint Kitts and Nevis, which will be attended by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday. During the opening ceremony of the meeting, the Jamaican leader stressed that “it is important to consider this matter carefully and take collective action” regarding Cuba.

“Jamaica firmly supports democracy, human rights, political accountability, and an economy based on an open market. We do not believe that long-term stability can exist where economic freedom is restricted and political participation limited,” said Holness, who served as CARICOM president in 2025.

U.S. pressure, after Washington threatened tariffs on countries that supply oil to Havana, is progressively paralyzing the Cuban economy, which was already in a very precarious situation as a result of an economic blockade that has lasted 64 years.

“Jamaica supports constructive dialogue between Cuba and the U.S. aimed at de-escalation, reform and stability… The geopolitical environment is changing and CARICOM can play a constructive role, not as an ideological bloc, but as a community of democratic states offering cooperation, economic reform and social development,” Holness stated.

Venezuela Condemns Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister for Anti-Integrationist Rhetoric and Praise of US Aggression

CARICOM Chairman Terrance Drew called on states to join forces in “designing the necessary mechanisms to help the people of Cuba at this particular time,” saying the Caribbean community can provide assistance “directly and become a forum for conversation.”

“I studied in Cuba. I lived in Cuba for seven years. I have friends there. I have people who are like family to me. They reach out to me and tell me of their difficulties. Food has become terribly scarce for some. Access to water has been challenging. Garbage fills the streets. Houses are without electricity,” he said, as reported by The Guardian.

Currently, CARICOM members are Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, the Bahamas, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.

(Telesur)

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Israeli warplanes launched an act of aggression against Iran, with reports confirming multiple explosions across the country.

Israeli warplanes carried out an attack against Iran early Saturday morning in a significant act of aggression, with Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz framing the aggression as a so-called “pre-emptive strike.”

The strikes targeted areas in central Tehran and other areas.

According to Fars News Agency, new explosions were heard in northern and eastern parts of the capital, signaling a widening scope of the assault.

Can the US Use This Ethnic Conflict To Break Iran From Within?

Iranian media reported that missiles fell on Daneshgah Street and the Jomhouri area, raising concerns over civilian infrastructure in densely populated districts. According to Mehr News Agency, explosions were heard in Isfahan, Qom, Lorestan, Karaj, and Kermanshah.

Additionally, an Iranian official told Reuters that several ministries in southern Tehran were targeted.

Yedioth Ahronoth reported that so far, about 30 sites across Iran have been targeted, including the Iranian leader’s residence and the Revolutionary Guard’s intelligence headquarters.

Meanwhile, Israeli media announced the closure of Israeli airspace, suggesting anticipation of potential regional repercussions following the attack.

An Israeli security official said the aggression was coordinated with the United States, adding that the operation had been planned for months and that the date of the attack was decided weeks in advance.

(Al Mayadeen – English)

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Our weekly roundup of stories in the English and Spanish language press on Mexico and Mexican politics.

Benjamin Fogel, Another Kingpin Falls, Nothing Changes Jacobin. The killing of El Mencho, Mexico’s most wanted drug lord, won’t slow the cartels, reduce violence, or stop the flow of drugs.

Carlos Acuña, Airbnb se acelera en CDMX rumbo al Mundial de Futbol Fábrica de Periodismo. Cada dos días, tres viviendas desaparecen del alquiler tradicional.

David Bacon, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and the San Quintín Justice Plan The Nation. Field workers’ highway blockades send a warning to Mexico’s president.

Rafael Ramírez, Campesinos y transportistas piden a FIFA no hacer el Mundial en México El Sol de México. Organizaciones agro y de transporte alertaron que las condiciones de violencia y la falta de mercado para granos básicos generan un escenario de incertidumbre que podría coincidir con el torneo.

Nicholas Keung, Migrant farm workers’ class-action suit against Canadian government certified Toronto Star. Canada’s SAWP allows agricultural employers to hire temporary foreign workers from Mexico and participating Caribbean countries for up to eight months a year. Between 30,000 and 40,000 seasonal migrants come to work in Canada via the program each year.

Fallo de la Corte de EU anularía bloqueo petrolero contra Cuba; Sheinbaum revisa retomar envío de crudo Educa Oaxaca. “La amenaza de los aranceles a México por el envío de petróleo fue basada en la Ieepa. Pero la Suprema Corte fue contundente al declarar que esa ley de poderes no autoriza al mandatario a imponer aranceles. Eso correspondería al Congreso” de Estados Unidos, explicó el abogado José Pertierra, quien durante más de cuatro décadas ha litigado asuntos de política hacia Cuba en tribunales estadunidenses.

Ieva Jusionyte, How the United States Arms the Mexican Cartels Rolling Stone. ATF agents who shared their experiences during interviews conducted by a congressional committee admitted they knew that the only way they would learn the whereabouts of the guns they let go would be when Mexican law enforcement recovered them at crime scenes.

