Topic: Central America

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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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Panama arrests former CIA station chief sought by Italy in rendition case

Robert Lady was the CIA station chief in Milan when wanted Egyptian cleric Nasr was pulled from the streets there and sent back to Egypt where his lawyer says he was tortured.
Asian tiger mosquitoes: What you need to know

Asian tiger mosquitoes are spreading in the continental US. Scientists warn that Asian tiger mosquitoes bite throughout the day, carry disease, and lay eggs that can survive winter.
Nicaragua canal: Will China build rival to Panama Canal?

Nicaragua canal would require $40 billion and 11 years to complete. Nicaraguan president Ortega hopes to get congress to approve Chinese plan for Nicaragua canal this week.
Coffee blight in Central America: Changing livelihoods and your cup of joe

The aggressive outbreak has extended to more than 70 percent of coffee bushes in Guatemala and El Salvador, 64 percent in Costa Rica, and lesser amounts in Nicaragua and Honduras.
Border apprehensions up again. Big blow to immigration reform efforts?

Apprehensions of illegal border-crossers are on pace to rise compared with last year. While the numbers are near historic lows, they could influence immigration reform efforts in Congress.
El Salvador high court upholds abortion ban as 'Beatriz' challenges law

El Salvador is one of five countries in Latin America to ban abortion. A woman, 'Beatriz,' has become cause for international debate as she appealed for what doctors call a life-saving abortion.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.