Topic: Costa Rica

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If you build it, they won't come? US bases in Caribbean target drug trafficking.

With resources stretched thin, the US is now teaming up with small Central American and Caribbean nations to build military bases to combat drug trafficking.
Unique hybrid deep sea creatures discovered off Costa Rica

Scientists found a pair of underwater environments where previously unknown hybrid creatures existed.
Biden in Honduras: US drug policy under scrutiny

Even staunch US allies in the Americas are urging a debate on drug policy – including legalization – amid spiraling violence in their countries.
Nancy Drew and the case of a secret identity

This time, it was quite serious – how to appeal to boys? A quick-thinking mother comes to the rescue.
Women's history month: 10 women making history today

March is known as Women's History month, meant to recognize the contributions and progress of women across history and around the world. Women today are playing some significant roles, from making peace to crafting economic policy in the midst of a crisis. Here are 10 women who are making history, today.
Latin America Monitor Costa Rica calls for peaceful solution to crisis in Syria

Costa Rica has moral authority to speak on issues of authoritarian violence in Syria, writes guest blogger Jackie Briski, having experienced years of destructive civil war.
New voice in drug-war debate: businessmen who are feeling the pinch

The drug trade has had a negative impact on the business climate in Central America, and the private sector is starting to speak out in favor of new approaches to the war on drugs.
Brazil's Petrobras names first female CEO

Women rise in Latin America: the Petrobras board meets today to confirm Maria das Gracas Foster as first female CEO for Latin America's largest firm.
The Monitor's View A woman as Mexico's president?

On Sunday, the ruling party nominated Josefina Vazquez Mota to be the first woman candidate for president from a major Mexican party. Would she instill rule of law and sustain the fight against drug cartels?
Latin America Monitor Woman to head major party ticket in Mexico

Josefina Vazquez Mota was selected as Mexico's ruling National Action Party (PAN) candidate for the upcoming presidential election. She is Mexico's first female presidential candidate from a major political party.
Latin America Monitor Iran is not the only 'pariah' looking to Latin America

Taiwan courts continued recognition as an independent country from select Latin American nations, while Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad tries to bolster ties to regional allies.
The Simple Dollar Saving money vs. paying debts: How to decide

Pay off your debts as quickly as possible, but make sure you keep an emergency expense account funded. Question 2 in this week's mailbag.
12/18/2011 06:00 pm
Latin America Monitor Back to the future in Latin America? Sandinistas, generals, and Manuel Noriega

Back in Panama to serve more prison time, ex-dictator Manuel Noriega might be surprised how little the regional neighborhood has changed, writes guest blogger Mike Allison.
12/12/2011 08:51 am
Latin America Monitor Did Hugo Chavez derail CELAC summit?

Hugo Chavez's apparently surprise announcement that Venezuela, Chile, and Cuba would lead CELAC left other Latin American and Caribbean nations nonplussed.
12/05/2011 10:13 am
Obama eyes a booming Indonesia to create jobs in the US

President Barack Obama was in Bali today, where Boeing and an Indonesian airline signed a $21 billion contract that the US hopes will boost American business via Indonesia's growing economy.
11/18/2011 11:51 am
Chávez opponent can run for president, but can't take office, says court

Venezuela's Supreme Court said that opposition leader Leopoldo López can't take office, even if he beats Hugo Chávez in next year's presidential race, despite an international court ruling otherwise.
10/19/2011 11:46 am
Rare crocodile found by Florida woman

Rare crocodile: The shy and reclusive animals are so rare in central or northern Florida that a wildlife official didn't initially believe Shondra Farner when she called to report the crocodile on the bank of a lake in a gated community in St. Petersburg.
09/22/2011 08:15 pm
In Venezuela, top Chávez rival sounds confident note after key court victory

An Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR) ruling on Friday cleared opposition leader Leopoldo López to run for Venezuela's presidency next year.
09/18/2011 02:14 pm
Latin America Monitor How Nicaragua has been spared Central America's crime wave – so far

Nicaragua has one of the region's lowest murder rates, in part because its gangs are small-time and transnational cartels haven't moved in. But that may be changing as the Zetas are expand south.
09/16/2011 12:51 pm
Latin America Monitor Brazil passes its first organizational hurdle ahead of 2014 World Cup

Protesters gathered outside the 2014 World Cup qualifying draw this weekend in Rio de Janeiro to demand that the soccer tournament stay free of corruption. They promised to keep up pressure as the event nears.
07/31/2011 11:02 am
Latin America Monitor São Paulo and Rio vault up list of most expensive cities for expats

The Brazilian cities, which far outrank any US cities on Mercer's annual list, have climbed the ranks due to high taxes and a booming Brazilian economy.
07/12/2011 03:27 pm
US boosts funds to fight Central American drug crime

But even with more money, Central American countries still face an uphill battle in fighting inefficiency and corruption that hinder their anticrime efforts.
06/24/2011 11:06 am
Change Agent At Mycelium school students grow, absorb, and latch onto new ideas

The Mycelium School, planned for Asheville, N.C., will use hands-on learning, community service, and a social entrepreneurship curriculum to help students build self-reliance and confidence.
06/07/2011 05:06 pm
Latin America Monitor Guatemala massacre points to influence of Mexican drug gang

Guatemala has declared a state of emergency after the murder of 27 people in the northern part of the country. The Zetas of Mexico are accused of the worst massacre since the end of the country's civil war.
05/18/2011 11:41 am
Brazil becomes largest nation yet to legalize civil unions

Brazil on Thursday became the sixth country in Latin America, in addition to Mexico City, to extend rights to gay and lesbian couples but stopped short of legalizing gay marriage.
05/06/2011 06:24 pm