Acerca de la violencia de la guerra contra el narco El Machete. El narcotráfico en México nació, creció y se desarrolló bajo el auspicio de los EEUU. Durante décadas las agencias de inteligencia estadounidenses, principalmente la CIA y la DEA, convivieron, negociaron, armaron y apoyaron a diferentes carteles de la droga en Colombia y México.

Ximena González, Whose stories matter? I Would Prefer Not To. A brief analysis of Canadian media’s coverage of Mexico’s cartel violence.

Pablo Monroy, México duda en aceptar fábricas de autos chinos Motorpasión México. Mientras tanto, otro país de Latinoamérica le está ganando la carrera: ya tiene 6 plantas y va por la 7.

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  Our weekly roundup of stories in the English and Spanish language press including El Mencho and US imperialism, World Cup of Gentrification, field workers fight for justice, migrant farmworkers lawsuit, and Mexico misses out on Chinese EVs.

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  Analysis

  Concessions, Concessions, Concessions

  February 27, 2026February 27, 2026

  The yet-to-be-disclosed 200 mining concessions voluntarily returned to the Mexican state represent less than 1% of the 22,000 currently active, while questions remain about the government’s new strategy.

• 

  Mañanera

  People’s Mañanera February 27

  February 27, 2026

  President Sheinbaum’s daily press conference, with comments on electoral reform, labour poverty, 80% of weapons seized originate in US, Sinaloa homicide reduction, and addressing root causes of crime.

The post Clicks February 28 appeared first on Mexico Solidarity Media.

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Caracas (OrinocoTribune.com)—Through his attorney Barry Pollack, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has denounced the United States for violating his right to a legal defense by attempting to prevent the Venezuelan government from paying his law firm’s fees.

In a sworn statement dated February 18 and filed with a federal court in Manhattan, President Maduro clarified that, in accordance with the laws and practices of Venezuela, he has the right to have the government cover his legal costs. The document, signed by President Maduro, reaffirms that the Venezuelan government is prepared to fulfill this commitment.

“I have relied on this expectation and cannot afford my own legal defense,” the president stated, adding that he is willing to provide a sworn financial statement to demonstrate his inability to cover the fees of Pollack and his team.

Maybe it is the time for a crowdfunding! https://t.co/iSZEtSw3xd

— Orinoco Tribune (@OrinocoTribune) February 26, 2026

The president also reaffirmed his intention for the lawyer, who has represented him since January 4, to continue leading his defense on US soil. According to Pollack, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) denied a license this week to use Venezuelan government funds to cover the legal costs for the defense of the Venezuelan president. President Maduro was kidnapped on January 3 in Caracas following a US military bombing resulting in the killing of over 100 people.

The lawyer informed Judge Alvin Hellerstein that OFAC is interfering with President Maduro’s right to a defense, established in the Sixth Amendment of the Constitution, and his right to due process under the Fifth Amendment. “Mr. Maduro, as Venezuela’s head of state, has both a right and an expectation to have legal fees associated with these charges funded by the government of Venezuela,” Pollack said.

Evidence of legal obligations
The defense team for President Maduro presented several pieces of evidence to the court:

• Evidence A: A statement from Henry Rodríguez Facchinetti, head of litigation at the Attorney General’s Office of Venezuela. He confirmed the state’s legal obligation to cover the president’s defense expenses and noted that the proposed funds are unrelated to any alleged illegal activities.
• Evidence B: A sworn statement signed by President Nicolás Maduro himself, claiming he trusted the Venezuelan government to cover his legal fees.
• Evidence C: A sworn statement from Pollack explaining that on January 7, he requested an OFAC license to receive government funds. While OFAC initially issued a license on January 9, it was amended three hours later to permit payments only from the personal funds of the defendant or joint funds with his wife, Deputy Cilia Flores, who was also kidnapped by the US government.
• Evidence D: A statement from Timothy O’Toole, a Treasury Department sanctions expert, noting that OFAC normally allows third parties to pay for the legal defense of sanctioned individuals.

Chavismo demands the release of Cilia Flores and Nicolás Maduro
On Friday, during a demonstration commemorating the 37th anniversary of the Caracazo on February 27, 1989, Venezuelans demanded the release of Deputy Cilia Flores and President Nicolás Maduro.

United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) Deputy Pedro Infante used his speech to send greetings to the president, asserting that “Nicolás Maduro is a son of February 27” and was kidnapped by the empire.

US Empire Obstructs Venezuela’s Payments for President Nicolás Maduro’s Legal Defense

“We must also use this platform to send greetings to President Nicolás Maduro and, from here, demand the release of the first lady, Cilia Flores, and the president. Nicolás Maduro is also a child of February 27th,” he said.

Infante reaffirmed the people’s support for Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who has led Venezuela with bravery, courage, and intelligence during “these difficult times.”

Special for Orinoco Tribune by staff

OT/JRE/SF

From Orinoco Tribune – News and opinion pieces about Venezuela and beyond via This RSS Feed.

