VIJAY PRASHAD looks at the web of militias and drug-trafficking gangs that emerged in the Sweida region through the Syrian civil war, and how they relate to recent clashes and Israel’s intervention

THANK you for attending this important event today against Donald Trump’s aggressive agenda in Latin America.
I’m here to make two key points. Firstly, whatever views people hold on Venezuela, there is no justification for backing US-led regime change, which, if successful, could go the way of the disastrous interventions in the Middle East. It is for Venezuelans alone to solve their difficulties.
Secondly, we shouldn’t repeat in Venezuela what happened in Iraq, when an out-of-control US president caused devastation and the widespread loss of life in pursuit of oil.

This is a remarkable set of hop hip, salsa, reggae, soul, cumbia and traditional Mexican music finds TONY BURKE

New releases from Madalitso Band, Gabriel da Rosa, and Femi Kuti

A New Awakening: Adventures In British Jazz 1966 - 1971, G3, and Buck Owens

TONY BURKE says an International Labour Conference next month will try for a new convention to protect often super-exploited workers providing services such as ride-hailing (taxis) such as Uber as well as fast food and package delivery