All Latin America Monitor

Recent corruption and police misconduct cases in Brazil seem to signal impunity is giving way to justice, but the country has yet to confront its history of dictatorship-era human rights violations.

President Chávez's administration announced its budget last week, allocating nearly 40 percent of funds for 'supreme happiness.' The budget's ambiguous nature, however, has made some distinctly unhappy.

Illegal mining is fast becoming a central resource for the FARC, overtaking coca production in some provinces. With the rising price of minerals there's an incentive to stay involved, even if peace is achieved.

Rio de Janeiro has made strides to improve public safety, leading the way for Brazil's other 26 states. But with upcoming mega-events, coordination between federal and state forces is still needed.

Allowing more Cubans to return to Cuba will help accelerate the warming trend between the island and its diaspora, and could lead to a change in US policy toward the island.

The seizure of an Argentine boat off the coast of Ghana highlights the battle that continues between the southern cone nation and its creditors a decade after it defaulted on a $100 billion debt.

By focusing on the rebels’ criminal activities the government may be sending the FARC a signal that a failure to follow through on the peace process could see them permanently labelled as 'narco-terrorists.'

Over time, a more rational discussion of US-Cuba relations could emerge.

Brazil has become a magnet for high-skilled Europeans as well as low-skilled migrants from poorer neighboring countries like Peru and Bolivia who traditionally opted for the US or Europe in the past.

Bolivia has become a hub of transnational car theft in South America, and analysts believe the Bolivian crime syndicates who purchase these stolen vehicles often directly exchange cocaine for cars.

From Hezbollah and Iran in the Americas to free trade agreements, Romney and Obama could discuss an array of important regional topics during tonight's final debate. But will they?

Fidel Castro debunked rumors he was dead in the state-run newspaper today. Some say that since he ceded control to brother Raul in 2006, US-Cuba relations are likely to remain unaltered when Fidel dies.

The number of foreigners living in Brazil jumped by more than 50 percent between 2010 and April 2012, in part due to Brazil's favorable economic conditions.

If successful, President Kirchner would most likely benefit.

Inaccurate polling led many to believe the opposition would defeat Chávez for president this month. Accurate polling is possible in Venezuela, writes a guest blogger, but only if citizens demand accountability.

In Honduras, citizens are allowed up to five personal firearms. Its lax laws contribute to high murder rates and make it a source for the region's arms traffickers.

Cubans have long been unable to travel freely, but the government has lifted the restriction on exit visas in some cases. It's a major step forward for the country and its people, argues a guest blogger.

A new report exposes the environmental consequences of criminal activity, such as gangs clearing land in a Guatemalan reserve to launder money through cattle ranches.

Traditionally soap operas in Brazil were aspirational, often starring wealthy characters. But now they are intended to reflect the lifestyle of the new middle class that rose up over the past decade.

The trial is a victory for Brazil's judicial system in fighting impunity for corruption, but in the midst of municipal elections the convictions could serve as a setback for Workers Party candidates.