Caracas (OrinocoTribune.com)—On Thursday, Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodríguez urged her US counterpart, Donald Trump, to end the sanctions and blockade imposed by Washington on Venezuela. The day before, the US president described Caracas as “a friend and partner” of Washington.

“Yesterday, he said he was a friend and partner of Venezuela, and I celebrate and welcome that concept for Venezuela… I hope, and it is the feeling of Venezuelans, that as friends, the blockade and sanctions against Venezuela cease. Our young people have the right to reclaim their aspirations. Our workers have the right to fair wages and incomes for themselves and for their families,” the Chavista leader said at a meeting with young people at the Teresa Carreño Theater in Caracas.

(VIDEO) Delcy Rodríguez envía mensaje a Donald Trump: "Ayer dijo que era amigo y socio de Venezuela, y yo celebro y saludo ese concepto que se tenga de Venezuela (…) yo espero y es el sentir de los venezolanos, que como amigos que somos, cese el bloqueo y las sanciones contra… pic.twitter.com/GhNahY12yy

— Luigino Bracci Roa (@lubrio) February 26, 2026

Rodríguez commented on the US ruler’s comments the previous day regarding the current state of bilateral relations, in which he labeled Venezuela as “friend and partner.” Despite these comments, on January 3, he ordered the bombing of Venezuela and the kidnapping of Deputy Cilia Flores and President Nicolás Maduro. Over 100 people were murdered in the atrocious US military operation.

“I welcome and applaud this perception of Venezuela, because Venezuela has never been an enemy of the US. Venezuela has never been a country that threatens the US or any other country in the world. Venezuela has always had a policy and a geopolitical vision of friendship and cooperation,” she added.

She recalled that the two countries got off to a very bad beginning of the year on January 3, blaming the attack on the massive campaign of lies by transnational media corporations and demands for US aggression by far-right sectors of Venezuelan politics based on falsehoods.

“President Trump: as friends and partners, as we are opening a new agenda of cooperation with the US. [We ask] for an end to the sanctions and the blockade against our homeland, because that blockade is also against Venezuelan youth, and Venezuelan youth are now demanding an end to the sanctions and the blockade against Venezuela,” she added.

University education for Venezuelans abroad
Alongside Education Minister Héctor Rodríguez during the event, Delcy Rodríguez announced that all young Venezuelans outside of Venezuela can pursue university degrees remotely.

Venezuela: ‘For Now’ (Por Ahora)

Online university access will be widely recognized and valued by young Venezuelans living abroad. “Those who live abroad can and do have access to educational programs via teleconferencing, so they do not lose touch with their country,” she emphasized.

Minister Rodríguez reported that all students who wish to return to the country are guaranteed places in the national education system so that they can reintegrate without problems. She reiterated that education in Venezuela is free of charge and includes support networks to provide financial support for productive projects.

Special for Orinoco Tribune by staff

OT/JRE/SF

From Orinoco Tribune – News and opinion pieces about Venezuela and beyond via This RSS Feed.

The National Assembly of Venezuela appointed human rights lawyer Larry Devoe as acting attorney general and former Attorney General Tarek William Saab as acting ombudsperson.

Following the resignations of Tarek William Saab as attorney general and Alfredo Ruiz as ombudsperson, National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez stated that according to constitutional procedure, the parliament must form a nominations committee and, in the meantime, interim officials would be appointed for the two positions.

After the conclusion of the regular session on Wednesday, February 25, the National Assembly swore in Devoe and Saab.

First, the president of the National Assembly, Jorge Rodríguez, swore in lawyer Larry Devoe as acting attorney general, who stated: “I swear to uphold the Constitution of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, the Organic Law of the Public Ministry, and other laws related to the exercise of the function of the Public Ministry. I swear to work tirelessly to help consolidate a high-quality justice system for our people, a justice system that would leaves behind the discrimination that it historically inherited. For a justice system that would recognize and make evident the principle acknowledged in Article 26 of our Constitution, I swear accordingly.”

Subsequently, Tarek William Saab was sworn in, stating:

I swear, in the name of a Constitution that in its title 3 speaks of human rights, duties, and constitutional guarantees, that we coordinated as president of that commission in the Constituent Assembly, to draft together with the Popular Movement of this country and the National Movement of Human Rights, to once again rise to an important responsibility, which we assumed during an extremely difficult time in the years 2015, 2016, and a few months of the year 2017.

I swear that the role that we had to fulfill with dignity and honor while I was Attorney General of the Republic to maintain democratic coexistence and peace, confronting aggressions never before seen in the recent history of our country, where we could see how during the period that we took charge of the Public Ministry, we had to face foreign aggressions, assassination attempts, maritime incursions, mercenary-style operations like Operation Gideon, coup attempts like the one in April 2019, drone attack attempts on August 4, 2018, and so many other violent actions, and we were able to maintain and safeguard the peace of the republic.

