Michael Parenti Explains Imperialism

 

Michael Parenti ( 1933-2026) was a figure of the American left. A scholar, historian, and activist Parenti examined political and social problems through a Marxist perspective. Michael Parenti explains imperialism in the context of economic exploitation. European colonial imperialism was driven by the need to steal wealth. African, Asian, and South American countries were not poor. Their natural resources were taken by the French, Spanish, Portuguese, Germans, Dutch, and English. The former Third World was a place to be used for mother countries. European colonial imperialism dominated the globe for close to 400 years. Only after World War II was this oppressive system challenged. Global South nations continue to resist their former colonizers. When the Soviet Union collapsed, the United States of  America was the sole superpower. Interference from the most powerful nation into Africa, Asia, and South America  destabilized entire regions. The citizens of the mother country did not benefit. As Parenti explains many were drafted into wars to fight for the interests of the upper class elite. Michael Parenti's lectures and writings provide a clear explanation on the connection between capitalism, imperialism, and the exploitation of workers.  

Mexico Will Retain Relations With Cuba

 

Mexico will continue to hold its commitments to Cuba. Mexico and Cuba enjoy strong relations. The diplomatic cooperation is going to become stronger. The military strikes on Venezuela and the kidnapping of President Nicolas Maduro generated a new spirit of solidarity. President Claudia Sheinbaum has been pressured by the Trump administration on immigration and relations with other South American countries. Mexico is not going to stop selling oil to Cuba. President Claudia Sheinbaum refuses to allow the US to enter Mexico to fight drug cartels.  First Secretary of the Cuban Communist Party Miguel Diaz-Canel condemned  US aggression against Venezuela. Both Venezuela and Cuba had mutual interests in promoting socialism and protection of South American sovereignty. Cuba for 65 years has resisted US efforts to depose its legitimate government and undermine the country's independence. Anti-immigrant sentiment and US hostility are driving the push for closer bilateral relations. Further military action could create more unity among Latin American nations. Assertion and resistance are going to be a part of Cuba and Mexico's foreign policy efforts.  

Violence At The African Cup of Nations Final

 

The African Cup of Nations experienced an incident of violence. Anger over penalty stoppage saw Senegalese and Moroccan fans fight. Senegal's win of the African Cup of Nations is being overshadowed by football hooliganism. Thoughts by fans also expose another concern. Racism directed at Sub-Saharan Africans is part of North African nations. Morocco appears to identify more with West Asia, rather than the African continent. Violence, riots, and football hooliganism tend to be associated with European countries. African could be importing the negative attributes of football culture. International sports competition is to a degree promoting antagonism among nations. Sports can act as a means of nations fighting one another without going to war. National resentments are projected in the games. Fans are either aware or subconsciously detect particular sentiments. King Mohammed VI tried to explain that Morocco desires African unity. Violence and discrimination against Sub-Saharan Africans disputes this claim. The host nation of an international sporting event should ensure public safety. The African Cup of Nations should be used as a platform to enhance African solidarity and be an example of the continent's contribution to professional sports. Violence and fan misconduct does not help the African Cup of Nations. Organizers and host nations must take into consideration possible problems in the future.    

Floods Strike Mozambique

 

Mozambique is experiencing massive floods. The flooding is also effecting South Africa and Zimbabwe. Rivers flowing into Mozambique experienced banks bursting. Gaza province as a result saw the flood destroy homes, businesses, and multiple public property. The heavy rains became dangerous forcing people to flee. Rescue operations are being conducted. Mozambique has faced a number of natural disasters over the years. Cyclones and droughts persist. Floods are becoming more of a threat. Displaced persons are estimated to be 300,000. The residents will struggle to find housing and efforts to rebuild require a large labor force. President Daniel Chapo now faces a financial obstacle of recovery. The flooding was so severe that President Daniel Capo canceled going to the World Economic Forum. Heavy rainfall has been accumulating for weeks in the Southern African region. Assuming this pattern of flooding continues, Southern African nations must make preparations. SADC needs to coordinate a regional natural disaster response. Doing so would reduce the negative aftermath of natural disasters. 

Martin Luther King Jr. On Demanding Rights

 

Martin Luther King Jr. believed in non-violent resistance. However, this method should not be thought of as passive. King stated "no body can do this for us." Relying on the government or legislation to attain rights and freedom would leave an oppressed community vulnerable. African Americans needed to assert their demands for equality. Martin Luther King Jr. made this argument. Waiting for change or accommodating unfavorable compromise would not secure freedom. The abuse of slavery, racial  segregation, and terrorism directed at African Americans was encouraged by the US government. Asking to be treated with dignity in a violent and a racial caste system  society would not work. African Americans had to confront white supremacist racism. King's message was that African Americans were worthy of respect, but should not love a system that despises them. Part of this demand for rights required civil disobedience and improved self esteem related to heritage. Social justice movements need to have enough power, so that they do not require aid from others. This makes a movement more independent and effective. Martin Luther King Jr.'s ideas can be used by activists as blueprints for efficient organizing. 

