The Centre for Media and Democracy has issued its annual Falsies Awards, a worthy collection of the “cynical, manipulative and just plain anti-democratic pollution of our information environment.” There are countless examples of journalists, politicians and businesses using spin as a substitute for reality. The Israel/Palestine conflict (like this) and American/Venezuelan relations (such as this)…
Showing all posts tagged Hugo Chavez
Hugo unpacked
Latin American expert Justin Delacour explains the significance of the electoral defeat of Hugo Chavez in Venezuela: I think Chavez’s defeat yesterday will encourage an introspection in the Chavez movement and a critical debate which is long overdue for them. Obviously errors were committed, otherwise the dramatic decline from 63 percent of the vote just…
For and against Chavez
During my visit to Iran in June this year, I noted the unhealthy relationship between the Latin American left and the regime of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The international Left have remained generally quiet on this issue, refusing to chastise Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez for cosying up to the Islamic Republic. My friend, journalist Rodrigo Acuna, has…
The tyranny of distance
The current crisis and violence in Venezuela – protests against President Hugo Chavez and his constitutional reforms – have received a lot of coverage in the West. But what is the real story there? A good friend and Latin American expert emails: Regarding the current crisis in Venezuela, I think the political right knows there…
Viva Pravda
Murdoch’s Australian newspaper proves the seriousness of its reporting on foreign affairs: The Government of international pariah Hugo Chavez has signalled a challenge to Australia’s influence in the Pacific with an aggressive diplomatic push based on cheap fuel for island states. Speaking on the sidelines of the 38th Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga yesterday, Venezuela’s…