A column in Wednesday's Washington Post Online discloses a previously unknown Pentagon briefing paper that outlines a plan for potential military conflict with Venezuela. The document, dated October 2005 and titled "The FY08-13 POM," lists Venezuela among five potential "threats" to the United States, alongside North Korea, Iran, China and Syria. Venezuela is also described as a "rogue state" in the document.
[Read the column: http://www.rethinkvenezuela.com/news/11-02-05wpo.html ]
The Miami Herald followed up today by interviewing Pentagon officials, and the response has been telling: While military spokesman do not deny the existence of the contingency plan outright, they "reacted with deep skepticism" that it exists. Another Defense Department admitted that "it was possible [a Pentagon document] could mention a possible conflict with Venezuela," but said it's no big deal because '' 'thousands' of documents go into the Quadrennial review process."
[Read the Miami Herald story: http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/13066998.htm ]
Later this morning, the Post columnist was compelled to follow up with a second column to shed more light on yesterday's disclosure. Arkin, who is a former intelligence officer with the U.S. Army, explains that such documents are not plans to invade, per se, but rather part of a series of "what if" scenarios in case Venezuela initiates aggressive action against the United States.
[Read the column: http://www.rethinkvenezuela.com/news/11-03-05wpo.html ]
No matter the designation, the existence of the documents will not assuage the fears of Venezuelans who have long held that U.S. military strategists are poised to assassinate their president and take over Venezuela's vast oil reserves.
REMINDER: VENEZUELA EVENT IN NEW YORK CITY NEXT WEEK
New Yorkers will gather at the city's Town Hall on November 8th to show solidarity with the people of Venezuela. The evening will include music, poetry, speakers and more. For more information, visit: http://www.venezuelanov8.org/
NATIONWIDE DAY OF SOLIDARITY WITH VENEZUELA: DECEMBER 2
A coalition of U.S.-based organizations has announced a National Venezuelan Solidarity Day on December 2nd. Representatives from faith-based organizations, Peace groups, and Latin American solidarity organizations will put together a series of events in support of the Bolivarian process and a more balanced U.S. policy toward Venezuela. To find out what is going on in your community or to otherwise get involved, please visit: http://lasolidarity.org/Dec2.shtml
VISIT THE SOCIAL FORUM OF THE AMERICAS: JANUARY 19 -FEBRUARY 1.
For those who are interested in participating in the World Social Forum in Caracas and spending some extra days in Venezuela to learn about the exciting and hopeful changes taking place, the Marin Interfaith Task Force is coordinating this exciting delegation. Highlights will include:
* Activities in both the capital city of Caracas and in the countryside
* Visits to the barrios where innovative social programs are underway
* Discussions with government leaders about the goals of the Chavez administration.
* Meetings with human rights groups to hear their concerns.
* Attending the Social Forum of the Americas
The cost of the delegation is $1,000 (plus airfare). For more information and to request an application please email Dale at geodale1@earthlink.net or mitf@igc.org or call 415-924-3226.