Topic: Venezuela

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Five energy challenges for Venezuela

With the passing of Hugo Chávez, the issue of what Venezuela chooses to do with its oil moves to center stage for the energy industry – and for environmentalists. Here are five energy challenges that Venezuela will have to face.
Hugo Chavez: 10 outrageous things he said about the US

Hugo Chavez, whose death was announced Tuesday, will be remembered worldwide as much for what he said as for what he did during his 14-year rule of Venezuela. From the vitriolic to bizarre, here is a list of 10 outrageous comments he made about the “Yankee empire” and its leaders.
Hugo Chavez: Global reactions to the Venezuelan leader's death

While he was alive, Hugo Chávez – the longest ruling democratically elected leader in Latin America – inspired people who loved him as often as he inflamed those who didn’t. That polarization seemed to follow him in death.
Cuban Missile Crisis: 5 ways leftist ideology lives on in Latin America

This week marks the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Missile Crisis, when the US and the Soviet Union were on the brink of nuclear war over the installation of Soviet missiles in Cuba.
3 views on what the US should do about Iran's nuclear program

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad addressed the United Nations General Assembly Wednesday, saying Iran is under a "continued threat by the uncivilized Zionists." As the fourth installment of our One Minute Debate series for election 2012, three writers give their brief take on what the United States should do about Iran's nuclear program.

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Refinery explosion kills 39 in Venezuela

An explosion at a oil refinery in Venezuela on Saturday caused a huge fire, killed at least 39 people, and injured dozens.
Venezuela's refinery explosion its worst ever

Venezuela's biggest refinery was rocked by an explosion that claimed 39 lives. Venezuela says the fire is under control and that it won't halt exports.
In Pictures: Julian Assange and the WikiLeaks Scandal
Latin America Monitor Caracas: The most dangerous city in Latin America - or is it?

A guest blogger says that the homicide rate reported from Caracas, which even he declared in an article as the most dangerous city in South America, has been based on overinflated estimates.
Latin America Monitor Assange asylum case ripples through Latin America

Ecuador's decision to grant asylum to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange could have an impact on extradition cases throughout Latin America.
Will WikiLeaks founder Assange go free?

Ecuador's government offered asylum to Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, on Thursday. But the British government will not allow him safe passage out of their country where he's been living in the Ecuadorian embassy for the past 60 days.
Ecuador to decide about Assange asylum this week

The WikiLeaks founder, who faces sex crime allegations in Sweden, hopes to be granted political asylum in Ecuador. President Rafael Correa says he sympathizes with Assange, but also feels respect for the British legal system.
Latin America Monitor What is the real threat of Islamic terrorism in Latin America?

Islamic militants do not seem to have an active presence in Latin America, but the possibility that they could develop links with drug traffickers poses a threat, argues InSight Crime.
Terrorism & Security Iran convenes conference on Syria, vowing to preserve the 'axis of resistance'

Iran, largely isolated from the West and a steadfast ally of Syria's President Assad, has a lot to lose if the regime in Damascus falls.
Latin America Monitor Argentine and Venezuelan oil partnership sets up potential conflicts with Europe

The partnership between state-owned oil companies makes Venezuela a key third party in Argentina's ongoing dispute with a Spanish energy firm.
Latin America Monitor Venezeula: Leftist collectives keep the peace, but raise fears during election year

A Caracas barrio is home to radical self-defense collectives known to patrol the neighborhood at night. Some fear their ideology has taken a new, aggressive turn as Chavez faces reelection.
Consumer Energy Report Fact sheet: How much does fracking really affect climate change?

When it comes to the fracking debate, too many people on both sides use 'motivated reasoning' in their arguments.
Venezuelan fencer rides wave of Olympic-gold-glory – on public transportation

At a time when the Olympic games are criticized for turning into a billion-dollar affair, Venezuela's Ruben Limardo's choice to take the Tube, instead of a chauffeured car, received praise.
Latin America Monitor 5 things to watch for in Venezuelan kingpin Walid Makled's trial

Venezuelan drug lord Walid Makled claims he has evidence of military and government links to the drug trade. Three months into his trial, there are several ticking time bombs to watch out for.
Curiosity's Mars exploration: Is it worth the money? (+video)

The search for life on Mars has captivated the imaginations of many, but it is costly. Some say it's time to cut spending on NASA's Mars missions, while others say the research is important in the quest for understanding the 'meaning of life.'
Cover Story How Latin America is reinventing the war on drugs

Frustrated with US dictates, countries across the region are floating new ideas to curb drug trafficking, from 'soft' enforcement to legalization.
Latin America Monitor Does oil giant Chevron want Chavez to win reelection in Venezuela?

Chevron has been in Venezuela since the 1920s when politicians were heavier handed than Chavez. Now, Chevron in Venezuela may be too big to nationalize, writes a guest blogger.
Caught in FARC-government crossfire, Colombia's Nasa say 'get out'

The Nasa indigenous community in southwest Colombia is asserting control over its ancestral land, which has become a battleground for government troops and FARC guerrillas.
Latin America Monitor The controversy behind Venezuela's sweeping judicial reforms

This is the seventh set of reforms to Venezuela's penal code since Chavez took office. But changes, like allowing trials to proceed behind closed doors, could lead to an abuse of power.
Latin America Monitor The 'precariousness' of life in Venezuela

Today you find cooking oil on the shelves, but tomorrow, who knows, writes a guest blogger.
Latin America Monitor Long subsidized, gasoline now rationed in parts of Venezuela

Venezuela is rationing gas by car in certain border states. This could have 'unintended' economic consequences, like increasing the demand for cars, writes a guest blogger.
Latin America Monitor Is Hugo Chavez a US security threat?

The biggest problem in Venezuela is not ties to Iran or the degradation of democracy, it's the lack of citizen security, writes a guest blogger.
Romney says Obama 'naive' when it comes to Chavez

Mitt Romney slammed President Obama after he stated he didn't consider Venezuela much of a national security threat.
The Dictator's Learning Curve

Journalist William Dobson looks at the ‘nimble’ tactics of autocrats in an age of social media.
Latin America Monitor Will Venezuela's violence undo Chávez, or save him?

The Venezuelan government and opposition are competing to promise security to voters leading up to the October election, but some warn a defeat for Chávez could unleash further violence.