Venezuela's economy experienced an 8% growth in the first half of 2024, driven significantly by entrepreneurship, which saw a 15% increase. The Bolivarian government identified entrepreneurship as one of the main engines of work and growth among 18 defined sectors.

The second tropical storm of 2024 in the Atlantic basin, named Beryl, has rapidly intensified into the first hurricane of the season. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) announced that Beryl is expected to strengthen further as it approaches the Windward Islands in the Caribbean Sea by Sunday night or Monday.

Canada has issued a warning about potential cyber-attacks targeting sports events, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and security measures to protect these events from digital threats.

The Brazilian Federal Police has accused former President Jair Bolsonaro of criminal association and is investigating his illegal appropriation of high-value gifts.

A poll by Hinterlaces reveals that 60% of Venezuelans trust the election results issued by the National Electoral Council (CNE). Additionally, 51% of voters confirmed they voted for the president of Venezuela. The Supreme Court of Venezuela is set to rule on documentation submitted to decide on the election result.

The Cuban government, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, denied any involvement in repression, espionage, persecution, and torture in Venezuela. The statement was made to counter allegations and to highlight the failure of coup plans in Venezuela. The article also mentions the anniversary of Fidel Castro's birth.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during his visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories. The call comes amid ongoing violence, including a recent Israeli bombing that killed at least 15 people at a UNRWA school in central Gaza. Lammy described the death and destruction in Gaza as intolerable and urged for an end to the conflict.

Venezuelan media revealed that Erika Carolina González, daughter of a far-right opposition figure, is under investigation by the 4th Prosecutor’s Office. Attorney General Tarek William Saab detailed ongoing investigations into sabotage of the Venezuelan electrical system, potentially linked to Colombian paramilitaries. The article underscores the government's efforts to address these issues.

Masud Pezeshkian is leading in the presidential runoff election in Iran, with final results expected on Saturday morning. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico made his first public appearance since an assassination attempt in May. The Arab League has urged action against Israel at the United Nations, accusing it of committing genocide in Gaza.

Russia and Chad have agreed to optimize their trade relations to match the level of their political, defense, and humanitarian cooperation, as stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. This agreement aims to enhance the bilateral ties between the two nations.

Argentine deputies revoked a decree that allowed Milei to allocate direct funds to the State Intelligence Service. The decision was made with 56 votes in favor, 52 against, and 6 abstentions in the Chamber of Deputies.

Pro-independence groups in Puerto Rico, including the Boricua Independence Front and several other patriotic entities, denounce the colonial situation in the region. These organizations advocate for Puerto Rican independence and criticize the ongoing colonial status.

FRONTEX, the EU's border control agency, has been accused of falsely blaming NGOs for the rise in refugee numbers and deaths at sea, according to a report by the University of London's Forensic Oceanography department. The report argues that the real issues lie in EU policies, the Libyan Coast Guard's actions, and regional political and economic contexts. The article highlights the negative impact of these false allegations on NGOs and the broader refugee crisis, criticizing EU and Italian leaders for exploiting the situation to gain political support amid rising far-right sentiment. The piece also discusses the controversial deals between Italy and Libya, which have been condemned by human rights groups for leading to severe abuses against refugees.

Vincent, a 16-year-old migrant from Nigeria, endured a harrowing journey through Niger and Libya before reaching Italy. After losing his parents and being abandoned by relatives, he was kidnapped, beaten, and forced into labor. His ordeal included being detained in a Libyan prison, where he faced severe abuse and malnutrition. Eventually, a local barber helped him escape, but only to exploit him further. Vincent finally reached Italy, where he was rescued by the coastguard and now hopes for a better life. The article highlights the severe conditions faced by migrants and the need for better mental health support for refugees.