Furthermore, I would like, citizen president, Jorge Rodríguez, to commend the work of the officials who have accompanied us during this time to create unprecedented programs in the history of the Public Ministry, programs for the care of children, women, the elderly, and the defense of animals, which I swear I will continue to carry out through the mandate of the Ombudsperson. I swear.

Attorney General and Ombudsperson of Venezuela Resign

Appointment of preliminary evaluation committee
During the regular session on Wednesday, the National Assembly (AN) approved the appointment of the Preliminary Evaluation Committee which will be responsible for initiating the process for the selection of the new attorney general and ombudsperson.

The committee will be chaired by Deputy Giuseppe Alessandrello, who will coordinate the work of this multidisciplinary team composed of parliamentarians from various political factions, to ensure compliance with legal deadlines.

The committee comprises of the following deputies: Rodbexa Poleo, Gloria Castillo, Willys Medina, Carlos Mogollón, Carolina García, Roy Daza, José Villarroel, Pablo Pérez, Bernabé Gutiérrez, Julio Hernández, Antonio Ecarri, and Luis Romero.

The immediate mission of this preliminary committee is to work for the formation of the Nominations Committee, which will be responsible for receiving, evaluating, and selecting the profiles of citizens aspiring to become the new attorney general and the new ombudsperson.

(Alba Ciudad)

Translation: Orinoco Tribune

OT/SC/JRE

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The US government declared on Wednesday, February 25, that it does not completely prohibit the resale of Venezuelan oil to Cuba, marking a shift in its stance toward the island, which is suffering from the tightening of the oil blockade imposed by the United States.

The US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the agency responsible for the US unilateral coercive measures, published a statement on its website expressing its willingness to favorably consider license applications from entities wishing to resell Venezuelan oil to Cuba.

It stated that this is a measure of “support and solidarity with the Cuban people.”

The OFAC added that transactions must not under any circumstances benefit “individuals or companies linked to the military, intelligence services, or other Cuban government institutions.”

Venezuela had been the main supplier of crude oil and fuel to its political ally Cuba for more than 25 years through a bilateral agreement. However, since December 3, 2025, the US has imposed an oil blockade on Venezuela and since then has stolen all tankers carrying oil from Venezuela to Cuba. Mexico, which had become an alternative supplier, recently suspended shipments to Cuba under US threats. The last Mexican fuel shipment arrived in Havana in January, according to shipping data.

What Is the US Really Seeking in Cuba? Analyst José Ramón Cabañas Responds (Interview)

US President Donald Trump has threatened that Venezuela’s allies who received its oil as part of swaps, debt payments, and other agreements must now pay fair market prices for the shipments. These allies include China and Cuba.

The authorization comes after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio started his Caribbean tour on Wednesday to begin talks with leaders who have decried that the growing humanitarian crisis in Cuba could destabilize the region.

Even with the new policy, it is unclear if Cuba can afford to buy oil without favorable conditions. Given that Cuba has had difficulties paying for fuel imports on the spot market in recent years, any possible purchase from traders is expected to require regular commercial conditions, such as bank guarantees and cash payments.

(Diario VEA)

Translation: Orinoco Tribune

OT/SC/JRE

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The acting president of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, held a high-level meeting with executives from the British oil company Shell, with the aim of strengthening projects in the national energy sector.

The meeting, held on Thursday, February 26, was attended by Adam Lowmass, regional vice president of Shell; the president of Global Gas, Cederic Cremers; Elias Nucette, vice president of Shell; and Alfredo Urdaneta, representative of Shell in Venezuela. Rodríguez was accompanied by the president of Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA), Héctor Obregón, along with the deputy ministers of oil, Paula Henao, and Gas, Luis González.

US Energy Secretary’s Venezuela Visit and OFAC Licenses: the Scenario Clears

The aim of Venezuela is to boost the reactivation of oil wells and the exploration of gas fields, attracting new international investments. Currently, the country possesses the largest proven crude oil reserves on the planet and is advancing in the process to certify itself as the fourth largest gas reserve in the world.

The incorporation of Shell into these projects is considered key to the economic agenda, given that the company operates in more than 70 countries in the oil and gas sector.

(Últimas Noticias)

Translation: Orinoco Tribune

OT/SC/JRE

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By Black Alliance for Peace Africa Team -Feb 26, 2026

The Black Alliance for Peace Africa Team and the U.S. Out of Africa Network stand in revolutionary solidarity with our Comrade Booker Ngesa Omole, Secretary General of the Communist Party Marxist Kenya (CPM-K), and we demand his immediate release, access to emergency medical care, and the immediate withdrawal of all fabricated charges against him.

As of this writing, we have learned that Comrade Booker Ngesa Omole was violently abducted and tortured on the evening of February 23rd and is being held at Mlolongo Police Station. He was scheduled to appear in court on February 26th, where the state intends to charge him with assault, a grotesque and cynical inversion of reality in which the victim of state torture is accused of being the aggressor. We are monitoring the outcome of that hearing and await further reporting from our comrades on the ground in Kenya.

