All Americas
- FocusRio+20 challenge: access to water in Mexico CityLives revolve around finding water in parts of Mexico City, where 33 percent of residents don't have daily access to it.
- Documentary paying homage to Augusto Pinochet incites anger, protests in ChileThe long-running grudge by the left against dictator Pinochet and by the right against his predecessor, President Salvador Allende, has played out in every medium from street marches to documentaries.
- Peasants fighting for land in Honduras attract international attentionA commission of Latin American, European, and US experts heard testimony on the land clashes that activists say have left 48 people dead in Bajo Aguan since January, writes a guest blogger.
Mexico's presidential debate: Candidates faced easy questions as protesters filled streetsCandidates largely avoided attacking front-runner Enrique Pe帽a Nieto in last night's final presidential debate, but the tens of thousands of students protesting his party beforehand did not.
Is Mexico's leading presidential candidate a retreat from democratic progress?Presidential candidate Enrique Pe帽a Nieto is leading in polls, but he hails from a party that ruled Mexico with a heavy hand for 71 years.- Cold war defense treaty under fire in Latin AmericaThe treaty says an attack against any country in the hemisphere will be treated as an attack against all. The withdrawal of four countries is symbolic of regional power shifts, writes a blogger.
- Disappointing month for foreign investment in CubaForeign companies look to be pulling out of oil exploration in Cuba, and Havana Club rum is fighting to retain its name in US markets, writes a guest blogger.
Mexican presidential election: Why the left is struggling.Andr茅s Manuel L贸pez Obrador, the presidential candidate from Mexico's leftist party, is facing an uphill battle for the presidency due to his controversial past and Mexico's unique political history.- New TV series on druglord Pablo Escobar: Why the continued interest?A new Colombian series about the life of Pablo Escobar has reportedly broken audience viewing records and generated renewed interest in the kingpin nearly 19 years after his death.
Mexico to witness transit of Venus, as Mayas did beforeThe Western Hemisphere will be able to view Venus crossing the sun this evening, a last-in-a-lifetime opportunity. In Mexico events are scheduled today across the capital.- Gringo cafe: A restaurateur starts his dream cafe in Brazil.Sam Flowers opened his dream cafe in Rio de Janeiro without guidance on how to get a visa, or adjust to 'Brazil costs.' Two years later he helps others pursue their Brazilian business dreams.
Mexico's first female presidential candidate: not 'different' enoughJosefina Vazquez Mota is presenting herself as a female presidential candidate in machista Mexico, but she hasn't gained significant female backing ahead of July vote.- Thousands flee Mexico's epicenter of marijuana and poppy productionA Mexican human rights NGO says close to 25,000 people have been displaced from Sinaloa state due to fighting between drug cartels over the past several months, according to InSight Crime.
- Homicides down in Costa Rica and other Central American countriesThe annual homicide rate dropped in Costa Rica for the first time in six years, writes guest blogger Mike Allison. Better governance could be a factor in regional progress.
Mariela Castro's US visit: a win for free speechThe US visit of Cuban first daughter Mariela Castro has upset many in both countries due to visa issues and comments on gay rights. But it's deserving of some kudos, writes a blogger.
The 'Mexican spring:' A new student movement stirs in Mexico#YoSoy132, a burgeoning student movement in Mexico, is calling for citizens to demand more of their politicians and institutions.
Brazilian activist flees Amazon home after threats from illegal loggersSome 1,000 land activists have been murdered in Brazil the past two decades, and the latest threats highlight the government's failure to protect activists, according to InSight Crime.- The Brazilian inspiration behind the US immigration DREAM ActDREAMers know how to survive amid great obstacles, says Brazilian-born Tereza Lee in an interview with a guest blogger. The DREAM Act was reintroduced in Congress last year.
Colombia's FARC releases French journalistMore than a month after he was taken hostage by the FARC, French journalist Romeo Langlois was safely handed over to a humanitarian mission in Colombia today.
Repsol 'almost certain' to end offshore oil drilling in CubaSpanish oil company Repsol announced its potential withdrawal from exploration in Cuba, after spending close to $150 million on a dry well. What does this mean for Cuba?
