A roundup of South America and the Middle-East: this week’s show now available
August 1st, 2008 | by aobaoill |The show is now on Radio4All and Audioport. This week we cover more geography than usual:
- We start, as usual, with the Panos Institute news bulletin.
- Ecuador is in the process of putting in place a ban on foreign military bases
- Chevron using the US Trade Representative to put pressure on Ecuador and resist an environmental lawsuit. The money quote? We Can’t Let Little Countries Screw Around With Big Companies
- Disputes in Bolivia about attempts to reform constitution. Rich, white provinces (illegally) undertake ‘autonomy’ referendums to protect their privilege.
- Venezuela’s Citgo to offer Venezuelan coffee at their service stations. Post-air update: this is currently a pilot program in Chicago, Boston, and Philadelphia, and Citgo will expand it if there is interest.
- AIPAC-backed Congressional resolution calling for blockade of Iran losing steam. Four original sponsors have now revoked their support.
- Ultimatum on ‘Freeze for Freeze’ proposal coming up this weekend.
- Possibilities of a US ‘interests section’ in Iran.
- Prof. Francis Boyle of Illinois says Iran should sue the USA in the International Court of Justice. We discuss the positive normative and diplomatic aspects of such a move. A video interview with Prof. Boyle is available on YouTube.
- US still negotiating ‘security agreement’ with Iraq – have now missed their original deadline. We discuss the issue of ‘permanent’ and ‘enduring’ bases.
- Iraqi government supports Obama’s call for a timetable on withdrawal.
- Increased opposition to calls for more troops being sent to Afghanistan – even Thomas Friedman has criticized Obama’s calls for more troops.