International

CARACAS, Venezuela — As this city filled up with delegates from 160 countries attending the sixth World Social Forum last month, one thing seemed to be on their minds: learning more about the revolutionary process taking place in Venezuela. And Venezuelans — from state officials to political party leaders to activists in the social movements to the man, woman or child in the street — are eager to talk about the Bolivarian Revolution.

Cuba’s struggle goes beyond overcoming a state of siege and surviving the fall of the Soviet bloc. It ends neither with health care, schools, and food for all, nor with the battle of ideas. There’s more to be done.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Nicholas Przybyla of Iraq Veterans Against War told a gathering of Michigan peace activists how he went from a teenager in trouble with the law to a sailor to a leader of the veterans movement against war.

The cycle of threats and bullying led by the U.S. in conjunction with the foolish political game played by reactionary rulers in Iran is entering a new and dangerous stage.

Religious and political leaders around the world appealed for respect, dialogue and an end to violence this week, as protests continued in many countries against publication of caricatures depicting the prophet Muhammad as a terrorist.

Aggressive maneuvers against Venezuela from the Bush government have reached new heights. Here are some indicators.

Unity is at the top of Venezuela’s agenda for Latin America. Just over a year ago Venezuela and Cuba signed agreements establishing the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA), and President Hugo Chávez’ return to Havana Feb. 3 was the occasion for rededication to solidarity among Latin American nations.

Bajo el lema “un mundo mejor es necesario, contigo es posible!” decenas de miles de venezolanos se reunieron con activistas de 160 paises participaron en una gigantesca “Marcha contra la Guerra y el Imperialismo” aquí el 24 de enero. La marcha inauguró el Sexto Foro Social Mundial, que se llevó acabo en la capital venezolana hasta el 29 de enero. El primer día del foro, que este año se está llevando acabo en tres continentes, incluyó a la marcha y una actividad político-cultural con oradores y grupos musicales de todo el mundo. Otros sitios donde se celebra el Foro Social Mundial de este año son Bamako, Malí, y Karachi, Paquistán.

Mientras esta ciudad se llenaba de delegados de 160 países que asistieron al VI Foro Social Mundial se parece hay una cosa en sus mentes — aprender más sobre el proceso revolucionario que ocurre en Venezuela. Y los venezolanos, desdelos funcionarios del estado, partidos políticos, movimientos sociales, hasta el hombre, mujer o niño en la calle son impacientes de hablar de la revolución Bolivariana.