Paul Elitzik retweeted
Have been saying all along that the pseudo-experts on Venezuela that popped up over the past few months were miscalculating the internal situation in the country and government. The story the opposition and Machado were telling was not the reality inside the country, but they were platformed on all major media worldwide and had the ear of governments throughout Europe and the US, and most think tanks regurgitated the same talking points. This has been the case for years - decades really. They were wrong.
This is just a simple overview. The government in Venezuela has been comprised of several groups that have a power-sharing pact. They control different sectors of the apparatus - security, military, pueblo, colectivos, institutions, judiciary, oil industry, business, etc. One of those groups - Delcy and her brother Jorge - have now taken power through a meticulous and 'evil genius' negotiation with the Trump administration that has been going on for months behind the scenes. Note that the new indictment against Maduro and Cilia includes both Maduro's son and Diosdado - this is purposefully to put them on alert that they are next should they betray the Rodriguez siblings. CIA is now operating inside Venezuela and can execute another 'extraordinary rendition' at any time on Trump's orders. Delcy has allowed them in and permitted them to stay. The US Embassy is returning, along with all of its intel & military support.
The calculation was that the most important thing for the 'Boliviarian movement' (they do not represent chavismo, they long ago betrayed Chavez and his legacy) and their own interests (power, wealth accumulation) was for them to maintain power - no matter the cost, including sacrificing Maduro. There was zero chance they would ever cede power to Machado or the exiled opposition. They represent a system, not a government taking its turn. They will do whatever it takes to retain control of the country, even negotiating and compromising with Trump, the 'evil empire'.
The lobby began months ago, both with the Trump administration and in the media. Delcy was positioned in the international media as the 'moderate' and the most pragmatic to deal with. This made it clear that the cards had been dealt. Once Maduro was out, Delcy was in.
In the coming days, more business deals will be made, some sanctions may be loosened and prisoners released. They will continue to appease Trump with lucrative deals, opening up Venezuela's rich resources (oil, gold rare earths, heavy metals, minerals, coastline, etc) to Trump and his friends. Perhaps a Trump resort in Margarita Island or Los Roques. All the things Machado promised, but without her. Trump has no interest in democracy or Machado. He never met with her, never invited her to the White House like George W. Bush did during the height of the attempts to overthrow Hugo Chavez. Trump resents her Nobel Peace Prize (which he believes he deserves), but also understands the truth: Machado cannot command the country right now. She does not have the support from the groups in power or their enablers. Delcy&Jorge promised Trump stability and control, for now.
If sanctions ease, life can improve inside the country, which will calm tensions over the US invasion and Maduro's violent capture. No doubt that the remaining chavista and leftist movements in the country are not happy with this betrayal. Over time there will be a growing internal opposition to the government, but they will likely employ the same tactics as before - any dissent will be treated as treason and repressed. Especially now with Trump's arsenal hovering above Caracas. They will tell the people that this is necessary to continue the 'chavista movement', even though their true interest is their own power and wealth. However, the biggest wild card is Trump. His volatility and lack of strategy shows he can change his mind at any time. It is a very dangerous time for Venezuela.
Paul Elitzik retweeted
UNRWA has enough food for the entire population of #Gaza for over three months stockpiled in warehouses–including this one in Al Arish, Egypt–awaiting entry.
The supplies are available. The systems are in place.
Open the gates, lift the siege, allow UNRWA to do its work and help people in need among them 1 million children.
Paul Elitzik retweeted
More journalists killed in Gaza than World War 1, World War 2, Vietnam, Yugoslavia & Afghanistan combined
Barry Malone@malonebarry10 Jun 2025🇬🇧
United KingdomConnected via United Kingdom App StoreAccount-level information, not a live location or per-post device.
Al Jazeera has published the names of every journalist killed since Oct 7th.
231 Palestinian journalists have been slaughtered in Gaza. A whole generation of reporters wiped out while many of their colleagues in the West simply shrugged.
Paul Elitzik retweeted
"Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” includes $185bn for ICE, which is more than the annual military spending of the UK and France combined. Wherever ICE raids trigger protests, Trump can send in the troops." My column. ft.com/content/3d6c915c-2d29…
Paul Elitzik retweeted
Mustafa Barghouti MAULS Alan Dershowitz and Piers Morgan
"Hind Rajab is a victim of the same Nazi behavior that killed Anne Frank. You should start to see us as human beings!"
Paul Elitzik retweeted
"We must call out those dangerous lies even if others in our media won't"
My new video series 'Debunked!' just launched for @zeteo_news. The first episode is devoted to debunking the top seven lies about Gaza & October 7th.
(Oh & do pls subscribe here: zeteonews.com/subscribe)
Paul Elitzik retweeted
Two Black students at my school, Northwestern University, were arrested by the Chicago police because they made an artwork, a facsimile of the school paper with real news about mass killing + their opinion about the role of our institution. How is this illegal? Drop these charges
Replying to @thrasherxy
look at it. this isn't mere joking "parody." this is serious satire of the most serious of subjecte. this is a scream for help, in the face of genocide. this is a moral attempt to stop mass murder. this must be protected as ethical, political speech.
Paul Elitzik retweeted
i'm a prof at northwestern and will have more to say on this soon. but for now, plz look at the "parody" cover that might land two 2 black nu students in jail under an anti-kkk law: it is of the press conference after 500 ppl were bombed at Al Ahil hospital.
