All Americas
- 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?- Rio scrambles to prepare for impending mega-eventsRio has a lot of work to do before Rio+20, the World Cup, and the Olympics. But by the time the last event is over, not only will Rio have changed dramatically, but Brazil will be a different country.
Is Canada about to face US-style housing meltdown?Skyrocketing home prices in Canada, particularly in cities like Toronto, are fueling concerns that Canadians are overspending as they assume 鈥� as the US did 鈥� that real estate prices can only go up.- A day in the life of Caracas shortagesGuest blogger Miguel Octavio writes how a brief errand after work can turn into an all-night wild goose chase.
In Brazil, a showdown over rainforest deforestationBrazil's president is scheduled to sign a reform package today that could retroactively legalize the deforestation of millions of acres in the Amazon.
Lost in translation: English in BrazilBrazil is considered a 'low English proficiency' country, and ranks among the lowest in the world for workplace fluency, putting the emerging economy at a disadvantage, writes a guest blogger.- Argentina officially indicts civilians for role in 'dirty war'This spring, the conviction of two brothers for crimes against humanity in Argentina's 'dirty war' highlighted the role civilians played in the military鈥檚 systematic repression between 1976 and 1983.
Look who got a US visa: Ra煤l Castro's daughterMariela Castro, daughter of Cuban President Ra煤l Castro, will travel to California this week on a US visa to attend a conference. But many Cuban scholars were denied entry, writes a guest blogger.- El Salvador sees drop in murders but rise in disappearancesAn 8 percent rise in disappearances could undermine the achievements of a gang truce, which has seen murders in El Salvador drop by nearly 60 percent since March, writes a guest blogger.
Chavez re-election: Many Venezuelan voters are undecidedAn influx of new voters and widespread apathy may be key factors, writes guest blogger Miguel Octavio.- Chile's car boomBeyond urban sprawl there's an economic issue with Chile's car boom: crude oil is already Chile's biggest import, and an increasing reliance on gas could impact the country's trade balance.
Who is responsible for the Bogota, Colombia bombing this week?Some question why the FARC would carry out such a high profile attack as the May 15 Bogota bombing when the government has broached the idea of peace talks, writes a guest blogger.
Oil proceeds: Venezuelan driver wins F1 race with $66 million from ChavezVenezuela's state oil company, PDVSA, sponsored Formula One champion Pastor Maldonado, stirring controversy over the PR campaign at home, writes a guest blogger.