All Americas
- US export? Central America's gang problem began in Los AngelesBy 2011, El Salvador had an estimated 28,000 gang members, almost half of whom were in prison. Many were deported from the US in the late 1990s, bringing US-based gang activity back home with them.
- El Salvador struggles to keep business investment at homeIn order to kickstart El Salvador's economy, convincing local investors to keep their money at home could be critical first step.
With HIV regime-change ruse in Cuba, another black eye for USAIDThe US Agency for International Development was alleged to have been using its programs as cover to undermine the Cuban government. It's far from the first recent claim of political meddling for the US aid arm.
The ExplainerWhy child migrants head to the USFor many minors from Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala, making a dangerous journey north outweighs the risks of staying behind.- Is your wardrobe human-trafficking free?A new label launched in the US and Colombia this week will certify products that were made without forced labor or trafficking victims.
Argentina defaults - but isn't using the 'd-word'This will not deliver the blow of its 2001 default. But analysts warn that no matter how you spin it, the default is likely to hurt an already faltering economy.
Will US sanctions offer Venezuela's Maduro a helping hand?The US imposed visa bans on more than 20 Venezuelan officials, citing alleged human rights abuses. The timing of the sanctions could聽bolster President Maduro's anti-US credentials.
The ExplainerArgentina debt default 101: What鈥檚 at stake?Argentina has until midnight July 30 to negotiate a deal with bondholders who rejected a restructuring deal. The unresolved debt is an overhang from the last time Argentina defaulted in 2001.聽- What do 'social inclusion' rankings tell us about the child migrant crisis? For the third year, America's Quarterly has ranked Latin American countries and the United States based on social inclusion. How do these countries stack up?
Child migrant crisis: Churches, aid workers on front lines in Central AmericaThe presidents of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras meet with President Obama on the Central American crisis today. While their focus is often police and military solutions, others are seeking ways for kids to work or attend school without fear of being killed.- In the face of uncertainty, Venezuela frames Ch谩vez as saviorVenezuela has faced increasingly tough economic and political times since the death in March 2013 of Hugo Ch谩vez. President Maduro is promoting religious imagery related to the former leader and creating a 'civil religion' around his legacy.
With no more World Cup distractions, other issues grab the spotlight in BrazilFrom the inauguration of a politically charged favela聽cable car to the sacking of top newspaper O Globo's Rio editor, July was more than just soccer in Brazil.
Why didn't some Central America experts see the child migrant crisis coming?Crime and the economy are motivating many Central Americans to leave the region, however, the link isn't straightforward. Murder rates, for example, improved slightly in El Salvador and Guatemala in recent years.
US border crisis overwhelms social services 鈥� in Central AmericaAccording to the Guatemalan attorney general, 2,030 minors have been deported from the US and Mexico so far this year. The government is struggling to keep track of returnees and provide needed support.
Anniversary celebration of Nicaragua's Sandinista revolution marred by violenceBuses carrying supporters home from the ruling party's 35th anniversary celebration were ambushed. Some point to rearmed anti-communist contras, but the government denies such groups exist.- Paying taxes in paintings? Mexican artists say 'yes, please'An unusual program in Mexico allows painters, sculptors, and other artists to donate part of their annual production of artwork to the state in lieu of paying taxes. In return, Mexico gains a huge collection of contemporary art.
World Cup visitors try to make their Brazil stays permanent 鈥� by claiming asylumHundreds of Africans who traveled to Brazil on tourist visas during the World Cup have since requested political asylum. Brazil has long been an attractive destination country for immigrants, and is known for requiring little paperwork.
Who controls Medell铆n? Fragile peace in Colombia's 'model' cityMedell铆n has become emblematic of Colombia's dramatic transformation over the past decade. But try telling that to residents of the city's slums.
Ex-Panamanian dictator Noriega sues over video game portrayalManuel Noriega joins an ever-growing list of world leaders who are suing, banning, and making threats over video games and movies.
Pop songs, cartoons aim to deter Central American youth from heading for USUS and Central American campaigns are聽deploying ominous cartoon characters and catchy tunes 鈥� not to mention some grandmotherly advice 鈥� to deter聽children from migrating north.
