Topic: Bolivian Politics

Bolivia says no to cocaine, but yes to coca

As Latin America debates decriminalizing drugs, nowhere is the coca-cocaine tension more prevalent than in Bolivia, writes guest blogger Jackie Briski.

After 250-mile protest march, indigenous reach Bolivian capital to face president

The protesters' march from their home in the TIPNIS territory, where construction of a government-backed road has incited the community, has shaken President Evo Morales' political base.

Ecuador biggest beneficiary of US-Colombia free trade pact?

After years of delay and controversy, the US Congress approved free trade agreements Wednesday with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea.

Morales backs down, suspends construction of key road in Bolivia

Had Bolivia's President Evo Morales not backed down in a dispute over the construction of a key road through the country's rainforest, deadly protests could have toppled his presidency, argues guest blogger James Bosworth.

Venezuela, Bolivia 'failed demonstrably' to meet anti-drug obligations, says US. But did they?

Guest blogger James Bosworth says that while Venezuela is arguably promoting drug trafficking, Bolivia's anti-drug efforts seem on a par with US allies – making US criticism seem sour grapes.

Bolivia's president accuses US of sparking protest

More than a thousand indigenous Bolivians have been marching against a highway being built across their land. Evo Morales says the US is behind the opposition.

Bolivia drops out of UN drug pact to protect its coca chewers

Bolivia intends to reapply to the UN Convention on Narcotic Drugs, but with a reservation that it does not recognize the ban on chewing the coca leaf, a practice with a long national tradition.

Before Republicans start budget-slashing, take a lesson from Bolivia

The history of South American countries like Bolivia and Ecuador shows that abrupt austerity measures to pull back government subsidies equate with political suicide and civil unrest. America's budget-slashing Congress should take note.

Bolivia's Morales scrambles to stem crisis over massive fuel price hike

President Evo Morales's decision to cut fuel subsidies has led to repeated protests, most recently today, by poor Bolivians who make up his political base.

Five things Chile miners will have to tackle next

For the 33 Chilean miners, their reemergence on the surface Wednesday is just the beginning of months, possibly years, of adjustment to their heightened status in society and the changes that happened while they were underground.

Chile mine rescue: 5 final steps to freedom

It took 33 days to drill a 622-meter shaft down to the 33 trapped miners, completed Monday. Several steps remain before freedom comes to the men who have lived a half-mile under the Atacama Desert since a mine collapse on Aug. 5.

Chile earthquake aftershock hits as new president takes over

The term of newly inaugurated Sebastian Pinera literally began with a jolt, as a Chile earthquake aftershock shook his swearing-in and the Navy issued a tsunami alert.

Why Bolivia reelected Evo Morales

His presidential victory Sunday chalks up another important win for Bolivia's Evo Morales and the region's hard-left, Chávez-led bloc, which also includes Ecuador, Nicaragua, and Cuba.

'The End of Poverty?': movie review

Capitalism gets the blame in this talking-heads documentary. But the movie review points out that 'The End of Poverty?' offers few real-world solutions.

World condemns coup in Honduras

Venezuela's populist leader Hugo Chávez has put his armed forces on alert in response to Sunday's ouster of leftist President Manuel Zelaya of Honduras. 'We will bring them down,' Mr. Chávez said of the new military junta.

Ahmadinejad's new best friend: Hugo Chávez?

Chávez has announced his support for the Iranian president's claim of election victory. The two leaders have developed close ties based on mutual animosity to the US.

World

Bolivia sees profit in lithium, but can it exploit it?

Officials want to tap vast reserves to produce electric-car batteries, but threat of nationalization could scare off foreign investors.

Bolivia sets new global high mark for indigenous rights

A new constitution approved handily Sunday also risks dividing the nation.