Comrade Omole was beaten severely. He was tortured throughout the night. His tooth was broken. His finger was cut with a pen knife. He was brutalized to near death by officers of the Kenya Police Service. To charge him with assault is a continuation of the torture by other means. It is the state attempting to give its criminal violence the veneer of legality.

“We Will Fight in the Streets of Nairobi for Our Brothers and Sisters in Haiti”

The physical assaults and denial of medical care are crimes. The Kenyan state is known for its willingness to commit acts of brutality and we have no doubt that it is willing to let Comrade Omale die in custody from his injuries. The international community must act now to prevent another state murder disguised as “detention.”

Comrade Omole is being targeted because he is a leader of the organized working class. He was abducted, tortured, and now framed because he represents a threat to a neocolonial system that cannot tolerate revolutionary ideas. Because the Kenyan state, with the backing of its U.S. and European imperial masters, has decided that the price of resisting exploitation is state terror.

This is the same Kenyan state that has volunteered its police forces to serve as the Black face of white supremacy in the U.S.-led occupation of Haiti. This is the same state that receives millions in military and police aid from the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and the U.S. Department of State. The guns, the training, the ideology of repression, all of it flows from the empire to its local enforcers.

Free Booker Ngesa Omole Now!
Medical Care Now!
Drop the Bogus Charges!
U.S. Out of Africa! Shut Down AFRICOM!
No Compromise, No Retreat!

(The Black Alliance for Peace)

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By María Páez Victor  –  Feb 25, 2026

“Nobody here gives up” (Hugo Chávez)

Venezuela defeated the Spanish Empire in the Americas. That is an essential part of its national identity. History is not a series of dates in this country but serves as an ideal and a consolation for present dangers.

On April 2, 1819, on the plains of Venezuela, 1,500 fully equipped and fed Imperial Spanish soldiers, led by notable generals, faced a patriotic “rag-tag” army of 153 Venezuelan llaneros led by General José Antonio Páez. Venezuela’s independence was on the line. When the llaneros saw they were outnumbered, they turned in a hasty retreat. Páez raced to face his troops and ordered (with a few impolite words included) “About Face!” They turned, the Spaniards panicked, and the Venezuelan forces won the battle spectacularly. They lost only 2 men, but the enemy lost 400, and the Independence of Venezuela was further advanced.

Venezuelans have had to relive this scenario again in recent years many times against another vile empire.

On Feb. 4, 1992, Lieutenant Hugo Chávez led a rebellion against the thoroughly corrupt and violent presidency of Carlos Andrés Pérez. The rebellion failed, and when Chávez surrendered before the TV cameras, he lamented that they had not achieved their objectives “for now,” (por ahora). These now famous words catapulted Chávez into Venezuelan political history. He was jailed, but all was not lost. After two years in prison, he went on to win the presidential election of December 1999 by a landslide, obliterating the ruling parties.

In 2002, the USA led, financed, and sheltered Venezuela’s anti-democratic, fascist opposition, which toppled and kidnapped President Hugo Chávez. As he and his ministers were surrounded in the Presidential Palace being threatened by bombs, Chávez managed to speak directly to Fidel, to whom he said they were ready to die. But Fidel urged quite forcefully: “Chávez, do not martyr yourselves! Do not die! To retreat is no shame. Live, live to fight another day!” Chávez then surrendered to avoid the bombing. All was not lost, however: in two days, the people and army rescued him just before he was to be executed, in a spectacular, never-before-seen popular reversal of a coup d’état, and the Bolivarian forces strengthened and thrived.  

In 2013, when President Hugo Chávez died of a strange cancer, the USA and its lackeys thought that would be the end of Chavismo. By law, elections had to be called within 30 days. The nation became flooded with US money and political lackeys steering the opposition’s campaign and voter intimidation. They thought the fall of the governing party was imminent without its leader. They were wrong. The Bolivarian Revolution did not depend on one man, not even its charismatic leader. Nicolás Maduro went on to win despite never having run a presidential campaign. Misjudged and underestimated, he went on to consolidate the governing party, the communal councils and communes, and the grassroots and worker organizations.

Since 2014, the USA launched the fiercest attack of any nation the Hemisphere has known. It imposed 1020 illegal economic sanctions, launched mercenary raids, cyber-attacks, sabotage, used criminal gangs, and all sorts of blackmail and corruption to try to weaken and topple President Maduro. Oil production and sales were impeded. To no avail. Bolivarianism became stronger with every attempt to weaken it. President Maduro was recognized by his people as their defender against the foreign enemies and traitors who were the ones causing such terrible economic and political woes. The economy suffered, people’s daily lives were severely affected, and some 100,000 citizens died because of the illegal sanctions that prevented access to food or medicines.