The article by Mohammed Harun Arsalai reports on the escalating tensions at Moria refugee camp on the Greek island of Lesvos, where refugees clashed with police after being informed they would be returned to Turkey. The camp, described by a refugee activist as 'like Guantanamo', is overcrowded and has mixed families with single men, leading to unrest. Greek authorities have been accused of rights violations, and the EU-Turkey deal for returning failed asylum seekers is criticized by human rights groups. Conditions in the camp are dire, with reports of refugees enduring freezing conditions in tents during winter. The EU's narrative of refugees as 'economic migrants' is challenged by research from the University of Middlesex, which found that the majority fled due to persecution, war, and insecurity. The article also touches on the violence against refugees in Turkey and the marginalization of refugee children in Greek schools.

The article criticizes the European Union and Italian government for blaming non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for the refugee crisis in the Mediterranean, where many have drowned attempting to flee Africa. It discusses accusations by EU leaders, Italian politicians, and Frontex, the EU's border agency, against NGOs like Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and Save the Children, suggesting they collude with people smugglers. The author argues that these claims are a distraction from the real issues, such as the EU's failure to address the root causes of migration and its responsibility in the crisis. The article also touches on EU policies that have worsened the situation, such as the Dublin Regulations, and the role of far-right groups in exploiting anti-migrant sentiments. It concludes by urging the EU and Italy to correct their actions and address the underlying problems.

The article explores the hopeful yet cautious optimism among internally displaced Afghans in Kabul following the US-Taliban peace agreement. Residents of Nasaji Bagrami camp express a mix of relief and skepticism, reflecting on decades of conflict and displacement. Key figures like Akhtar Zarin and Inzar Gul share their personal stories and aspirations for returning to their villages. The article highlights the challenges faced by rural women and the broader Afghan population, emphasizing the need for inclusive peace efforts and the potential for lasting stability.

The assassination of Qassem Suleimani has sparked debates about Iran's pragmatic and opportunistic foreign policy, particularly in Afghanistan. Iran's alliances, including with the Taliban, are driven by strategic interests rather than ideological consistency. Historical context reveals Iran's flexible approach, from supporting Afghan mujahideen against the Soviet Union to collaborating with the U.S. post-9/11. Iran's relationship with the Taliban has evolved, influenced by mutual interests against the Islamic State. Suleimani's legacy includes controversial recruitment practices for the Fatemiyoun Brigade. Iran's actions in Afghanistan aim to secure its political project, highlighting the complexity of its regional role.

The article discusses the submission of documents to the International Criminal Court, accusing the European Union of crimes against humanity in relation to the deaths of African migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean from Libya. Lawyer Juan Bronco, who is spearheading the accountability efforts, claims the EU's policies have led to thousands of deaths by intentionally preventing migrants from leaving Libya, resulting in various human rights abuses. The article also covers the criminalization of NGO search and rescue operations by the EU, the accusations of collusion between NGOs and smugglers by Frontex, and the political implications of these policies. It highlights the role of the Libyan coastguard in intercepting migrant boats and the EU's strategy of externalizing border control to African nations.

The article criticizes the colonial practices of Western media, particularly focusing on an incident where Afghan journalists' work was overshadowed by a Western journalist from Politico. It highlights the systemic issues of media bias, colonialism, and the exploitation of journalists from the global south. The narrative emphasizes the need for decolonization within the media industry and the empowerment of local journalists. It also discusses the broader implications of these practices on the anti-war movement and the political left, calling for a confrontation against these entrenched power structures.

The EU-Afghanistan 'Joint Way Forward' agreement, allowing the EU to deport Afghan asylum seekers, has been declared illegal by Amnesty International due to the severe security and human rights situation in Afghanistan. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani is criticized for prioritizing economic aid over the humanitarian crisis, with activists accusing him of neo-colonialism. Afghan asylum seekers face challenges in proving their identities, leading to negative decisions on their asylum applications. Far-right political parties and neo-Nazi groups in the EU are exploiting the refugee situation to gain support, sometimes resulting in physical attacks on refugees. Afghan activists and refugees are coordinating globally to protest against deportations, with notable efforts by Afghan youth in Sweden, despite facing attacks from right-wing extremists.