Former President Yoon Suk Yeol Sentenced To Five Years In Prison

 

Another former South  Korean head of state is going to prison. Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to five years in prison. The decision has left some divided. The prison term seems to lenient  for an abuse of power case. An objection to a harsher punishment could come off as criminalizing a figure for political reasons. To a degree, this demonstrates that not even a head of state is above the law. The negative consequence is South Koreans lose trust in their government. The Sor outh Korean presidency has been damaged by scandals and criminal activity. Imposing martial law could have resulted in South Korea reverting to an authoritarian political system. Prosecutors were seeking the death penalty for the case. Yoon was found guilty for obstructing justice, the falsification of documents, and abuse of power. These charges should be punishable by prison, not capital punishment. It would be a mistake to execute a former head of state, when the martial law declaration did not result in deaths. The trials and the prison sentence will damage the the People's Party Power. The PPP may not be able to recover from the actions of President Yeol. South Korean conservatism is becoming linked with crime and corruption. The void left by the PPP allows more extremist elements to become prominent. Yoon Suk Yeol does have a path to avoid serving prison time. Getting a pardon , commuting the sentence, or appealing the decision are options. These paths are only available if a conservative government is elected.  

The 2026 Iran Protests

 

Discord has grown in Iran. The demonstrations are a reaction to economic struggle. The Iranian rial the currency of the country has dropped in value. Sanctions are making it difficult for Iran to engage with the world economy. The protests are not unified. A faction is frustrated about the cost of living and economic challenges. Other groups want to see a change in regime and have connections to the former monarchy. Reza Pahlavi the son of the Shah is a prominent opposition figure. His intent is not to establish a democratic government, rather a restoration of the Pahlavi rule. The third section wants some modest reform to the theocratic government. Reports of murders and injuries to the public by law enforcement reached the international press. The UK responded with trying to get new sanctions imposed. France and the US are exploring punitive measures. These actions are not for the sake of human rights. The goal is to remove Iran as a regional force and secure its oil resources. The fear remains of a large scale regional war and the destabilization following the conflict. The 2026 Iran protests is not the first massive demonstration in the Islamic republic. The 2009 Green Movement saw citizens demonstrate over the electoral process. Dissatisfaction with the government and aggression by foreign powers adds to the public's anger. The demonstrations may to result in the end of the theocracy, but will encourage Iranians to be more active.  

The Invasion of Venezuela

 

Venezuela faces an invasion from the United States of America. After Caracas was bombed President Nicolas Maduro was kidnapped by US forces. The act of aggressive war was designed to undermine a leftist government in South America. Now it appears that Venezuelan oil will fall under the possession of the US. The media reported that Nicolas Maduro was " captured." The world only applies to countries at war and no formal declaration was given. The military action seems close to the 1989 invasion of Panama or the 2004 intervention in Haiti. Kidnapping a head of state could be classified  as violation of international law. The Trump administration has charged President Nicolas Maduro with drug trafficking, but no evidence has been provided. Having a trial would be nothing more than political persecution. Oil tankers have been seized and national sovereignty was violated. Venezuela is being transformed into  a puppet state. Concerns about larger military engagements and occupation are growing. The US is showing its general disdain for Latin Americans and this could result in discord. The United States has a growing South American population and many will not remain silent. A Venezuelan war would produce refugees. This would only increase migration to the US or Canada. The invasion of Venezuela is a warning to all South American countries. Aggression is being directed at the entire continent and a network of security is needed. Colombia, Nicaragua, Cuba, and Brazil must form a defensive alliance to product independence.     

Israel Recognizes Somaliland

 

Somalia faces being a failed state and foreign nations are now recognizing break away regions. Israel decided to recognize Somaliland as an independent state. Turkey condemned the action and expressed support for the Somalian government. Israel is not just seeking to expand in West Asia, but also have a presence in Africa. Having an African ally close to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden would be useful. Mainly, the military objective would be to target Houthi rebels using Somaliland as a launching site. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud articulated that Israel's motives are connected to the war in Gaza. President Mohamud implied that Israel intends to use the territory for refugees. Somaliland would effectively become a puppet state of Israel. The majority of the world does not recognize Somaliland as an independent state. Somaliland under these conditions would have to accept the Abraham Accords. Sudan and Morocco are the only African states that signed the agreements. The African Union has failed to take a forceful position against Israeli interference on the African continent. Israel's attempt to establish bases in the Horn of Africa will destabilize the region. Support for terrorist organizations could increase. Other armed groups could emerge to stop the infiltration of the Zionist state. Somalia is under attack from external enemies and domestic challenges. North African states are going to have more of a negative reaction to Israeli diplomatic shifts. Somalia should consider recognizing a Palestinian state to counter attempts of balkanization.