The West demonized President Maduro and his government and warned of Venezuela’s “imminent collapse.” But again, it did not happen because the Bolivarian Revolution meant that the people were ORGANIZED. They were not a mass of lone individuals. There were regular food package distributions; rural communes produced so much food that importing it was not necessary; it was the communes, government, and army working together, helping people. The economy was diversified and produced for the domestic market. The housing program built 5 million houses; schools and universities continued; and public health services never closed. Venezuela’s diplomacy reached out to the world outside the USA and its lackeys and there found genuine international solidarity and new markets. Venezuelans, despite the odds and the attacks, lived to fight another day, and its economy—even though heavily sanctioned—attained the highest GDP growth in the region (7.7% in 2025).

January 3, 2026, is “a day that will live in infamy” like the attack on Pearl Harbor, except that it is the USA that has perpetrated such barbarity: a most vicious attack on Venezuela, without a cause, without a declaration of war, without any justification legal or otherwise. A powerful army with nuclear capacity, with the most technologically advanced weapons in the world, bombed a nation at peace, which had never gone to war and did not have even a tenth of its military capacity. US forces massacred the presidential guard with unknown cyber weaponry, and in total killed 120 people. And violating all international laws and protocols, they kidnapped the head of state, the legitimate, elected president of Venezuela, and his wife, Congresswoman Cilia Flores.

This unprecedented, unwarranted violation of the sovereignty of a democratic country, of the human rights and political immunity of a head of state, the bombing of innocent people, is a heinous act, worthy only of the most criminally led governments. The US Navy can add piracy to the list of crimes, as its enormous and numerous warships prior to the bombing, assassinated 142 innocent people in small boats in the Caribbean and the Pacific without arrests, charges, evidence, or trial.

The USA will be held accountable for these war crimes, if not by law, certainly by history and in the collective memory of the region. There is no reason, no cause, no justification in any law that allows a foreign power to attack another sovereign country and remove its legitimate president—whether they liked or agreed with that president or not. In other words, the USA is an outlaw nation, a nation that exercises its military power through piracy, bombing, massacring, and trashing the sovereignty of a peaceful nation that poses absolutely no threat whatsoever to its security, so that it can steal its resources.

This is the political situation, which Trump and his factotum Marco Rubio, have enshrined in the most imperialistic, colonialist, dictatorial document in modern political history, comparable to Mein Kampf: an extended Monroe Doctrine. It asserts, gangster-like, that the USA actually owns the Western Hemisphere and all its resources, and its nations have to obey the wishes and interests of the USA – or else.

President Maduro showed his mettle when brought before a court in New York and asked to identify himself. He calmly and clearly stated his name and that he was the president of Venezuela and was a prisoner of war, kidnapped from his home by the US military. That court has no authority whatsoever to judge a prisoner of war, let alone a legitimate head of state of a foreign country. The initial charges had to be withdrawn as the Department of Justice had to admit, finally, that the drug cartel that President Maduro was supposed to be the leader of, in fact, has never existed. The trial has been postponed while the prosecutors scramble to invent other false accusations to make against him.

US Empire Obstructs Venezuela’s Payments for President Nicolás Maduro’s Legal Defense

However, the bombing and kidnapping in the end failed to achieve its main goal: to topple the Bolivarian government. Again, the USA thought that if the leader was eliminated, the Bolivarian government would collapse. It did not. There was no “regime change.” The Constitution was complied with in detail: Vice-president Delcy Rodríguez was immediately sworn in as interim president by both the National Assembly and the Supreme Court. The entire government cadre stayed in place. The Bolivarian Revolution proved it was not a façade but is deeply embedded in Venezuelan political life and culture.

Granted, Venezuelans have had to negotiate with a gun pointed at their heads and at the heads of their president and first lady. Moments after the president was kidnapped, the Executive Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez; Jorge Rodríguez, head of the National Assembly and her brother; and Diosdado Cabello, top director of the ruling party PSUV, were given 15 minutes to decide whether to cooperate or be killed and the country further bombed. They decided to live to fight another day.

To add insult to injury, Rubio boasted that he was a Catholic, and in a speech in Munich on February 13, 2026, he had the audacity to preach that the USA is a champion of the values of Christianity. Rubio was the architect of the bombing of the overwhelmingly Christian country that is Venezuela. This is truly tempting God.

Is the USA a pillar of Christian values, as Rubio states? It has been at war 232 out of 250 years since its beginning. In this century alone, it has invaded Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Syria, Yemen, and continues to support the devastation of Gaza. It is estimated that 20 million people have lost their lives in US-led wars post-WWII. It has invaded and/or overthrown Latin American nations and their governments at least 90 times, has blockaded Cuba for more than 60 years, and without casus belli bombed Caracas without provocation, a capital city in our region with which it was not formally at war.

