All Latin America Monitor
Kidnapping bad for business? Why the FARC may actually mean what it says.There are reasons – political, strategic and economic – to be hopeful the FARC's offer to end kidnapping may be genuine, writes guest blogger Steven Dudley.
- A case of Big Wind bullying in Mexico?
Follow-up on a Monitor cover story: A local activist is arrested days before a planned confrontation with a Mexican wind power company.
- FARC strategy change a result of Chavez's illness?
With Chavez's health on the line, groups who have benefited from the Venezuelan president's tenure – like the FARC – are hedging their bets, writes guest blogger James Bosworth.
- Summit of the Americas standoff: Cuba wants in
President Obama could take the high road and allow Cuban President Raul Castro to observe the Summit of the America's in Cartagena, writes guest blogger Anya Landau French.
- Latin America's economic rise may be undercut by violence
Latin America is on the rise with strong regional GDPs and decreasing poverty rates. Yet homicide rates have grown by 30 percent in recent years, threatening to spoil 'Latin America's Decade.'
Mexico to build eight new prisons after Zetas escapeBut by focusing on the role overcrowding played in the Zetas riot and escape, is the Mexican government missing the bigger picture in terms of prison reform?
Judge steps down in Guatemala genocide trialThe judge overseeing the Efrain Rios Montt genocide case stepped down this week after the defense lawyer lodged a complaint of judicial bias, writes guest blogger Mike Allison.
- Brazilian activists urge crackdown on 'death squads'
Human rights officials aim to make contract killing a federal crime in Brazil after two journalists are killed.
- Mexico cartels stronger than ever?
Recent report says Mexico's cartels are more powerful than they were when Calderón came to office, but this overlooks the fracturing of larger gangs, writes guest blogger Patrick Corcoran.
- Costa Rica calls for peaceful solution to crisis in Syria
Costa Rica has moral authority to speak on issues of authoritarian violence in Syria, writes guest blogger Jackie Briski, having experienced years of destructive civil war.
Honduras fire reflects dire state of prisons in Latin AmericaHonduras is among the worst in the region with severe overcrowding, but Latin American prisons are a daily human rights tragedy, writes guest blogger James Bosworth.
Sean Penn jumps into Falkland Islands fraySean Penn lashes out at the deployment of a British prince to the Falklands. The UK is not amused.
Honduras prison fire kills more than 300, highlights regional problemThis is the third fatal Honduras prison fire since 2003. The region as a whole lags on fire prevention measures and oversight.
Brazil police strike ends in Rio, Carnival savedThe police strike that threatened Carnival, one of the world's most festive parties, shows how labor movements are gaining the upper hand in Brazil for the first time in history, says guest blogger.
Peru captures rebel leader. Is this the end of the Shining Path?President Ollanta Humala declared the Maoist guerrilla group is no longer a threat after the capture of Comrade Artemio, reports guest blogger Hannah Stone.
Venezuela's opposition unites around Capriles. Can he beat Chavez?A record turnout of nearly 3 million people voted in Venezuela's opposition presidential primary yesterday, selecting Henrique Capriles Radonski as the candidate.
Legalizing drugs gains ground in Latin AmericaGuatemalan President Otto Perez Molina has suggested decriminalizing drugs in order to reduce violence in the Americas.
Another 'Lula' on the rise in Venezuela?A primary election in Venezuela today looks set to elevate Henrique Capriles Radonski, a politician who models himself after a former Brazilian president, as the main challenger to Hugo Chavez.
No credit, no problem: Nicaragua's Ortega pitches 'socialist' bankOrtega says the Bank of ALBA will give loans to members without conditions to pay for development or social projects.
Will Brazil's Carnival be canceled?Police in Rio de Janeiro agreed to a strike last night, just days ahead of the world's most famous carnival celebration.
