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
In this special section, we look at the year’s biggest stories, and seven staff correspondents reflect on events in hot spots from Latin America to the Libyan front.
All Content
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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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Illegal immigration from C. America on the rise
From October 2011 to July 31, agents apprehended more than 40,000 non-Mexican migrants, compared to about 39,000 individuals from Mexico.
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Latin America Monitor
US ex-marine to be released from prison after violating Mexico's strict gun laws (+video)Former US marine Jon Hammar was imprisoned in August for carrying an antique gun into Mexico. Despite record levels of violence, such arms are prohibited without permission from the government.
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Lessons from the Maya prophecy – whether the world 'ends' or not (+video)
Instead of focusing on Maya predictions of the ‘end of the world,’ some are shifting attention to problems today that may have contributed to the Maya collapse – like environmental damage.
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Stir It Up!
A Mayan dinner party for 12.21.12 (+video)Mayan end-time talk got you down? Forget superstition and learn something about today's Mayan culture with these recipes from the 'Flavors of Belize' cookbook.
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Sandy Hook tragedy: Pro-gun senator says it's time to ban assault rifles (+video)
The support of pro-gun Democrats, such as West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, is boosting prospects for a new drive to ban semi-automatic weapons and high-ammunition clips.
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Difference Maker
Ellen Calmus helps Mexican families cope with cross-border challengesThe Corner Project assists families with relatives in the US, ensuring, for example, that children of migrant workers born in the US are able to register for school or other services in Mexico.
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Latin America Monitor
Honduran police cleanup law may be unconstitutionalA branch of the Honduran Supreme Court deemed the law unconstitutional because it removes police officers' rights to due process. Next, the entire Supreme Court must convene to issue an opinion.
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'Death evictions'? Guatemala's violence takes an unusual toll
Guatemala has one of the world's highest murder rates. The two largest public cemeteries in Guatemala City are so cramped that relatives must pay rent on tombs – or risk family members' 'eviction.'
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Focus
Turn on the TV? How telenovelas help people cope with real lifeTackling sensitive topics through entertainment and fictional characters can make it easier to get people talking about how to deal with complicated or stigmatized problems, like domestic violence.
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How will the FARC-Colombia peace talks impact Latin America?
Ridding Latin America of the FARC could mean a better business climate, reduced tensions between Colombia and its neighbors, and space for the rise of a new left in Colombia.
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Latin America Monitor
Could Central American gangs usurp the role of Mexican cartels?Mexican groups currently use Central American gangs to launder money, infiltrate local police, and traffic drugs. With the crackdown on Mexican cartels, the role of Central American gangs could increase.
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Tragic killing of Honduran teen leaves US asking questions
In May, Honduran soldiers tracked down and killed a 15-year-old boy. This week, the boy's father found that the soldiers had been trained and equipped by the US. The State Department is pressing the Honduran government for answers.
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Latin America Monitor
McAfee flees from Belize authorities - should he fear the police?John McAfee, a pioneer of antivirus software, is on the run after accusations of murder. He has said he fears for his life if caught by Belizean police, one of the most honest forces in the region.
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Latin America Monitor
Four more years? Ecuador's Correa announces run for reelectionPresident Correa is famous abroad for protecting WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. But for Ecuadorean voters, Correa's personality may be decisive, writes a guest blogger.
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Difference Maker
Ruben Garcia sought his mission in life. He found it helping the 'poorest of the poor'Ruben Garcia founded Annunciation House in El Paso, Texas, which aids immigrants fleeing violence in Mexico and Central America.
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Cover Story
What Americans want from the next presidentOn the eve of a historically tight election, a writer drives through swing states and listens to the voices of America, hearing one overriding plea: 'Washington, stop bickering. Get something done!'
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Latin America Monitor
Venezuela prioritizes 'happiness' in its national budgetPresident Chávez's administration announced its budget last week, allocating nearly 40 percent of funds for 'supreme happiness.' The budget's ambiguous nature, however, has made some distinctly unhappy.
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George McGovern: A war hero who fought for peace
Former US Senator George McGovern was a war hero who inspired many in his opposition to the Vietnam War. Always a proud liberal, he was crushed in his 1972 challenge to Richard Nixon.
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The Fish That Ate the Whale
'The Fish That Ate the Whale' is an elegantly written cautionary tale about how hubris can destroy a powerful company.
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Latin America Monitor
Honduras to reevaluate gun control laws: How will it impact violence in the region?In Honduras, citizens are allowed up to five personal firearms. Its lax laws contribute to high murder rates and make it a source for the region's arms traffickers.
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Change Agent
Mobile technology boosts access to clean water for the poorThe widespread availability of mobile phones has enabled the development of low-cost solutions aimed at improving water security and reducing poverty.
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MS-13 gang labeled transnational criminal group, a first for US street gang
MS-13 gang is a violent group engaged in the drug, sex, and human trafficking trades in the US. Designating MS-13 gang a transnational criminal organization helps US officials target it more aggressively.
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MS-13 gang: Why US Treasury is after the gang's assets
MS-13 gang: The US has designated the violent MS-13 gang as a international criminal group on Thursday, an unprecedented crackdown targeting the finances of the US and Central America group.
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With Heriberto Lazcano now dead, are Mexico's Zetas in decline?
The Mexican navy says that it has killed Heriberto Lazcano, the leader of Mexico's feared Zetas drug cartel, but that his body was then stolen by gunmen.
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