As to its own people, the USA has the highest prison population in the world; the highest inequality of all G7 nations by race, age, and class; 47.9 million people have no food security; there were 425 mass shootings last year alone; and during the Covid-19 pandemic 1.2 million died—by far the highest of any country in the world. According to The New York Times, a third of the workforce earns less than $12 an hour, and each night 200,000 sleep on the streets. Four million are evicted from their homes each year. Black and Latino families fare the worst of these dystopian social statistics. And Trump’s immigration goons, ICE, has recently forcefully detained up to 70,000 immigrants, 73% of whom have no criminal record. This is Rubio and Trump’s “diabolical theology.” If they were truly Christian, they would know that Jesus said clearly that we will be judged by how we treat “the least of these”: the poor, hungry, sick, and marginalized.

Government of the USA: read the sign on the wall: you will be found wanting.

“During the hardest hours of dawn on January 3rd, the first thing that I said as Executive Vice-President was that I was not going to betray President Nicolás Maduro, and secondly, I said that I will not betray the people of Venezuela.” (Delcy Rodríguez, 24 Feb. 2026)

For now, and for as long as necessary, Venezuela will live to fight another day.

MPV/OT

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This article by Aleida Azamar Alonso originally appeared in the February 27, 2026 edition of Rebelión.

Over the past year, the mining sector in Mexico has shown growth in revenue and activity that contrasts sharply with the periods prior to 2024. This rebound can be largely explained by speculation surrounding precious and strategic metals in an international context marked by economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and disputes over supply chains. However, it is also important to mention the approach of the new government, which seems to be seeking to maintain formal control over the mining concession regime while simultaneously maintaining channels of active dialogue with the industry. This strategy of regulatory discipline on the one hand and openness to economic dialogue on the other represents a different approach from that of former President Obrador, who opted for structural containment.

President Claudia Sheinbaum has insisted that mining legislation will not be modified, no new concessions will be granted, and no agreements will be sought that break with this approach. Meanwhile, Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard has led dialogues with both international actors and representatives of the national mining sector, particularly within the framework of the action plan on strategic minerals with the United States, as well as in talks aimed at streamlining procedures and strengthening Mexico’s position in value chains considered critical. This suggests a calculated shift toward regulatory firmness in rhetoric and strategic openness in practice, with all that this implies in terms of reconfiguring the state-business relationship, exposure to geopolitical pressures, and potential socio-environmental tensions in territories where strategic projects are concentrated. It appears that this is not a policy of confrontation with mining, but rather an attempt at “balance” between regulatory sovereignty and participation in a global market increasingly strained by speculative and political interests.

In this context, two events emerge that are far more significant than they appear: a) the voluntary return of over 200 mining concessions by private companies; b) the administrative recovery or cancellation of over 1,100 concessions for non-compliance with legal obligations. More important than the numbers themselves is that these developments reveal the balance of power and the state’s room for maneuver in relation to a historically influential sector.

Mexico’s government has not released any information on the names and locations of 200 returned mining concessions, meaning the government could simply be assuming the cost of environmental clean-up for mines that have had already had their wealth stripped.

The recovery and return of these concessions is significant, but it’s worth analyzing it in more detail to avoid exaggerating its true scope. Currently, there are around 22,000 active mining concessions in the country, so the 1,100 recovered represent approximately 5% of the total, while the 200 voluntarily returned amount to slightly less than 1%. Structurally speaking, this is a limited intervention within a still extensive concession market.

But the government’s interest in this case could stem from another source, as it is likely attempting to flex its muscles in the face of its foreign neighbour’s recent interest in the joint strategic minerals plan. Perhaps what is being done, in collaboration with the national mining sector, is to set an example that the State will act and enforce the law within its territory, regardless of who owns the project. This improves public opinion, projects the image of a government that will not relinquish territorial control, but also demonstrates a government that still seeks dialogue with the industry.

The question is whether Mexico’s mining reorganization will strengthen environmental and social oversight, or whether it will merely rearrange the extractive map under new geopolitical coordinates.

However, it remains to be seen whether these measures will establish a dynamic that truly ensures compliance with the rules governing this sector, greater transparency, and effective enforcement. This could signal a shift towards a more institutionalized relationship between the state and businesses. But if the return and recovery of concessions is limited to idle or low-impact projects, while strategic projects are consolidated under schemes similar to those of the past, then this will only serve to appease public opinion.

In this regard, the lack of detailed information is the main obstacle to assessing the full extent of the situation, as no disaggregated lists have been published that would allow for determining the exact location, the mineral involved, the holding company, or the compliance history of each affected concession. Nor is there an accessible system that allows for continuous monitoring of royalty payments, technical reports, or penalties.

The foregoing is very important because the relationship between the State and the mining sector is not merely an economic matter, but rather a power dynamic. It involves access to strategic resources, territorial control, foreign investment, employment, potential litigation, and, in the current context, geopolitical positioning. Given the imminent review of the USMCA and US pressure to secure supply chains for critical minerals, a regulatory decision of this magnitude can be seen as a reaffirmation of sovereignty, but also as a message of order and predictability to avoid uncertainty and ensure investment.