Paul Elitzik retweeted
"Many" see Rashid Khalidi as antisemitic? Who? On what evidence? Has @LHSummers read anything Khalidi has written? Talked to any of the Jewish students he's mentored? I thought Larry disliked evidence-free accusations of bigotry? For Palestinians- surprise!- he makes an exception
My confidence in Harvard leadership’s ability and will to confront anti-semitism and the demonization of Israel continues to decline. Unfortunately, it is becoming ever clearer why Harvard ranks first on anti- semitism, even as it ranks last on upholding free speech.
Confronting anti-semitism does not mean punishing offensive speech as some suggest. Free speech is sacrosanct in a university.
But effective leadership does involve assuring the appropriateness of speech made by the university and its subunits and it means encouraging speech that counters prejudice and balances debate.
The executive board of Harvard’s Center for Middle East Studies, acting for the Center, not in their individual capacities, has endorsed a statement demonizing Israel.
cmes.fas.harvard.edu/news/me…
There is nothing wrong with anyone in the University taking this position or any other position. That is academic freedom.
It should not be possible and would not be possible if race or gender issues were involved, for a center that proudly uses the Harvard name to support research and debate to take a position that so many see as prejudiced.
I note Edward Said’s intellectual heir, Rashid Khalidi, who many see as anti-semitic has been invited twice since October 7 to speak at the University. Everyone should be free to speak or invite speakers.
I also note with disappointment, but not actually surprise, that to my knowledge Harvard has not had speakers like Dennis Ross or Bret Stephens who take pro-Israel positions. With all the rhetoric about open dialogue and debate, it is remarkable that in Harvard College there is no yet announced dialogue or debate on any Middle East or diversity related issue.
Nor am I aware, even after the events of last fall, of any new initiatives directed at education on anti-semitism or the Holocaust. There has been no public discussion of Harvard’s past collaboration with German Nazi controlled universities, Jewish quotas or the more recent discrimination against Israeli students.
We have disbanded one task force on anti-semitism without result and announced another in a way that the Biden Administration’s envoy for anti-semitism labeled an “unforced error.” And as January ends, still no constituting or charging of the new task force.
My life experience is that task forces on subjects of concern are most often formed as an alternative to moral leadership rather than a way to bring it about.
I hope I will be proven wrong. Harvard interim president Alan Garber has a powerful intellect and a strong moral compass. I hope he will not let an excessive desire for comity prevent him from acting with strength and clarity.
I cannot think of a worse stretch in Harvard history than the last few months. I have no doubt that all members of the Corporation are deeply devoted to Harvard. As the institution’s ultimate fiduciaries, I hope they will take appropriate accountability and enable a restoration of confidence.
The challenges are real but resolvable. Harvard is blessed with an extraordinary collection of students, faculty and staff and abundant resources. The mission of seeking truth and educating leaders has never been more important. This is a moment for wisdom and boldness.
Paul Elitzik retweeted
South Africa case is devastating - annihilating the vile propaganda of the annihilators. Historic in ways it’s hard to process - South Africa uses Israelis officials own words as the most damming evidence -
Israeli will have to discredit itself to defend itself .
Go to u tube or Al Jazeera - watch the whole thing - share it - tweet it post it
Shame the MSM for ignoring the Hague’s case for genocide -
Shove it down their throats -
-webtv.un.org/en/asset/k11/k1…
Paul Elitzik retweeted
This is true. No one would deny the need for justice for Hamas barbarity -
But if we know Palestinians are not Hamas - have zero real political rights - are mostly poor families and children trying to survive -
How does the mass murder of bombing densely populated cities bring justice ?
Paul Elitzik retweeted
Tuesday, I’ll go to Michigan to join the picket line and stand in solidarity with the men and women of UAW as they fight for a fair share of the value they helped create.
It’s time for a win-win agreement that keeps American auto manufacturing thriving with well-paid UAW jobs.
Paul Elitzik retweeted
I would like to say a few words to the CEOs of General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis.
Paul Elitzik retweeted
They heard “hunt them down like rabbits” and said now THIS is the critical analysis our audience needs.
Ok let me stop—go subscribe to @TheTRiiBE hype.co/@thetriibe
Paul Elitzik retweeted
TOMORROW join us to Celebrate International Workers’ Day at Union Park. Cultural performances will begin at 12:30. So, feel free to come by early! Swipe for info about where to find us in the park. We’re celebrating all we’ve won and preparing for the fights to come!
Paul Elitzik retweeted
yikes
More than 3/4ths all journalists in the US are white.
The "whitest" beats:
-Energy and the environment (84% white)
-Sports (82% white)
This is per new data from @pewjournalism
pewresearch.org/fact-tank/20…
Paul Elitzik retweeted
The fact that Brandon just got a donation of $21,698 from a bunch of artists who sold cute t-shirts while the other guy got money from donors who have stock in weapons manufacturing really speaks to what is happening in Chicago’s election rn
Paul Elitzik retweeted
What a great piece by the amazing @EToddBreland – at Chicago, IL
This quoted post is unavailable.
Paul Elitzik retweeted
NEWS: Cochrane says lead author of a mask review misrepresented its findings, apologizes for summary statement that was imprecise and says they will update it.
They say their review did NOT find masks don't work.
Plus, I examine the actual evidence.
nytimes.com/2023/03/10/opini…




































