For now, links to three reports: from National Public Radio and the Associated Press; others are accessible by clicking their initials below. (Scroll down for VENEZUELA 1-11-26, and scroll up for today’s UKRAINE, SYRIA, WEST BANK, IRAN and GAZA.) — MCM

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Venezuela releases political prisoners days after U.S. removes Nicolas Maduro. Reported by John Otis | NPR  Venezuela has begun releasing political prisoners in what the government calls a goodwill gesture, days after the U.S. seized President Nicolás Maduro. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.

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FROM JAN. 11  Latin American left responds to Trump’s pledge to take over of Venezuelan oil. Reported by Carrie Kahn | NPR  Latin America’s left is in disarray after the seizure of Nicolas Maduro and the U.S.’s pledge to take over Venezuela’s oil industry. Many on the left are changing their rhetoric about President Trump. Click HERE to listen and read.

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FROM JAN. 11  Trump ‘inclined’ to keep Exxon-Mobil out of Venezuela after White House meeting, by Seung Min Kim and Julia Nikhinson ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE  — President Donald Trump said Sunday he is “inclined” to keep ExxonMobil out of Venezuela after its top executive was skeptical about oil investment efforts in the country after the toppling of former President Nicolás Maduro. “They’re playing too cute.” he said. READ MORE . . . Click HERE for same AP report in Spanish, and HERE for others.

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TO BE CONTINUED