All Americas
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Guatemalan court hits rewind button on Rios Montt's genocide conviction
Guatemala's Constitutional Court overturned former dictator Gen. Efrain Rios Montt's genocide conviction – seen as a landmark human rights ruling – and called for a re-do of closing arguments.
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Want to retire on the beach? Mexico talks of liberalizing land sales
Supporters say the change could help Mexico compete with Central America for US retirees seeking spots in the sun. But could it hurt Mexican access to prime real estate?
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How a toilet paper shortage may temper Chavismo in Venezuela
Under Hugo Chávez, big businesses endured threats of state takeover. This week, Chávez's successor reached out to the boss of Venezuela's largest privately held company.
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No more drug war in Latin America? Report explores new ways to fight drugs
A new OAS report looks at alternatives to prohibiting the drug trade, including legal market regulation, reform of the UN drug convention, and smarter policing.
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Venezuela's Maduro still waiting on Washington's recognition
More than a month since Maduro was elected Venezuelan president by less than 2 percent of the vote, the US has not recognized his victory. A partial recount of the ballot is currently underway.
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What does genocide conviction of Ríos Montt mean to Guatemalans abroad?
Many in the Guatemalan diaspora celebrated the historic conviction of ex-dictator Ríos Montt. But some say one conviction alone can't resolve the aftermath of the 36-year-long bloody conflict.
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'People of corn' protest GMO strain in Mexico
Mexico has 59 strains of native corn. While the country has some GMO corn as well, activists are concerned about expanding its reach.
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Brazil's gun control debate: Opponents try to shoot holes in disarmament law
The number of homicides in South America’s largest nation fell in 2004 for the first time in 12 years thanks in part to a disarmament law. But a new push by some legislators could loosen gun restrictions.
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Safety check: Are some car models sold in Latin America held to lower standards?
Car companies around the world appear to be cutting corners in models sold in Brazil and other Latin American countries.
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What will the Rios Montt genocide conviction do for Guatemala?
Rios Montt was one of the world's first former presidents tried for genocide in a national court. Many hope his conviction means positive steps for the justice system and healing wounds of war.
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Move over Beyoncé: Another American explores Cuba, 'people to people'
Like Beyoncé and Jay-Z, the Monitor's Linda Feldmann travels Cuba on a 'people to people' tour. Since 2011, such trips have had the sanction of the Treasury Department – a legal way for Americans to see the long-forbidden island.
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Is easy credit coming to Mexico?
Mexico has one of the lowest rates of commercial lending in Latin America. But a series of new bank reforms aims to change that - making borrowing easier and stimulating economic growth.
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Venezuela's Maduro globe trots: building regional ties or a domestic distraction?
On his first official trip abroad, Venezuela's new leader is visiting Uruguay, Argentina, and Brazil. But a domestic dispute over the legality of Maduro's presidential victory drags on at home.
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Is there a God? The Vatican invites Mexicans to discuss.
The Vatican's first Courtyard of the Gentiles event outside Europe takes place in Mexico this week. The number of Mexicans who say they are 'nonreligious' jumped by 56 percent between 2000 and 2010.
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Study abroad in Mexico? Fewer US students make the trek.
One announcement from Obama's Mexico trip was a bilateral forum on higher education. Educational exchanges between the US and Mexico have stagnated or fallen over the past decade.
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Argentina's judicial reform: positive step or consolidation of power?
Six new laws will move forward in Argentina's Congress tomorrow. Some rein in cronyism, while others could limit personal freedoms and threaten checks and balances.
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Venezuelan tools of protest? Pots, pans, and smartphone apps.
The popular Latin American protest tactic of banging pots and pans took on a new form in post-election Venezuela. Some opposition members protested Maduro's victory by downloading a noisy app.
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For Obama, Costa Rica offered rare 'safe bet' trip
Costa Rica's strong tradition of democracy and longtime friendship with the United States ensured President Obama would enjoy a smooth – if uneventful – trip this weekend.
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Obama in Mexico: Little talk of human rights (+video)
The US has noted Mexico's 'significant human rights-related problems' in the past, but some say it and the Mexican government haven't done enough to encourage change.
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Mexico's got theater in unusual spaces
With stages set up in street cars, Mexico City is celebrating its first Festival of Theater in Unusual Spaces and giving a new outlet for the city's emerging artists.
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