As violent clashes die down in Bolivia, concern remains over deep political differences between supporters and opponents of President Evo Morales. Meanwhile, the unrest coincided with a diplomatic tit-for-tat involving Bolivia and Venezuela against the United States.
Security & Defense
The arrival of Russian warplanes in Venezuela and plans for joint naval operations in the Caribbean raise eyebrows at a time of strained relations between Washington and Moscow. But the use of ships and aircraft dating from the Cold War may lessen potential threats.
Defense ministers from across the Americas congregated in Banff to bolster security ties as several countries move to modernize and build up their militaries.
En un artículo de opinion para El Diario/La Prensa, Christopher Sabatini de AS/COA analiza el alcance de la Iniciativa Mérida para combatir el crimen y la violencia en México. Además comenta sobre las fallas de dicha iniciativa en localizar las causas del problema de la falta de seguridad en la región.
The Mexican government signed a series of laws to combat the rise in kidnappings while civic groups hold for a national march to protest violence. But in the face of widespread insecurity, concerns remain about how to control crime sparked by an escalating drug war.
Relations between Brazil and the United States offer “fertile areas” to partner in the fields of resource technology, security, and private sector cooperation.
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.