Newscast for Monday, October 8, 2012

Romney’s ties to Chinese factory with harsh labor record come under scrutiny

In a major campaign speech today on foreign policy, Mitt Romney criticized President Obama’s leadership on Afghanistan, Iraq, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and the transitioning Middle East. He said if elected, he’d pursue more free trade agreements around the world, increase the US military budget, and take a “stronger stance” against Iran and Russia – though specifics of what he would do were few.

Absent from the speech was any mention of human rights or workers rights. And a recent investigation shows Romney profited from investments in companies that outsourced jobs – some to places with a documented pattern of labor abuses. FSRN’s Alice Ollstein has more.

US activists join march in Pakistan to condemn drone killing program

In Pakistan, tens of thousands joined an anti-drone march led by politician Imran Khan. Among the participants were members of the US-based group Code Pink, who traveled to the country to meet with drone victims’ families and the US Ambassador. While the marchers were stopped short of their final destination in South Waziristan, many say they succeeded in drawing worldwide attention to the controversial US drone program and its impact on civilians. FSRN’s Shaunnah Ray reads for our reporter in Pakistan, Gabe Matthews.

Veterans mark Afghan war anniversary with calls for peace, redirection of national priorities

Sunday marked the 11th anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan, which has become America's longest war, claimed more than 2,000 US military lives, and left thousands more wounded. Veterans held a rally Sunday night at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza in Manhattan to call for an end to the war and all U.S. wars of aggression, and the healing of the warriors and the civilians affected. FSRN’s Melinda Tuhus has more.

Hugo Chavez elected for fourth term in Venezuela amid high voter turnout

In Venezuela, voters elected President Hugo Chavez to a fourth term in office Sunday. Voter turnout was high in the closest race of Chavez’ near-fourteen years as president. According to the National Electoral Council, Chavez received 54 percent of the vote. His opponent, Henrique Capriles, 45 percent.

Chavez greeted crowds at the Miraflores Palace in Caracas Sunday, saying he was making an appeal to his detractors.

To those promoting hatred, Chavez said, those trying to deny all the good things that are happening here in Venezuela, I invite you to dialogue, to debate and to work together for Bolivarian Venezuela.

For more, we go to Caracas to speak with National Lawyers Guild president-elect Azadeh Shahshahani. She’s part of a group of international monitors in the country.