All Americas
Lessons from the Maya prophecy 鈥� whether the world 'ends' or notInstead of focusing on Maya predictions of the 鈥榚nd of the world,鈥� some are shifting attention to problems today that may have contributed to the Maya collapse 鈥� like environmental damage.
Newtown shooting cranks up Canada's gun-control debateThe massacre in Newtown comes just a week after the anniversary of the 'Montreal Massacre' that inspired Canada's strict gun laws 鈥� which the current government has been easing.- In Venezuela, the future of Chavismo is testedYesterday's regional elections are viewed as a litmus test for a future presidential race in Venezuela. To many, it shows that Chavismo, Ch谩vez鈥檚 political and social movement, is alive and well.
- What do Venezuela's regional election results say about the opposition's future?Immediately before Venezuela's regional elections, Ch谩vez announced his cancer was back, possibly dampening the opposition's showing as his charisma carried over to other PSUV candidates.
With Ch谩vez's health uncertain, Venezuela regional elections will test oppositionAs questions rise about Hugo Ch谩vez's ability to rule, opposition leadership must prove their legitimacy in state elections this weekend if they hope to be contenders in possible future contests.
Chile-Peru border dispute moves from battlefield to courtroomA five-year legal battle over a Chile-Peru territorial dispute ends tomorrow. Countries have gradually moved their conflicts to the legal arena, but how the losing country reacts to the verdict will be telling.
Who is a victim in Mexico's drug war violence?A new, controversial memorial to victims of Mexico's drug war may prompt deeper wrestling with what has become a controversial topic.
What happens if Venezuela's Hugo Ch谩vez misses his inaguration?If Ch谩vez can't attend his inauguration, his designated successor might be overshadowed by an interim leader.- Honduran lawmakers fire four Supreme Court judgesThe Honduran Congress ordered the removal of four Supreme Court judges who ruled a police vetting law unconstitutional. The constitutionality of whether Congress can do this is at question.
Supporters show solidarity after Ch谩vez names successorVenezuelan President Hugo Ch谩vez may have helped his party avoid in-fighting by naming his vice president to be his chosen successor.聽- New York judge's ruling sparks nationalist surge in ArgentinaStakes are high for Argentina's President Kirchner in a legal tug-of-war over full repayment of bonds from the country's 2002 default. Kirchner says her country is the victim of 'judicial colonialism.'
Jenni Rivera, the 'Diva de la Banda,' lost in Mexico jet crashJenni Rivera died Sunday when her Learjet 25 crashed. Jenni Rivera was a mother, grandmother, and the queen of the grupero music scene in Mexico. Her death was confirmed by US officials Monday.
Is Latin America punishing nonviolent drug offenders too harshly?A new report reveals that punishments in Latin America for drug-related crimes 鈥� cultivation, use, or trafficking 鈥� have become as severe as those for violent offenses.
Key evidence for Argentina's largest human rights case found in FloridaFormer officials during Argentina's Dirty War are being charged in hundreds of instances of kidnapping, torture, and murder, and proceedings are expected to last two years, with as many as 900 witnesses testifying.
Colombia: Peace talks resume, but local hope dampensBoth the FARC and the Colombian government say they are pleased with peace negotiations so far, but citizens are losing faith. Violence continues and many feel excluded from the process.- El Salvador gangs accept proposal to create 'peace zones'One of the aims of these 'peace zones' is to allow gang members to 'reinsert' themselves into society. However, acceptance may come with conditions, like the repeal of a 2009 anti-gang law.
McAfee's rise and downfall via technologyComputer protection guru John McAfee鈥檚 high-profile run from the law is over after his arrest in Guatemala. A simple slip in digital security may have helped lead to his capture.- Chemical weapons in Syria: What can Latin America do about it?Some Latin American nations voted against a UN resolution condemning violence in Syria this year. But the region can still send a message that the use of chemical weapons will end their support.
Colombia's narco-sub 'museum' gives a peek into drug trafficking tacticsFor years, smugglers have been using semi-submersibles to traffic drugs. As the US wages the war on drugs, Colombia鈥檚 Pacific coast is the Silicon Valley of narco-innovation.
Latin America: Region one of worst for corruptionDespite economic strides, two-thirds of Latin America averaged in the bottom half of the 2012 Transparency International corruption rankings. Countries like Brazil, however, offer some hope.