Blog entries

In the most dramatic proposal for political reform in decades, Mexican President Felipe Calderón announced yesterday a 10-point plan aimed at revamping Mexico’s political system. Among the many reforms, the proposal would allow independent candidates to run for office and relax term-limit rules for legislators, allowing lawmakers and mayors to hold office for up to … Read more

This afternoon Representative Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) reminded the American people what awaits in 2010: a much-needed national discussion on immigration reform. Joined by lawmakers from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Black Caucus, Asian Pacific American Caucus, and Progressive Caucus, Gutierrez introduced his long-awaited Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America’s Security and Prosperity Act of 2009. Or, CIR … Read more

Lynchings are wreaking havoc again in rural Guatemala. In a recent 15-day span, nine people have been lynched here by citizens who chose to take justice into their own hands. And in the past year, lynch mobs have attacked over 250 people, resulting in at least 42 deaths. The numbers are scary, and they reflect … Read more

A senior member of the agency tasked with protecting Guatemalan President Álvaro Colom was shot and killed yesterday in a coordinated attack involving multiple assailants in Guatemala City. The victim, Rubén Sagastume Pozuelos, was the agent in charge of protecting President Colom’s children. The attack is the latest in a series of incidents involving the … Read more

El escritor y cineasta chileno Alberto Fuguet vivió durante años fascinado por el personaje de Carlos, su tío favorito y el rebelde de la familia, quien un día decidió desaparecer en la inmensidad de los Estados Unidos. Sorprendido por la falta de interés del resto del clan Fuguet en contactarse con Carlos, Fuguet contrató un … Read more

A January 17 runoff  is now set between Sebastian Piñera of the Alliance for Chile coalition and former President Eduardo Frei of the ruling Concertación coalition. On Sunday, with 98 percent of votes counted, Piñera won the first round with 44 percent of votes cast compared to 30 percent for Frei. The two candidates are … Read more

Thirty-nine members of the Havana-based human rights group Damas de Blanco (Ladies in White) were reportedly assaulted yesterday during a peaceful protest to commemorate International Human Rights Day. An estimated 200 government supporters attacked the women near the Museum of the Revolution as they set free a group of doves and distributed copies of the … Read more

President Barack Obama has a 61 percent approval rating in Latin America, a December Gallup Poll finds. The poll, reflecting public opinion in 17 countries between July and September 2009, also showed that support for U.S. Leadership in Latin America increased from 39 percent in 2008 to 51 percent this year.   Meanwhile, Obama’s domestic approval … Read more

Arturo Valenzuela is finally settling in as assistant secretary for the western hemisphere on the 6th floor of the State Department. But, the distinguished diplomat who most recently served in that job—Tom Shannon—is still waiting for his next post due to another hold on his nomination to be ambassador to Brazil.  Back in early November, … Read more

The announcement last July that Colombia would lend the use of certain military bases to U.S. forces unleashed a well-worn debate about sovereignty and U.S. involvement in the Latin America. Five months later, the rhetoric continues. As recently as December 8, 2009, Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez complained the base would destabilize peace in the region … Read more

From the Americas Society/Council of the Americas. AS/COA Online’s news brief examines the major—as well as some of the overlooked—events and stories occurring across the Americas. Check back every Wednesday for the weekly roundup. Sign up to receive the Weekly Roundup via email. Mercosur Rejects Honduran Elections, Stalls on Other Matters Leaders of the Mercosur … Read more

A new poll out today by the Centro de Estudios de la Realidad Contemporánea reports that Sebastián Piñera, running under the Alliance for Chile coalition, leads the presidential polls with 44.1 percent support, compared to 31 percent for Eduardo Frei of the governing Concertación coalition. Independent candidate Marco Enríquez-Ominami is projected to gain 17.7 percent … Read more

With the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) nearing completion of its first pass through Honduras’ election results, a more subtle (albeit still incomplete) analysis has become possible. What is certain is that the National Party won an unprecedented victory. What remains in question is precisely why. Answering this question requires a closer examination at voter participation … Read more

Beginning this week, companies may begin submitting preliminary bids on an estimated $20 to 30 billion project to build a high-speed rail line linking Brazil’s two biggest cities. The project, which is the first of its kind in Latin America, will provide rapid transportation in a region inhabited by some 40 million people—a full 20 … Read more

Bolivian President Evo Morales was elected for another five-year term on Sunday, winning 62.5 percent of the national vote and 78.5 percent in La Paz. With the previous constitution prohibiting consecutive re-election, it is the first time in 45 years that a Bolivian president will serve two consecutive terms. The runner-up, Manfred Reyes Villa of … Read more