Topic: Central America
Top galleries, list articles, quizzes
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Antoine de Saint-Exupéry: 10 quotes on his birthday
Read 10 quotes by Saint-Exupéry, author "The Little Prince," of one of the bestselling books of all time.
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Sixth Summit of the Americas: 8 things to watch
Yes, the Summit of the Americas in Cartagena will debate drug policy and Cuba. Here are eight other topics to be discussed at the Summit.
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4 reasons Abraham Lincoln wouldn't win the GOP nomination in 2012
Yes, Abraham Lincoln was America's first Republican president, and, yes, the GOP proudly calls itself the Party of Lincoln. But Bradley University sociology chair Jackie Hogan wonders: Could Lincoln win his party’s nomination in 2012? Considers his stance on some of the hot-button issues in the Republican primary race.
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The Zetas now Mexico's largest drug gang. Who are they?
According to Mexican authorities, the Zetas have become the biggest drug trafficking organization in Mexico. A recent report from Stratfor, based on data from Mexico's attorney general's office, says the group now operates in 17 states, surpassing the geographical sway of the once-dominant Sinaloa Federation.
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Correspondent reflections: The 10 news events that shaped 2011
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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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Latin America Monitor 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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Latin America Monitor 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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Immigration reform too late to fix one big problem, studies say
Immigration reform aims to fix a migrant worker system that all sides say is broken. But demographic and economic trends in Mexico mean the era of cheap migrant labor flooding American fields is nearing an end, two studies say.
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In Los Angeles, 1 in 10 residents is an illegal immigrant, study says
A new study looks at California's illegal immigrant population in detail, providing insights on how immigration reform proposals in Washington could affect the community nationwide.
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Stir It Up! Easy as, well, mango banana bread
Mangoes, in season April through June, are at their peak right now. Ripe mango and bananas, chopped walnuts, and vanilla create a flavorful, not-too-sweet dessert (or breakfast) bread. Substituting canola oil for butter lightens it up.
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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 blames drugs for part of US-Mexico problems (+video)
Obama blames drugs for undermining US-Mexico ties. President Barack Obama argued deepening economic ties in Latin America would help the US control illegal immigration, and Latin American countries control drug and gang violence.
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How Obama's Mexico trip sends a message back home on immigration, too
President Obama's Mexico trip is emphasizing trade and commerce, but the message being sent back home is also tailored to influence the congressional debate over immigration reform.
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Latin America Monitor Death or imprisonment? El Salvador's strict antiabortion law
More than 600 women have been imprisoned since El Salvador's 1998 abortion legislation was enacted. The case of a mother with severe health complications has brought the debate to the fore.
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Castro daughter to US: Raul's daughter to accept award for gay rights advocacy
Castro daughter to US: Mariela Castro will attend the Equality Forum's annual conference on civil rights for lesbians, gays, bisexual and transgender people, according to Malcolm Lazin, the advocacy group's executive director.
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Can a blimp curb drug trafficking in Latin America? The US hopes so.
After sweeping US budget cuts, the Pentagon is testing new tools to stop drug trafficking in Latin America and the Caribbean: a blimp tethered to the back of a boat and a hand-launched drone.
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FBI Most Wanted caught in Nicaragua: What draws US pedophiles to the region?
Stigmatized in the US, some registered sex offenders like Eric Toth decide to move abroad to start fresh in a foreign country – and Central America is becoming a popular spot.
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Latin America Monitor Think Chávez was paranoid? Venezuela's Maduro warns of US-funded biker gangs.
Interim President Nicolás Maduro has spoken publicly about conspiracies ranging from murder plots to Salvadoran mercenaries. They serve as a political tool to unify the population and silence criticism.
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Two things you need to know about Halle Berry: She's pregnant and charitable
Halle Berry announced her second pregnancy and an ambitious charitable venture with Michael Kors. Halle Berry said she wants to talk to mothers in the developing world about prenatal care and child nutrition while she's pregnant.
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Hasta luego, Mexico: The Monitor's Latin America bureau chief signs off
Our correspondent recalls the good, the bad, and the surprising from her nearly seven years covering the region.
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Latin America Monitor Cops unite in Central America: New deal allows cross-border pursuits
The agreement will allow law enforcement agencies from one country to pursue suspects over the border into a neighboring country, and encourage states to share criminal records.
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Can Nicaragua protect the waters it won?
A ruling at the UN's highest court redrew maritime boundaries around the Colombian island of San Andrés and Nicaragua. Security analysts say it could lead to unintended consequences like increased trafficking.
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Stir It Up! Lively, hearty black bean soup with ham hocks
Lots of big flavors– cumin, garlic, celery, red bell pepper, tomatoes, jalapeño pepper, and smoked ham hock– blend into a satisfying soup with a Southwestern kick.
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Latin America Monitor Mexico: Latin America's second-largest economy lags in digital accessibility
Barely 17 percent of Mexicans have internet access at home, compared to 40 percent of Chileans. High costs are in part blamed for this digital divide.
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Pastor sentenced in same-sex custodial kidnapping case
Pastor Kenneth Miller was sentenced to 27 months in prison, but released pending appeal. He was convicted last summer of helping a woman take her daughter out of the country to flee joint custody with her ex-partner.
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Latin America Monitor Desperate for cash, Honduras to hawk bonds
Honduras is broke, writes a guest blogger, and despite a recent credit downgrade it is now trying to privately place over $750 million in bonds.
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Pope Benedict XVI retires: Will the next pope come from the 'global south?'
Latin America is home to 40 percent of the world’s 1 billion Roman Catholics, but there has never been a non-European pope in the modern era.
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Progress Watch Good news from Central America: Homicides fall in Guatemala, El Salvador
Attributed, in part, to an evolution away from hardline 'iron fist' policy approaches to crime and violence, El Salvador and Guatemala saw homicides fall in 2012 from record highs.
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Opinion: In fighting gangs, US should look to El Salvador
In combating the MS-13 gang, the Obama administration should look to El Salvador, which has adopted a far less confrontational approach, and is seeing a drop in gang violence as a result. A negotiated 'truce' with gangs is possible in the US and Mexico.
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