All Americas
Can Fidel Castro still sway Cuba?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.
Rio's slums attract young, hip European immigrants looking for cheap housingThe 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.
Pimples at the polls: Argentina tries to lower voting age to 16If successful, President Kirchner would most likely benefit.- Breaking through the political echo chamber in VenezuelaInaccurate polling led many to believe the opposition would defeat Ch谩vez for president this month. Accurate polling is possible in Venezuela, writes a guest blogger, but only if citizens demand accountability.
Uruguay's Senate approves abortion bill: Will there be a ripple effect?Uruguay's Senate approved a bill legalizing first-trimester abortions, and the president says he will sign it. Abortion is still a political hot potato in Latin America, but some say such legislation could spread.
Colombia-FARC peace talks: 5 ways the Left lives on in Latin America If FARC-Colombia peace talks are successful, it would bring to an end one of the world's longest standing conflicts. And it is a reminder of how hardcore leftist political ideology lives on in Latin America, long after the close of the cold war. Here are five lasting examples:
How will FARC peace talks play out in rural Colombia?Successful peace talks could mean the end of nearly five decades of fighting between the FARC and the Colombian government, when civilians and rural communities were often hit the hardest.
Honduras to reevaluate gun control laws: How will it impact violence in the region?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.
Exit visas: Finally a political opening in Cuba?In聽addition to the economic reforms seen over the past several years in Cuba, easing foreign travel could portend the kinds of political reforms global actors have been clamoring for.
End of the exit visa in Cuba?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.
Cuban Missile Crisis: 5 ways leftist ideology lives on in Latin America This week marks the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Missile Crisis, when the US and the Soviet Union were on the brink of nuclear war over the installation of Soviet missiles in Cuba.
50 years after Cuba missile crisis, US influence in hemisphere waningInvestment from emerging economies like China and Russia are diminishing Latin America's reliance on the US, making it more difficult for Washington to isolate regimes like Cuba.聽- Organized crime in the Americas: bad for the environment, too?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.
- Soap operas put the spotlight on Brazil's new middle classTraditionally 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.
- Is Mexico's drug violence scaring off the next generation of journalists?Drug violence has made Mexico a dangerous place to be a reporter, and it is affecting journalism schools that now struggle to keep their doors open and train aspiring journalists.
- Key Lula aides convicted in Brazil's 'mensal茫o' corruption trialThe 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.
Rio de Janeiro on building spree for Olympics, World Cup 鈥� but at what cost?Brazil has lifted millions out of poverty in the past decade. But Rio's transformation in the lead-up to the Olympics and World Cup may be hurting those left behind.- How well do you know Brazil? Take our quiz and find out!
From the sandy beach of Ipanema to the Amazon rain forest, test your knowledge on Brazil's history, geography, and culture.
Will Ch谩vez victory fulfill Nicaragua's megaproject dream?Venezuela's long-stalled plan to build an oil refinery in Nicaragua is revitalized with Ch谩vez's reelection. The refinery would give Venezuelan oil a Pacific gateway to China.
Heriberto Lazcano, a Zetas leader, was killed in Mexico - but is the cartel done?Heriberto Lazcano, a Zetas drug cartel leader, was killed in a northern Mexico gunfight on Sunday, according to the Mexican Navy. If true, it could be a major drug war victory for Mexico.
