All Americas
- 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.
Colombia's FARC rebels say group will stop kidnappingThe Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) said Sunday it will free remaining hostages and stop kidnapping civilians in a bid to restart peace talks with the government.
Top 5 signs of a weakening FARC in Colombia In a historic shift, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) says it will no longer use kidnapping as a tool for political and financial gain. The shift comes after three years of government success in weakening the group. Here are five of the defining moments.- 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.'
Argentine train crash sheds light on need for transportation reformA privatized and highly subsidized train industry in Argentina has left few accountable for safety and oversight. A deadly commuter train crash Wednesday was the eighth since 2008.
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.
Zetas break out of prison in Mexico. Who are they? According to Mexican authorities, the Zetas have become the biggest drug trafficking organization in Mexico. On Feb. 19 Zeta members allegedly instigated a prison riot, killing members of the opposing Gulf Cartel, and covering up their escape. Here are four questions about the Zetas, answered.- 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.
Rio de Janeiro polishes its police ahead of OlympicsAs Rio de Janeiro celebrates Carnival, the city looks ahead to the bigger show of the 2016 Olympics.
Latin America: Where the world's jobs areLauded for its economic stability and entrepreneurial opportunities, interns and career changers alike are looking to Latin America to launch their careers.
New voice in drug-war debate: businessmen who are feeling the pinchThe drug trade has had a negative impact on the business climate in Central America, and the private sector is starting to speak out in favor of new approaches to the war on drugs.
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.
Security could be weakness for Venezuela oppositionCrime prevention is a hot-button issue in Venezuela, where nearly three times as many deaths as in Iraq occurred in 2009.
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.
Why military hawks are leading drug legalization debate in Latin AmericaMexico, Colombia, and Guatemala want to decriminalize drugs, but with a military approach. This means going after criminals and gangs with military and police force before they can regroup.
