Venezuela continues its trend of nationalizations, with the cement industry serving as the latest example. Meanwhile, a series of decrees and blacklisting of candidates in advance of November municipal elections appear designed to strengthen Chávez’s hand.
President Evo Morales’ political mandate gained a boost through his victory in a recall vote. But protests promised by opposition leaders raise questions about bridging the country’s political divide.
Paraguay's new President Fernando Lugo represents a change in leadership after six decades under the rule of the Colorado Party. But challenges lie ahead for the former priest after he takes office.
U.S.-Russia tensions escalate over a proposed missile shield in Eastern Europe, sparking rumors that Moscow plans to station bombers in Cuba. Though the origin and veracity of the story remain unclear, Russian leaders called for renewed ties with Cuba after the countries inked a recent oil deal.
As the U.S. FDA shifts suspicions from tomatoes to jalapeños after a major salmonella outbreak, questions arise over how the agency tracks imported produce. From Mexican peppers to Honduran melons, foreign farms feel the impact of the FDA warnings and recent blunders in the salmonella investigation could prompt changes in the agency's monitoring systems.
WTO trade talks froze in Geneva, where booming Brazil played a central role, further strengthening its position as global player and setting the stage for a battle over U.S. ethanol tariffs. As Doha flounders, countries such as Chile and Peru step up bilateral agreements to boost international trade ties.
After experts and officials complete more than two months of debate over how to best resolve Pemex's flagging production, Mexico's opposition party holds referendums on an energy reform package proposed by President Felipe Calderón. But neither the nonbinding referendum nor the long debate have determined Pemex's future structure.
