All Latin America Monitor
Cuba embargo turns 50: is this what JFK intended?Ten presidents later, the US still prohibits nearly all trade and financial transactions with Cuba. But the embargo may work against our national interests, writes guest blogger Landau French.
Falklands: more international support for Argentina after 'militarization' claim?Argentine president Cristina Fern谩ndez de Kirchner said she will take her complaint that Britain is militarizing the Falklands before the UN Security Council.
Is it the end of paramilitarism in Colombia?The last of Colombia's paramilitary leaders were captured in Venezuela, marking the end for a group that dominated Colombia's drug trade, writes guest blogger Jeremy McDermott.
Could police strikes spread in Brazil?Local police are striking over pay in Salvador, and some fear the unrest could spread to Rio just in time for Carnival, writes guest blogger Julia Michaels.
Woman to head major party ticket in MexicoJosefina Vazquez Mota was selected as Mexico's ruling National Action Party (PAN) candidate for the upcoming presidential election. She is Mexico's first female presidential candidate from a major political party.
El Salvador gets 'tough' amid worsening crimePresident Mauricio Funes has appointed career military personnel to head the police and national security.聽 Many fear a return to failed policies of the past, writes guest blogger Hanna Stone.
Ch谩vez celebrates failed coup that propelled him into officeSome 20 years after going to prison for a failed coup, Venezuelan President Hugo Ch谩vez celebrates the anniversary of his beginnings while opposition candidates prepare to challenge him for the presidency.- Children armed with assault weapons spark controversy in VenezuelaPresident Hugo Chavez has condemned photos of children posing with assault rifles at a pro-government group's event. But the opposition still blames Chavez.
Another casualty of Brazil's rise: cheap airfareThe founder of Gol, a Brazilian airline that once set out to topple high-cost air travel, is now facing questions on his company's exorbitantly high prices.
Man arrested in Chile for stealing a glacierA truck carrying nearly 12,000 pounds of illegally removed glacial ice was stopped in the Chilean town of Cochrane this week.- Honduras calls in the police - from ChileLauded as among the best police institutions in Latin America, Chile's Los Carabineros are helping Honduras, one of the most troubled countries in the region right now.
Is Venezuela's military playing role in drug trafficking?President Hugo Chavez's new defense minister has been accused of drug trafficking, suggesting a level of institutional corruption that could surpass Chavez's control and impact neighboring Colombia.
Follow the money: Brazilian president travels to Cuba and HaitiBrazil's President Dilma Rousseff, who arrived in Cuba Monday, plans to meet with President Raul Castro today in a trip touted as a trade booster for both countries.
Bash America? The Castros play to their base in CubaCuba's Raul Castro attacked imperialism at last weekend's Communist Party conference, while Fidel Castro earlier criticized US Republican candidates.
Organized crime sets its sights on peaceful UruguayUruguay is known as one of the safest countries in Latin America, but organized crime and violence are on the rise.
Former Guatemalan dictator Efrain Rios Montt faces trial for genocideEfrain聽Rios Montt came to power in a coup and oversaw some of Guatemala's most atrocious civil war crimes.
Rio building collapse: where is the oversight?In the past year Rio has seen exploding manhole covers and numerous transit accidents. It might be time to rethink the city's antiquated building codes, says guest blogger Julia Michaels.- Are El Salvador鈥檚 gangs plotting to 'take down the system'?The Salvadoran National Civil Police say gangs are planning attacks on security forces, but others believe the remark has more to do with politics.
Ecuador's President Correa sues newspaper and is blamed for killing free speechThe Ecuadorian court suspended the libel hearing today, amid international criticism that President Rafael Correa is quashing free speech.
Alan Gross imprisonment a result of misguided US rhetoric?Cuba said last month it would release 2,900 prisoners ahead of the pope's visit this spring, but US prisoner Alan Gross is not to be one of them.聽