Topic: Cuba

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Senate freshmen: What the 14 new members bring to Capitol Hill

A freshman Senate class was sworn in Jan. 3, bringing diverse skills and experience – not to mention agendas – to the legislative body. Whether the 14 newest senators help break partisan gridlock, or refuse to work across the aisle, will be the test for the 113th Congress.Twelve were elected on Nov. 6, including three Republicans, eight Democrats, and an independent. In addition, a Republican and a Democrat were appointed to vacant seats after the election. Here is a look at the 14 and what they bring to the Senate:
Why so much secrecy around Chávez's health? Venezuela's not alone.

Venezuelan officials characterized Chávez's health as 'severe' for the first time last night. From dictators to leaders of Western democracies, secrecy around health concerns is often the norm.
Opposition demands details on ailing Hugo Chavez as swearing-in looms

Opposition coalition leader Ramon Guillermo Aveledo said at a news conference that the information provided by government officials 'continues to be insufficient.'
Chavez opponents demand 'the truth'

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez remains in Cuba following an operation he had there last month. His critics expressed concerns that the Venezuelan people aren't getting the full story about the president's health.
Latin America Monitor Cuba keeps a keen eye on Chávez

Almost half of all Cuban trade is with Venezuela, and such a high level of dependency leaves the island vulnerable to the political and economic swings of its partner.
Venezuelan VP says Chavez remains in 'delicate' condition

Vice President Nicolas Maduro traveled to Cuba this week to meet with Hugo Chavez following his cancer surgery last month.
Latin America Monitor On cusp of new year, Chavez's health keeps Venezuleans fixated on future

Over the weekend, the Venezuelan government informed the nation that ailing President Hugo Chavez has suffered 'new complications' from surgery earlier this month.
Focus In 2013, possibilities for stability from Somalia to South China Sea

Policymakers in many of the world's hot spots have a common New Year's wish: for unity to usher in and consolidate political and economic stability.
The Monitor's View What Kerry, Hagel would bring to Obama diplomacy

Reports of Sen. John Kerry becoming Secretary of State, and Republican Chuck Hagel being tapped for Defense, hint at a new attempt to use 'soft power' in Obama's second term. But will it work?
In Venezuela, the future of Chavismo is tested

Yesterday's regional elections are viewed as a litmus test for a future presidential race in Venezuela. To many, it shows that Chavismo, Chávez’s political and social movement, is alive and well.
Global News Blog Good Reads: Mexico’s rise, Lincoln’s precedence, and tomorrow’s truth

A round-up of this week's long-form good reads include a look at Mexico's competitive growth, the virtues of compromise in multiple administrations, and how facts 'decay.'
With Chávez's health uncertain, Venezuela regional elections will test opposition (+video)

As questions rise about Hugo Chávez's ability to rule, opposition leadership must prove their legitimacy in state elections this weekend if they hope to be contenders in possible future contests.
Latin America Monitor What happens if Venezuela's Hugo Chávez misses his inaguration?

If Chávez can't attend his inauguration, his designated successor might be overshadowed by an interim leader.
Supporters show solidarity after Chávez names successor (+video)

Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez may have helped his party avoid in-fighting by naming his vice president to be his chosen successor.
As Syria's rebels close in, Assad has three options

The most likely is a retreat into the mountains controlled by his minority Alawite community.
Colombia: Peace talks resume, but local hope dampens

Both the FARC and the Colombian government say they are pleased with peace negotiations so far, but citizens are losing faith. Violence continues and many feel excluded from the process.
Latin America Monitor Chemical weapons in Syria: What can Latin America do about it?

Some Latin American nations voted against a UN resolution condemning violence in Syria this year. But the region can still send a message that the use of chemical weapons will end their support.
Latin America Monitor Would the US free the 'Cuban Five' in exchange for Alan Gross?

Three years ago, Alan Gross was arrested and found guilty of crimes against the 'sovereignty and territorial integrity' of Cuba. Now, he wants the US and Cuba to sit down together and negotiate his release.
Latin America Monitor Chávez authorized to leave Venezuela for health treatment - Chavismo at risk?

Chávez's travel to Cuba could mean missing important gubernatorial elections in December, potentially benefiting the opposition.
Germans move to quash rising right-wing extremism

Although xenophobic attitudes still plague Germany, particularly in the postcommunist east, Germans are raising awareness of – and resistance to – the problem.
Indebted Caribbean tax havens look to tax foreign investors

Industry analysts say new fees and taxes could bring in needed money to a region where some debts are near that of Greece. But could they scare off investors?
Energy Voices Are renewables stormproof? Hurricane Sandy tests solar, wind.

Most renewable energy installations in New Jersey and New York appear to have weathered hurricane Sandy relatively well. Can they stand up to storms with even stronger winds?
Latin America Monitor Four messages Obama is sending Latin America from his trip through Asia

Obama may be sending an unintentional message that the US holds Asian countries like Myanmar and China to a lower standard on democracy and human rights.
Top issue as Colombia-FARC negotiators meet? Land (+video)

Lack of access to land by rural populations has been a cause and a consequence of Colombia's five-decade-old conflict – and will be a focus of today's FARC-Colombia peace talks in Cuba.
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.