Topic: Council of the Americas

All Content

Can Colombia's Santos unify the Americas?

Building consensus is important as the Americas struggle with high crime and violence. At this weekend's Summit of the Americas in Colombia, all eyes are on President Santos.
What's Iran up to in Latin America? Alleged assassination plot deepens concerns.

Iran's ties to Latin American leaders have been growing in recent years, but the alleged assassination plot against the Saudi ambassador to the US is drawing attention to its less savory activities.
US leans on Guatemala to enforce trade pact

The Obama administration's case against Guatemala, over its failure to protect unions within its borders, is seen as an attempt to garner US union support for stalled trade agreements.
Brazil's new plan to beat poverty

Brazil just launched a new, multibillion-dollar program to aid the 16 million Brazilians still living in extreme poverty. The program is the latest in an effort across Latin America to stamp out poverty.
Latin America's middle class grows, but with a tenuous grasp on status

Although 56 million households have joined Latin America's middle class, many lack the benefits and job security to ensure stability.
Ecuador to oust US ambassador over WikiLeaks spat. Who's next?

Ecuador is expelling US Ambassador Heather Hodges over critical comments in a WikiLeaks cable. Her ouster follows the resignation last month of the US ambassador to Mexico over another controversial cable.
Ecuador and Venezuela compete to praise WikiLeaks' Julian Assange

WikiLeaks' trove of 250,000 cables will probably not damage US relations in Latin America, experts say, but some regional leaders are seizing the opportunity to lambast the Washington.
Hugo Chávez oil threats: Why Chávez won't cut off oil to the US

Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez threatened to cut off oil to the US on Sunday. The latest Chávez oil threat comes amid a rising diplomatic spat with neighboring Colombia, a staunch US ally in the region.
Get tough on Hugo Chávez, GOP senators tell Hillary Clinton

In a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, a group of Republican senators called for a harder line against Venezuela's Hugo Chávez over allegations of human rights abuses.
After Colombia election win, Juan Manuel Santos seeks to build on Uribe era

Juan Manuel Santos won the Colombia election yesterday with 69 percent of the vote – a clear mandate to continue the security policies of his predecessor Álvaro Uribe. But he also inherits Uribe-era scandals.
US-Mexico tensions darken visit of President Felipe Calderón

Drug violence, trade, and border issues – including Arizona’s new immigration law – are among the difficult issues to be discussed when Mexican President Felipe Calderón visits Washington Wednesday.
In Brazil, will BRIC summit unify or reinforce their rifts?

While the BRICs are four emerging economic powerhouses (Brazil, Russia, India, China), post-financial crisis differences are creating problems, says some analysts. Will today's summit mend those rifts or widen them?
In Brazil, Hu Jintao aims for bigger piece of Latin America trade

A meeting between Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and China's President Hu Jintao is expected to strengthen the two nations' growing economic ties. China already trumps the US as Brazil's top trading partner.
New chill enters US-Cuba relations after Obama's brief thaw

President Obama has made several goodwill gestures toward Havana, giving US businesses the hope that Cuba relations could improve. But the Castro regime appears unwilling to compromise.
Ciudad Juárez killings focus US-Mexico meeting on security

The US delegation for meetings in Mexico Tuesday is dominated by security officials – an indication of how relations between the two countries are changing, especially given the recent Ciudad Juárez killings.
Hillary Clinton fails to convince Brazil to support Iran sanctions

Brazil's Foreign Minister Celso Amorim told Secretary of State Hillary Clinton that Brazil doesn't support Iran sanctions. He wants more negotiations. The US worries about the growing closeness of Iran and Brazil.
Honduras military chiefs charged with 'coup.' Will Supreme Court take case?

Top military officers in Honduras are being charge with “abuse of power” in the expulsion of President Manuel Zelaya June 28. If the Supreme Court takes the case, it would be the first legal action against the armed forces since Mr. Zelaya’s ouster. Will it resolve the political crisis?
Global News Blog
Why Iran’s Ahmadinejad is warmly welcomed in Brazil

Brazil President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva – whom US President Barack Obama called 'the most popular politician on earth' – hosted Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad today. It is the first visit by an Iranian president.
Honduras interim leader may step down. Will that help President Zelaya?

Honduras interim leader announced Thursday he intends to leave the presidency for about a week. But ousted President Zelaya is no closer to getting back in.
Global News Blog
Why is Israel's Shimon Peres in Brazil and Argentina? Iran.

For the first time in 40 years, an Israeli president is paying a state visit to Brazil. Israel President Shimon Peres began a week-long visit to Brazil and Argentina today. A key reason: Iran's growing influence in Latin America.
Did Honduras deal weaken Zelaya?

What first seemed like a victory for ousted President Manuel Zelaya could become a setback for him depending on what – and when – the Honduran Congress decides.
Honduras deal a boost for US influence in Latin America

The Honduras deal, which calls for national unity government and agreement on Nov. 29 elections, pushes back against the dominant narrative of waning US clout in region.
Why South American economies are rebounding first

Commodities-hungry China is pulling Brazil, Chile, and others out of recession. But Mexico and Central America, dependent on US sales, are lagging.
Could Honduras media crackdown backfire?

Roberto Micheletti's interim government shut down two media outlets today after it issued a new decree to suspend freedom of speech if it 'disturbs the peace.'
Honduras crisis: Brazil grabs leadership role

By allowing ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya to hole up in its embassy, Brazil has thrust itself into the middle of Latin America's most volatile political crisis.