All Americas
Showdown looms between Argentina's Kirchner and her biggest media criticArgentina implements a media law on Dec. 7 that President Kirchner says encourages a plurality of voices and opponents like Grupo Clarín call an assault on free speech and democracy.
- Would the US free the 'Cuban Five' in exchange for Alan Gross?
Three years ago, Alan Gross was arrested and found guilty of crimes against the 'sovereignty and territorial integrity' of Cuba. Now, he wants the US and Cuba to sit down together and negotiate his release.
Watch your tongue: Prejudiced comments illegal in Brazil.Brazilian lawmakers and law enforcement have drawn the line on free speech when it comes to racial, religious, or ethnic agitation – even though it is a constitutional right.
- Troubling uptick in violence in São Paulo's slums
The violence marks a backward step for a Brazilian state that has succeeded in cutting its homicide rate by more than half in the past decade.
Mexico inaugurates new President Peña Nieto, but takes on 'old' party reputationCorruption will likely be a constant challenge for Peña Nieto and his PRI party, which ruled Mexico for 71 years largely through graft before it lost the presidency in 2000.
As Peña Nieto prepares to take office in Mexico, a look back at Calderón's presidencyCalderón may have had good intentions when going on the offensive against drug gangs, however, the results from 2006 to 2012 didn't match up, writes guest blogger James Bosworth.
Will outgoing President Calderón be remembered for more than Mexico's violence?Calderón's legacy will likely include Mexico's heavy drug war death toll. But he made positive strides on the economic front with average annual inflation at historic lows.
Chávez authorized to leave Venezuela for health treatment - Chavismo at risk?Chávez's travel to Cuba could mean missing important gubernatorial elections in December, potentially benefiting the opposition.
- Honduran police cleanup law may be unconstitutional
A branch of the Honduran Supreme Court deemed the law unconstitutional because it removes police officers' rights to due process. Next, the entire Supreme Court must convene to issue an opinion.
A US-Mexico policy duet?Mexico's President-elect Peña Nieto and Obama met yesterday and sang the same tune on many bilateral agenda items. Can their common goals survive their respective political systems?
'Death evictions'? Guatemala's violence takes an unusual tollGuatemala has one of the world's highest murder rates. The two largest public cemeteries in Guatemala City are so cramped that relatives must pay rent on tombs – or risk family members' 'eviction.'
Can Mexico's President-elect Peña Nieto and Obama set a new tone?Peña Nieto travels to Washington today ahead of his inauguration. With Mexico’s growing economy and falling homicide rate, some see an opportunity to bolster US-Mexico ties.
- Indebted Caribbean tax havens look to tax foreign investors
Industry analysts say new fees and taxes could bring in needed money to a region where some debts are near that of Greece. But could they scare off investors?
Argentina's last stand in battle against bondholdersA US judge ruled that Argentina must pay all bond holders from its decade-old debt restructuring, including 'vulture funds' that refused to accept previous restructured deals.
The man who remade Mexico CityMayor Marcelo Ebrard has given Mexico's capital – once infamous for its pollution, lawlessness, and general chaos – new appeal thanks to environmental and civic programs.
FocusViolence against women in Latin America: Is it getting worse?Across Latin America, women are confronting a rise in brutal attacks – as advocates struggle to sustain the progress that's been made in curbing violence against women.
- FocusTurn on the TV? How telenovelas help people cope with real life
Tackling sensitive topics through entertainment and fictional characters can make it easier to get people talking about how to deal with complicated or stigmatized problems, like domestic violence.
FocusPutting a price tag on violence against women in Latin AmericaA first-of-its-kind study quantifies the intergenerational price tag of domestic violence. In a region of emerging economies, where GDP growth is paramount to success, could this motivate policymakers?
Four messages Obama is sending Latin America from his trip through AsiaObama may be sending an unintentional message that the US holds Asian countries like Myanmar and China to a lower standard on democracy and human rights.
Top issue as Colombia-FARC negotiators meet? LandLack of access to land by rural populations has been a cause and a consequence of Colombia's five-decade-old conflict – and will be a focus of today's FARC-Colombia peace talks in Cuba.
