Charallave, Venezuela
Venezuela last week began training ordinary civilians to fight a “war of resistance,” in case the country is invaded by the United States. Some 900 men and women signed up for a 20-week Territorial Guard boot camp, where they will learn to defend themselves and their communities if America attacks—a scenario the U.S. says is ridiculous. “Kill the gringo!” a soldier shouted at a trainee butting a straw figure with a rifle. “That gringo is taking away your women!” Besides the Territorial Guard, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has called for an Army Reserve of 1 million fighters.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Quiz of The Week: 15 – 21 NovemberQuiz Have you been paying attention to The Week’s news?
-
Can the UK do more on climate change?Today's Big Question Labour has shown leadership in the face of fraying international consensus, but must show the public their green mission is ‘a net benefit, not a net cost’
-
The Week Unwrapped: Will US Catholics rebel against the Pope?Podcast Plus what are the ethics of freezing your late partner?
