All Latin America Monitor
- International Monetary Fund warns Argentina on bogus statisticsThe IMF recently threatened to give Argentina a 'red card' for fudging its growth and inflation rates.
What are Mitt Romney's foreign policy goals in Latin America?Romney has highlighted policy issues in Latin America ranging from Iran's influence in the region to security problems in Mexico. How much do his views differ from those of Obama and Bush?
'El Loco' Barrera: What does the capture of Colombia's last big drug lord mean?One of Colombia's top drug traffickers 鈥� Daniel 'El Loco' Barrera 鈥� was captured by Venezuelan, Colombian, US, and UK officials. It's a great sign of regional cooperation, but other traffickers will likely fill the void.- US Drug Enforcement Administration may reopen office in UruguayThe reported move suggests Uruguay is playing a bigger role in trafficking drugs to the US.聽It is not a major producer but traffickers from nearby countries increasingly use it as a transit zone.
No housing? No problem: Some Venezuelans support Chavez despite lack of homesWhile housing is an important consideration for voters in the barrios of Caracas, the persistent shortage can be muted by quality-of-life projects initiated in barrios, like free health-care and community centers.
Survivors of Mexico's drug violence tell US government 'We need a new approach'More than 100 victims of the drug war went to Washington as part of Mexico's Caravan for Peace to demand justice for their families. The group is pressing both governments to rethink a policy that has cost so many lives.
Mexico: Should government be blamed for blast at Pemex gas facility?This is the third fire at a Pemex gas facility in five weeks, and could suggest bigger problems 鈥� like safety and security regulations 鈥� need to be addressed.
Bolivia cuts coca cultivation: What about cocaine?The United Nations released a report on coca cultivation in Bolivia today showing it has decreased for the first time since 2005. But estimates of cocaine production raise questions.- FARC names 'political' team for peace talksThe team slated to represent the FARC in peace talks with the Colombian government is largely made up of political 鈥� not military 鈥� leaders. Their past experience with negotiations could be a sign of commitment.
Guatemala volcano eruption cools as Independence Day celebrations heat upThousands were evacuated in Guatemala yesterday when the Volcano of Fire had its strongest eruption in more than 30 years.
How will opposition corruption scandal impact Venezuela's October election?The Capriles campaign has done well over the past two months, narrowing Chavez's lead. But a video of a Capriles ally allegedly accepting a bribe could keep him from squeaking out a victory.
Does Chavez challenger have a shot in Venezuela's presidential race?Close to 20 percent of Venezuelans are undecided, and Capriles has won a number of them over. But Chavez has strong job approval and trust levels.- Gulf Cartel capture: Why arresting Mexico's Eduardo Costilla mattersWhile the Gulf Cartel has already been weakened, this arrest is important in a country battling high rates of impunity.
- Hope for peace in Colombia, despite obstaclesTalks between Colombia's government and the FARC guerrillas are official, and there are reasons for optimism.
Mexico: Presidential runner-up Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to found new partyMr. Lopez Obrador, who declared fraud and protested his loss in the past two presidential elections, announced he will create a new party called the Movement for National Regeneration.
El Salvador: Historic gang truce brings mixed resultsSix months after El Salvador brokered a gang truce to tackle soaring homicide rates, officials are split over whether it has actually worked. Are murder rates going down or have tactics changed?- 'Supersize it': seats widen to accommodate Brazil's growing obese populationObesity is on the rise in Brazil, and regional governments are responding with legislation requiring larger seats and equipment for schools, public transportation, and hospitals.
- Mexico: What keeps drug traffickers 'in the game?'Mexico's drug trade employs an estimated 500,000 people. A new study explores factors 鈥� like addressing drug addiction 鈥� that can lead traffickers to exit the drug trade, and how to encourage more to follow.
What if technology could undermine drug violence in Brazil?A debate in Rio de Janeiro focuses on how access to information and technology among low-income youth might weaken the drug trade and empower young people in favelas.
In earthquake-ready Costa Rica, quake size rattlesThe powerful quake surprised locals and foreign retirees alike. Damage appears to be limited, although two related fatalities have been reported.