My interpretation is that a delicate balance is being struck between demonstrating regulatory firmness without causing a rupture, and at the same time maintaining the discourse of sovereignty without closing the door to strategic integration in North America; in other words, exercising authority without scaring away investment. It’s a fine game, which, if played well, could generate a flood of investment and projects, with the inherent risks and socio-environmental damage.

But we must not lose sight of the fact that what is truly relevant is not the number of concessions returned or canceled, but what these decisions foreshadow about the course the country will take in the coming years. We are facing a profound global geopolitical reconfiguration, where strategic resources will define new economic and political hierarchies. If the government does not exercise its authority consistently and transparently (not only in rhetoric, but in the effective application of the law), we will be at the mercy of the whims of third parties, whether corporations or other countries. The real debate is not how many concessions are canceled, but who decides the fate of the territory. Therefore, the question is whether this reorganization will strengthen environmental and social oversight, or whether it will merely rearrange the extractive map under new geopolitical coordinates.

Aleida Azamar Alonso is research Professor at the Autonomous Metropolitan University, Mexico and a member of the group Our Future, Our Energy.

• 

  Analysis

  Concessions, Concessions, Concessions

  February 27, 2026February 27, 2026

  The yet-to-be-disclosed 200 mining concessions voluntarily returned to the Mexican state represent less than 1% of the 22,000 currently active, while questions remain about the government’s new strategy.

• 

  News Briefs

  A Raw Deal

  February 26, 2026

  Mining in Mexico has not led to economic development. Despite record wealth extraction, mining communities remain poor, and often poverty rates are far higher than the national average.

• 

  Soberanía

  The Mining Minefield – Soberanía 95

  February 11, 2026February 11, 2026

  The controversy surrounding the U.S.-Mexico critical minerals agreement, examining what it actually says, what it doesn’t, and why it has sparked widespread concern over national sovereignty and resource control.

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Every day, President Claudia Sheinbaum gives a morning presidential press conference and Mexico Solidarity Media posts English language summaries, translated by Mexico Solidarity’s Pedro Gellert Frank. Previous press conference summaries are available here.

Electoral Reform: More Democracy and Faster Results

President Claudia Sheinbaum made it clear that proportional representation will not be eliminated with the new Electoral Reform. It remains in the Chamber of Deputies and in the Senate it will involve three seats per state including the largest minority party. The change democratizes the lists. The party leaderships will no longer decide the candidate lists; citizens will vote directly for the candidates.

Sheinbaum defended replacing the Preliminary Electoral Results Program (PREP) with digital counting from the start for faster official results with certainty.

Labour Poverty at Lowest Level

The National Statistical Institute (INEGI reported labour poverty at 33.9%, the lowest in many years. This indicator measures those unable to afford the basic basket with their income. The trend confirms that wage and well-being policies are delivering results.

Security with Intelligence and the Fight Against Arms Trafficking

The Mexican government reiterated that 80% of weapons seized in the country come from the United States. Ongoing investigations and permanent coordination with U.S. authorities seek to halt these illegal flows. Following the death of leading drug kingpin Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, federal intelligence identified four potential candidates who might try to take control of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

Sinaloa Reduces Homicides and Advances Voluntary Weapons Exchange

The average number of daily homicides dropped from 6.9 in June 2025 to 3.42 in January 2026, a 50% reduction and 28% less than January last year. Following the surge from internal disputes in September 2024, the trend is now downward thanks to federal reinforcement coordinated with state governments.

From October 1, 2024, to February 26, 2026, some 1,219 weapons were exchanged in 20 municipalities; in El Fuerte alone, 208 weapons that were for the exclusive use by the army were turned in. Security with territorial presence and citizen participation.

Addressing Root Causes to Recover Youth Opportunities

The President said that in Michoacán and Sinaloa, the strategy is not only operational but social. It involves more higher secondary schools, education, and programs to pull youth away from crime. Sheinbaum acknowledged the coordination with Governor Rubén Rocha Moya to reduce insecurity.

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  Analysis

  Concessions, Concessions, Concessions

  February 27, 2026February 27, 2026

  The yet-to-be-disclosed 200 mining concessions voluntarily returned to the Mexican state represent less than 1% of the 22,000 currently active, while questions remain about the government’s new strategy.

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  Mañanera

  People’s Mañanera February 27

  February 27, 2026

  President Sheinbaum’s daily press conference, with comments on electoral reform, labour poverty, 80% of weapons seized originate in US, Sinaloa homicide reduction, and addressing root causes of crime.

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  Analysis

  Mexico’s Filthy Rich

  February 27, 2026February 27, 2026

  Less than 8 pesos out of every 100 that the rich earn thanks to our collective effort returns to the economy in the form of investment. They are rentiers, clinging to their inherited fortunes, their connections to political & academic power & they extort the State when it threatens even the crumbs they refuse to give us.

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