The article discusses the growing militarisation of law enforcement in California and its impact on Muslim communities, highlighting the role of Urban Shield in this process. Activists, led by the Arab Resource and Organizing Center, have united various groups to oppose these practices, citing connections between local law enforcement and US imperialism. The text also addresses the rise in hate crimes and Islamophobia, particularly under Donald Trump's presidency, and the challenges faced by the Islamic Center of Davis. The article underscores the broader issues of racism and violence in areas perceived as liberal, such as the Bay Area and Davis.

The Islamic State-Khorasan group's attack on the Iraqi embassy in Kabul highlights the ongoing security challenges in Afghanistan. Despite efforts by the Afghan National Army and US military, IS-K continues to carry out complex attacks, exploiting the inability to contain their movements. The group's actions aim to destabilize the Afghan government and create chaos. Allegations of secret support for IS-K by Afghan officials remain uninvestigated. The article underscores the persistent threat posed by IS-K and the difficulties in eradicating their presence.

The article discusses the 'Joint Way Forward' agreement between the EU and Afghanistan, which allows for the deportation of Afghan asylum seekers back to Afghanistan. Human rights groups criticize the deal, alleging it was made under EU pressure and linked to a significant aid package. The EU's reclassification of Afghans from 'refugees' to 'economic migrants' is seen as a way to bypass international refugee laws. The article highlights the dire situation in Afghanistan, with a record number of civilian casualties and internally displaced persons (IDPs) due to ongoing conflict. It details the poor living conditions and lack of support for IDPs, with personal accounts from residents of IDP camps in Kabul. The EU's anticipation of a large influx of Afghan migrants and the controversial role of Frontex in deportations are also mentioned. Afghan civil society activists are organizing against the deal, which they consider undemocratic and harmful to the already critical humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.

Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) has reopened a small clinic in Kunduz nearly two years after US airstrikes destroyed their hospital, which had provided extensive medical services. The new clinic, with limited capacity, marks a step towards restoring medical aid in the region. The article criticizes the US military for its airstrikes, including recent incidents in Helmand and Nangarhar, which resulted in civilian casualties. It highlights the challenges of obtaining accurate information from remote areas and the mental health crisis caused by drone strikes. The US military's actions and their impact on Afghan civilians are scrutinized, with calls for independent verification of airstrike data.

The article discusses the ongoing debate in Italy and the EU about NGOs operating search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean, which has been marred by accusations from Frontex and Italian officials of collusion with people smugglers. Human Rights Watch criticizes these claims as distractions from the real issues. The EU's policies, including deportations and the downgrading of asylum seekers' status, are contributing to the crisis. The article also highlights the role of far-right groups and politicians in Italy in stigmatizing NGOs and migrants, and the EU's involvement in external conflicts and border control measures extending into Africa.

A Taliban suicide bombing targeted the high-priced French restaurant Le Jardin in Kabul, killing two Afghans and injuring 15 others. The attack highlights the ongoing violence and insecurity faced by Afghan civilians, particularly those living near establishments frequented by foreigners and elites. Residents expressed anger and frustration over the presence of such establishments in their neighborhoods, which they view as threats. The attack underscores the deep uncertainty and danger that persist in Afghanistan, even in the capital city, years after the U.S.-led invasion.

The Taliban has assured that it will not obstruct the Afghan government's efforts to provide aid to those affected by the recent 7.5 magnitude earthquake. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stated that their fighters are instructed not to attack anyone involved in the relief operations. The quake resulted in at least 115 deaths in Afghanistan and 272 in Pakistan. Despite concerns about the Taliban hindering aid due to their control over parts of Badakhshan, the epicenter of the quake, and their history of attacks on government and international aid agencies, their cooperation has been a relief to officials. The Afghan government, equipped to manage the response, has not requested additional assistance, although the National Disaster Management Authority acknowledged security issues in quake-affected areas. Medical teams face challenges reaching remote areas, and patients often undertake dangerous journeys for treatment. Children account for half of the quake victims in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Oakland is experiencing rapid gentrification, with City Hall and law enforcement playing significant roles. Recent collaborations between the police and FBI have led to aggressive operations with minimal results. The areas undergoing the fastest gentrification coincide with those under gang injunctions, highlighting the close ties between the mayor's office, city council, policing policies, and Business Improvement Districts.