With representatives from 7 different regions, the Venezuelan comrades held their re-founding Congress of the Venezuelan section of the IMT in Caracas, taking the opportunity to launch their new paper, “Lucha de Clases” (Class Struggle). Also present were workers from three occupied factories (INAF, Gotcha and INVEVAL). The comrades have had to deal with very difficult internal conditions over the past year but the mood was one of great enthusiasm and optimism, and they are committed to playing an important role within the PSUV and the Venezuelan revolution.

The Second Day of the congress was dedicated to a discussion on the approach of Marxists to the mass organisations and also on the work of building the forces of Marxism in Pakistan. In spite of attacks on the tendency, the comrades have made important gains, and the mood is one of determination to build.

On Saturday, March 20, the 29^th Congress of The Struggle opened with sessions on the world crisis of capitalism, followed by a discussion on the impact of this crisis on Pgakistan, as the country is ravaged by war, rising unemployment, power cuts, and terrorist attacks. Economic collapse is causing widespread misery among the masses, leading to growing social protest. In these conditions, over the two days the total figure attending was 2,183 people.

In February the Marxists in Faisalabad gathered to discuss the political situation in Pakistan as part of the preparations for their national conference later this month.

The North Punjab Regional congress of the Pakistani section of the IMT was held on February 28th, in Rawalpindi. More than 150 comrades from Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Attock, Taxila-Wah and Abbottabad areas participated in the gathering, including trade union comrades, the PTUDC, People's Youth Organization, JKNSF, YFIS and BNT.

Yesterday in Copenhagen, to celebrate International Working Women’s Day the Danish Marxists organised a public meeting to launch their new book on the women’s question, with a good turnout and many people showing an interest in the ideas of Marxism on this key question.

In the tradition of the Pakistani Marxists commemoration meetings to celebrate the anniversary of the Russian Revolution were held in different parts of the country. Here we provide a report on the meeting in Rawalpindi.

Alan Woods recently spoke to a group of trade union activists in the Education sector in Mexico on "The Crisis of Capitalism and the Tasks of the Workers" in the SUTIEMS premises.

The book launch of “Pakistan’s Other Story - The 1968-69 revolution” was organized by the Jammu Kashmir National Students Federation (JKNSF), and was held in the Hill Top Hotel in Rawalakot on 5^th October 2009.

The annual Pakistani Section National Marxist Youth School was held from 31^st July to 2^nd August 2009 at Banjoosa in the mountains of Kashmir. In spite of the very long distances, difficult economic situation and sweltering heat, more than 150 comrades from all over the country participated in the school with a great revolutionary spirit.

2009 has been a very important year for the International Marxist Tendency and the In Defence of Marxism website. We have continued to provide analysis and updates on the most important events throughout the year and this year has so far been particularly eventful. Our struggle to spread the ideas of Marxism in this world of turmoil continues and we need your help.

On the weekend of June 5-7^th, working class activists from across Canada travelled to Montreal to discuss the way forward for Canadian revolutionaries. Representatives of Fightback from BC and Ontario joined, together with the militants of the International Marxist Tendency of Quebec, in an incredibly enthusiastic meeting of solidarity and struggle.

The In Defence of Marxism web site has now been active for about ten years providing a Marxist analysis of current events, working class history, science and technology, art and culture and giving socialist activists all over the world access to the ideas of Marxism.