Red Lines with Anya Parampil

As Venezuela elects and swears in a new National Assembly Red Lines host Anya Parampil sits down with the country's Foreign Minister, Jorge Arreaza, in their latest conversation since the US launched its coup attempt against his government in January of 2019. They discuss the impact of US regime change policy on Venezuela's domestic political situation, why Juan Guaidó has not been arrested, hope for diplomacy with the incoming Biden Administration, the left's resurgence in Latin America, and more.

Red Lines host Anya Parampil speaks with Beijing-based journalist Ian Goodrum about the recent signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership in Asia. The agreement includes countries representing one-third of the global GDP and population, yet excludes the United States. They discuss the implications the deal will have for the world economy.

** Correction: At 1:41 Ian remarks that six countries representing 35% of GDP in the agreement must now ratify RCEP, however this is a provision in the Trans-Pacific Partnership, not the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. Apologies for the error.

Red Lines host Anya Parampil speaks with The Grayzone's Ben Norton about his recent article investigating the Biden transition team's appointment of Richard Stengel to oversee a review of the United States Center for Global Media. They discuss his disturbing views regarding the first amendment as well as what his appointment means for alternative media and future social media censorship.

Red Lines host Anya Parampil speaks with Leo Flores, the Latin American Campaign Coordinator for CODEPINK, about what the election of Joe Biden will mean for US Venezuela policy. They also discuss Venezuela's upcoming parliamentary elections and the fractured state of the country's opposition.

Anya Parampil speaks with journalist Ollie Vargas in La Paz, Bolivia about the historic victory of the Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) party in the October 18 elections. They discuss the role of Bolivia's social movements in overturning the coup regime that came to power in 2019, as well as the expectations of average people as the new government of Luis Arce takes power.

We entered the power base of Bolivia's far-right, Santa Cruz, where the 2019 coup was hatched, and where the country's elite seeks to consolidate its hold on power in the election this October 18.

Anya Parampil filed this dispatch with Max Blumenthal.

Red Lines host Anya Parampil speaks with London-based journalist Afshin Rattansi, host of "Going Underground" on RT UK, about a recent UK government report which admits the consulting firm Cambridge Analytica had no role in influencing the country's 2016 vote to leave the European Union. The findings contradict years of establishment media reporting which claimed the firm was responsible for the Brexit vote. Anya and Afshin also discuss the status of Brexit, the trial of Julian Assange, and Labour Party Leader Keir Starmer's links to British intelligence agencies.

Red Lines host Anya Parampil speaks with Syrian journalist Bashar Barazi, the correspondent for HispanTV in Damascus, about recent developments in the country. They discuss the impact of the new "Cesar sanctions" on the Syrian public, US and Turkish maneuvers within Syria, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's recent visit to the country, as well as the average Syrian's response to efforts from Gulf countries to normalize relations with Israel. Barazi explains why he believes the US is seeking to "create a new base in Syria".

*All four individuals have been released since this interview was recorded. They still face charges, including kidnapping, for their involvement in the anti-racist movement. More info: https://www.pslweb.org/

Red Lines host Anya Parampil speaks with Eugene Puryear, an organizer with the Party for Socialism and Liberation, about the recent arrest of four party members in Denver, Colorado. Joel Northam, Lillian House, Russell Ruch, and Eliza Lucero were arrested on September 17 in a coordinated crackdown against leaders of the movement demanding justice for Elijah McClain, a 23 three year old black man who was killed by police in August of 2019. The activists are facing a retaliatory prosecution designed to discourage future protests against police brutality. Joel, Lillian, and Eliza were held in jail for 7 days before being allowed to post bond.

Red Lines host Anya Parampil speaks with human rights lawyer Santiago Salinas Miranda about a wave of massacres and political assassinations sweeping Colombia. They discuss the Colombian government's role in the murders and ask why the international community has turned a blind eye to the killings.