The BA Times suggests that a communication expert would probably be on target in advising, “Don’t shed light on the dark and shut up all your officials.” referring to the detained Boeing 747 cargo plane in Argentina for over a month now.He isn’t an actual advisor to anyone involved in this bizarre case but many who are involved seem to be following this (unsolicited and fictional) advice. Take your cue from Sergeant Shultz, “I know nothing.”

 Somewhat lost in all the mystery is that there was actual cargo, auto parts, destined for an actual user, from an actual supplier, handled by an actual freight forwarder. The fact that there was a legitimate shipment does not take away from the possibility that it could be an alibi to cover up another purpose.

 The three companies involved , after an initial statement distancing themselves from the controversy, have kept quiet. Also not explaining anything are the Venezuelan government, it’s embassy in Argentina, and Conviasa, Emtrasur’s (owner of the plane, at least we think) parent company.

 Then you have false information such as the pilot, Ghasemi, being just a namesake as a man connected to Quds Force, Iran Revolutionary Guards operations arm, when, in reality, he was the guy. It’s better to say nothing than to have to walk back a false statement…are you listening Mr. President of Argentina…or Security Minister?

 There has also been confusing information indicating less passengers arrived than departed and that the size of the crew (19) wasn’t required for a routine cargo flight. Until the investigation reveals all the facts, stick with Sergeant Shultz…”I know nothing!”

 The we have Asia Times telling us that various historians and research fellows seem to agree that the Iran-Venezuela “bromance” has little to offer either country in the long run other than anti-US ideology. Other than a little help with Venezuela’s fuel shortage situation (how crazy is that?) Iran doesn’t have much to offer Venezuela and other than a little clandestine access to South America to enable Iran to spread it’s global terrorism Venezuela doesn’t have much to offer Iran.

 And Gov.UK had this report on the UPR (Universal Periodic Review) adoption of Venezuela by the UN Human Rights Council. The UK calls on Venezuela to fully engage with the High Commissioner’s Office on the UPR recommendations as well as other previous recommendations  by both the Office and  the FFM (Fact Finding Mission). In other words, after years of recommendations, other than a few cosmetic changes, the Maduro regime hasn’t done anything!

 And on the oil front we have Nassau Guardian reporting that a US State Department official says, despite The Bahamas Prime Minister’s recent plea for Venezuela sanctions relief, the US position remains unchanged.

 Then we have Oilprice.com telling us that on the heels of a blackout that halted production at Venezuela’s 2nd largest refinery we now have production halted at Venezuela’s largest refinery for the same reason (we told you…). This one is more serious though as this refinery produces 80% of Venezuela’s gasoline, already in short supply.

 And we have Reuters telling us that OPEC Secretary General Barkindo says Venezuelan and Iranian oil could ease the energy crisis. Well, Iran…maybe, but not Venezuela. As we’ve detailed before, Venezuela has no production capacity to spare.

 Then we have News AM reporting that the OPEC Secretary General (he’s been in the news a lot lately) says the oil and gas industry is under siege due to years of under- investment but the supply shortfall could be reduced if additional supplies from Venezuela and Iran were allowed. He failed to mention that Venezuela is the culprit of the most drastic under- investment in the world and really has nothing to contribute to the world’s oil supply.

 And we have Yahoo Finance reporting that deliveries by Eni (Italy) and Repsol (Spain) to Europe increased Venezuela’s petroleum exports in June to 630,500 bpd (barrels per day), hardly impressive. Cuba received 66,400 bpd. Venezuela’s export numbers reflect a 61% increase from May when numbers fell drastically due to Venezuela’s prepayment requirement after a couple of defaults on shipment payments.

 Then we have Aljazeera telling us that Venezuela migrant children are being denied access to education due to lack of documents. In Colombia the problem for children is more one of placement due to the quality of previous education. For example, many 12 year old Venezuelan children only have a 3rd grade education which leads to assimilation problems due to the age difference with classmates. (So much for Chavismo’s claims about the “world class” education offered by 21st Century Bolivarian Socialism)

 And we have the Nassau Guardian (again?) with an Op Ed. “US sanctions causing unnecessary hardship on Bahamians.” It cites sanctions on 5 oil producing countries, Venezuela, Russia, Iran, Iraq, and Libya as well as Biden’s climate change policies  as responsible for Bahamian’s troubles. To a degree, he may be right.

 Then we have BNN Bloomberg telling us that dozens of Venezuela opposition figures including activists, party leaders, and former military officers are making plans to leave Colombia following the election of leftist (Marxist) Gustavo Petro. Petro has previously said Venezuelan activists and journalists in Colombia would not face extradition (despite his ties to Maduro). It seems nobody believes him.

 And we have Human Rights Watch telling us that the Acting Director of Americas for Human Rights Watch says new visa restrictions by several countries are harming Venezuelan migrants causing them to make the dangerous Colombia – Panama crossing known as The Darien Gap (one of the most dangerous migrant routes in the world). At the recent Summit of the Americas, 20 countries signed the “Los Angeles Declaration On Migrant Protection” to strengthen and expand ways for people to safely and legally migrate and seek asylum. She calls on leaders to honor their commitment. Good luck with that. Everybody was anxious to sign the “UN Responsibility To Protect” and then did nothing as Chavismo destroyed Venezuela.

 Now that Mexico has a visa requirement for Venezuelans, which most can’t meet regarding documents etc., they’re forced to make the dangerous Darien Gap crossing. In the 1st four months of 2022 the number of migrants crossing “The Gap” doubled from 2021 (and 2021 was a record year).

 Venezuelans have replaced Haitians and Cubans as the number one travelers through “The Gap”. The short route across “The Gap”, if you have the $300 for boat fare, requires 2-5 days walking through the jungle. If you don’t have the the money you have to take the long route requiring 6-10 days on foot through the jungle. As we’ve told you before, along this route attacks by gangs, robberies, and sexual assaults are common as is the sighting of decomposing corpses in the jungle.

 Mexican authorities detained 6,666 Venezuelans in the 1st four months of 2022, up from 96 in the 1st four months of 2021. With Venezuelans continuing to flee 21st Century Bolivarian Socialism at well over 1,400 per day, adding to the well over 6 million that have already fled, this will be an ongoing problem.

 More tomorrow….